One of the many current limitations of long-distance space travel is how to keep the people on those missions fed. And although we’re nowhere near a Star Trek-style replicator that can create and serve up any dish or drink on command, Canadian companies are working on some innovative solutions that could also benefit those of […] Read more
Algae, plant-growth chambers and insects could fuel future astronauts
Canadian Space Agency announces Phase 1 winners of Deep Space Food Challenge
Showcase gives stage to ag innovators
Investments will help female-founded companies further their product development goals
A Founders’ Showcase hosted in early December introduced 11 Canadian female-founded agri-food start-ups to a network of mentors and U.S-based investors. It was an initiative led by Joanne Fedeyko, founder of the Canadian Women’s Network Silicon Valley and chief executive officer of Connection Silicon Valley, which helps companies collaborate, innovate and partner in California’s tech […] Read more
Canadian company brings carbon-friendly sulphate alternative to market
Byproduct from oil and gas industry offers sustainable fertilizer input
A Canadian company has launched a product that could help farmers meet sustainability demands without comprising yield – and provide a cost advantage over conventional products. SulGro is a non-synthetic, micronized elemental sulphur product that Sultech Global Innovation Corp. of Calgary says can replace conventional ammonium sulphates found in synthetic fertilizer programs. Why it matters: […] Read more
UK start-up hopes to bring asparagus harvesting robot to Canada
International innovation partnerships open new doors for bringing technologies to North America
An emerging network of international partnerships has resulted in a United Kingdom-based agri-tech start-up looking to bring its automated asparagus harvesting robot to Canada. Muddy Machines is in the first cohort of a virtual residency program focused on advanced manufacturing technology. It is hosted by the MaRS Discovery District in Toronto in partnership with Innovate […] Read more
Data collection in the barn can help farmers make better decisions
Well-managed animals can reduce GHG emissions by 30 per cent, says researcher
Better livestock health through more precise management represents a significant greenhouse gas reduction opportunity for livestock farmers, says a senior executive with an animal health multinational. Innovation is a major way to accomplish that goal, Jamie Brannan told participants at the recent European Animal AgTech Summit. Brannan is a Zoetis vice-president and cluster lead for […] Read more
What’s needed to increase on-farm adoption of innovation?
Simple, affordable and secure solutions that deliver are key, says farmer panel
There is no shortage of innovation – and innovative ideas – in the agriculture sector. In recent years, there’s been rapid growth globally in the number of tech accelerators, innovation challenges and pitch competitions focused on farming and its supply chain. Bioenterprise is building a name for itself as Canada’s food and agri-tech engine as […] Read more
Using innovation to save declining species
Appleflats harvests and processes crab apples, creating its own technology to make it work
Glen and Alex Smyth have ambitious plans for a once commonplace fruit that many Canadians are no longer familiar with. Billed as North America’s only crab apple orchard, Appleflats Foods near Wellesley is on a mission to save a species and grow a new industry in the process. The young co-founders didn’t set out to […] Read more
Mushrooms offer new products and opportunities
Fungi are the newest trend in plant-based alternatives
The popularity of pea and soy-derived proteins as food ingredients is growing rapidly due to strong consumer demand for alternative proteins and meat substitutes. Mushrooms are a promising plant-based ingredient emerging along with those foodstuffs. Why it matters: According to Natural Products Canada, fungi can transform solid matter, changing both its chemical composition and its […] Read more
Innovation Guelph accelerator celebrates 10th anniversary
Agri-food businesses have benefitted from innovation support
It’s been 10 years since a regional centre with a mission to help innovative entrepreneurs opened its doors in Guelph. Innovation Guelph’s accelerator programs have supported more than 1,300 southwestern Ontario businesses in the agri-food, information and communications technology, advanced manufacturing and cleantech sectors. Why it matters: The Bloomberg Innovation Index, which annually ranks the […] Read more
Greenhouse CO2 application technology expands global reach
Canadian company CO2 GRO says growers can get up to 30 per cent yield improvement
A growing number of feasibility projects for a water-based carbon dioxide application technology that improves greenhouse crop yields are now underway in Canada. Launched in 2018 by Toronto-based CO2 GRO, the trademarked and patented CO2 Delivery Solutions system makes it possible for growers with greenhouses, hoop houses, tunnels or shaded structures to use CO2 supplementation […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
