Homegrown Innovation Challenge – Shepherd Phase

Deadlines

Academic Unit: inquire with unit

Memorial Deadline: Wednesday 21st, December 2022

External Deadline: Thursday 5th, January 2023

Description

PLEASE NOTE: The deadline for this competition has been extended to January 5, 2023.

The $33-million Homegrown Innovation Challenge, delivered over six years, will identify teams and support the development of tools and technologies that enable Canadian farmers and producers to sustainably and competitively grow berries out of season.

Catalyzing change through the Homegrown Innovation Challenge

In a climate-changing world, Canada’s high dependence on imported fresh fruits and vegetables makes it vulnerable to food systems disruption. By solving the interconnected challenges that currently prevent out-of-season production at scale, the Homegrown Innovation Challenge will catalyze a range of solutions relevant to a broad array of fruit and vegetable crops in Canada and around the world.

The Challenge is funded and delivered by the Weston Family Foundation. The initiative launched in February 2022 and an innovation team that progresses through all challenge phases and ultimately claims the final awards would receive up to $8 million in funding to develop and scale their innovation.

Before applying, please read all information provided, including the challenge timeline, eligibility criteria and how to apply.

Grants made under this Weston Family Foundation program will be made to qualified donees only in compliance with the rules governing registered charities under Canada’s Income Tax Act.

If you have any questions, get in touch at challenge@westonfoundation.ca.

Informational webinars will be held on March 9, 2022 and April 13, 2022 each at 1 pm ET.

Apply for a Spark Award

The Spark Awards are up to $50,000 grants to help you develop your concept and build your team. Spark Award applications are due by 12 pm ET on May 3, 2022.

(Spark Awards are not a mandatory part of the Challenge; you do not need to apply for one in order to apply to the Shepherd Phase)

Apply directly to the Shepherd Phase

10 innovation teams will be awarded up to $1 million to demonstrate a small-scale proof of concept of their system in the Shepherd Phase. Shepherd Phase applications are due by 12 pm ET on December 20, 2022.

(You must apply to the Shepherd Phase to be considered for future phases of the Challenge)