Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Food Waste Reduction Challenge: Novel Technologies
Back to all challengesTogether, We Can Reduce Food Waste, Fight Climate Change, and Strengthen Our Food Systems
Challenge Streams C and D are now closed for new applications.
1. Food Waste
Food Waste refers to all food that is grown, harvested, processed, manufactured or prepared for human consumption, but never eaten by people. It occurs at all stages of the food supply chain, from farm to plate.
In Canada and around the world, food waste continues to increase, resulting in an overuse of our natural resources such as water, soil and land, while contributing excess greenhouse gas emissions to our atmosphere. Meanwhile, a growing number of Canadians are facing food insecurity.
Over 50%
of all food in Canada is wasted every year
8%
of worldwide greenhouse gas emissions is caused by food waste
1 in 7
Canadians suffer from food insecurity
In response, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), under the Food Policy for Canada, is launching the $20M Food Waste Reduction Challenge.
By encouraging more solutions to food waste in Canada, we can increase food availability, save consumers and businesses money, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and strengthen our food systems.
2. The Challenge Streams
Food waste is a complex issue, and there is no single solution. That is why the Food Waste Reduction Challenge includes four targeted innovation streams to accelerate and advance the deployment of diverse and high-impact solutions in Canada.
Challenge Streams C and D are now closed for new applications.
- Challenge Stream C: Technologies that Extend the Life of Food
- Challenge Stream D: Technologies that Transform Food Waste
Challenge Streams C and D are launching together, with innovators competing for monetary and non-financial prizes over the next three years. These two streams, which focus on novel technologies, will have three reporting stages, during which innovators will need to demonstrate the effectiveness of their solutions. The most promising solutions will be recommended by an external review committee of subject-matter experts. Innovators will receive grant funding as well as other benefits to help them succeed.
Challenge Streams A and B are now closed for new applications. The application deadline was January 18, 2021. Challenge Streams A and B support business model solutions that prevent or divert food waste at any point from farm to plate.
3. Who Can Apply to a Challenge Stream?
Are you an innovator with a great solution that prevents and/or diverts food waste? Are you trying to advance a technology that can extend the shelf-life of food or transform food waste? If so, the Food Waste Reduction Challenge is for you!
We are looking for innovators of all types and sizes. International applicants with a Canadian partner or an ability to register to do business in Canada are encouraged to apply, as well. Ideas and concepts can originate from anywhere globally, but applicants will be required to test, demonstrate, and deploy their solutions in Canada.
4. Which Challenge Stream Should you Apply to?
Our interactive tool should help you identify which stream is the best fit for your solution.
5. About the Challenge Streams
Streams A and B: Business Models
Learn moreStreams C and D: Novel Technologies
Learn moreChallenge details: Streams C and D
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
- August 31, 2021
Stage 1 - Concept application deadline - Late Fall / Winter 2021
Up to 18 semi-finalists announced - Late Fall / Winter 2022
Stage 2 - Up to 6 finalists announced - Spring 2024
Stage 3 - 2 Grand Prize Winners announced
Prizes
- $100,000
Up to 18 semi-finalists will be selected in Stage 1 and will receive approximately $100,000. - $450,000
Semi-finalists will move into Stage 2 and compete for a chance to be a finalists and receive approximately $450,000. - $1,000,000
Finalists will compete in Stage 3 to win one of two Grand Prizes of up to $1,000,000.