Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Food Waste Reduction Challenge: Business Models

Back to all challenges
challenge banner

Process & Prizes

Streams A and B

A. Business Models that Prevent Food Waste

Accelerate and scale the deployment of innovative solutions that prevent food waste across the food supply chain.

B. Business Models that Divert Food Waste

Accelerate and scale the deployment of innovative solutions that create value from food waste, food by-products and/or surplus food.

  • Stage 1 – Challenge Launch and Concept Application Intake

    November 19, 2020

    Applicants with business model solutions that prevent or divert food waste are invited to apply to Streams A or B. The deadline to apply is January 18, 2021, at 11:59 pm PST. At this stage, applicants are competing for approximately $100,000 in grant funding and the chance to become a Semi-Finalist entering into Stage 2 of the challenge.

  • Stage 2 – Up to 30 Semi-Finalists Will Test Their Solution with an Implementation Partner

    Spring, 2021

    Up to 30 of the most promising business model solutions to food waste will be selected to move on to Stage 2 of the challenge. These Semi-Finalists will have eight months to test their solution with at least one Canadian implementation partner and evaluate the effectiveness of their solution. This stage could involve the development of prototypes, tools, processes and partnerships. Semi-Finalists are competing for approximately $400,000 in grant funding and the chance to become a Finalist entering Stage 3 of the Challenge. Other non-monetary benefits may be offered to participants at this stage.

  • Stage 3 – Up to 12 Finalists Will Grow and Scale Up Their Solution in Canada

    Winter/Spring, 2022

    Up to 12 Finalists whose business model solutions had the most impressive performance in Stage 2 will be selected to move on to Stage 3. At this stage, Finalists will have one year to accelerate and scale up the commercialization of their solution by acquiring new customers or users and growing their presence in Canada. Participants will be required to rigorously test and evaluate the effectiveness of their solution and report on their results. Finalists at this stage are competing to become one of two Grand Prize Winners who will receive approximately $1,500,000 in grant funding. Other non-monetary benefits may be offered to participants at this stage.

  • Grand Prize Winners Selected

    Early 2024

    Two Grand Prize Winners will be selected from among the Finalists and announced in early 2024.

Up to 30 Prizes of $100,000

Open to all eligible innovators submitting a concept application at Stage 1.

Up to 12 Prizes of $400,000

Open to all Semi-Finalists who reach Stage 2.

Up to 2 Grand Prizes of $1,500,000

Open to all Finalists who reach Stage 3.

Note: The number of winners and prize amounts may vary depending on the applications received.

Please refer to the Applicant Guide for a more detailed description of the application, process, prize amounts, and challenge stages.

Challenge details: Streams A and B

Who can apply?

  • Businesses and social enterprises of any size
  • Not-for-profit and charitable organizations
  • Indigenous organizations and groups
  • Post-secondary/academic institutions
  • Individuals or group of individuals

International applicants with a Canadian partner or an ability to register to do business in Canada are encouraged to apply.

Key Dates

  • Stage 1 – Concept Application Deadline: January 18, 2021
  • Up to 30 Semi-Finalists Announced: Late Winter/Early Spring 2021
  • Stage 2 Ends – Up to 12 Finalists Announced: Late Winter/Early Spring 2022
  • Stage 3 Ends - Grand Prize Winners Announced: Early 2024

Prizes

  • Up to 30 Semi-Finalists will be selected in Stage 1 and will receive approximately $100,000
  • Semi-Finalists will move into Stage 2 and compete for a chance to be a Finalist and receive approximately $400,000
  • Up to 12 Finalists will compete in Stage 3 to win one of two Grand Prizes of up to $1,500,000

Note: The number of winners and prize amounts may vary depending on the applications received.