Tea Science & Innovation Institute
The Tea Science and Innovation Institute Inc. (TSII) is a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit research organization advancing tea science, food innovation, agricultural technology, and sustainable tea industry development. We conduct interdisciplinary research across tea cultivation and processing, matcha innovation, functional foods, fermentation science, and next-generation tea-based products—bridging tea gardens, labs, manufacturers, universities, and global consumers through research, education, industry collaboration, and technology transfer.
Mission
Advance tea science and innovation through research, education, and technology development.
Vision
Become a leading U.S.-based tea research and innovation institution shaping the future of the global tea industry.
Core Research Areas
Matcha Processing Technology; Tea-Based Functional Foods; Tea Fermentation Research; Smart Tea Equipment; Sustainable Tea Agriculture; Food Safety & Quality Standards; Tea Culture & Consumer Education; Technology Transfer & Industry Collaboration.
Collaborative & Growing Initiatives
TSII pursues research with partners such as Cornell University in areas including Matcha & Diabetes, EGCG bioavailability and chronic disease prevention, and tea polyphenols for disease prevention and wellness. We also support joint grant applications (NSF/NIH/USDA and private foundations), and student research and academic engagement, while publishing and presenting findings globally.
Updated Research Directions (2025)
- U.S.-adapted small-leaf cultivars and climate-resilient cultivation
- Polyphenol stability/bioavailability, tea supplements and beverages, EGCG mechanisms, and fermented tea biotechnology
- Public education and community outreach, including STEM and tea-health seminars
Banking & Donations
Tea Science and Innovation Institute, Inc. — Truist Bank
Authorized signatory: Fuxing Zhong, President
For donation arrangements: tsins.org@outlook.com