Featured Member: Canadian Food Innovation Network

In the heart of Canada’s thriving innovation ecosystem lies an organization committed to revolutionizing the food sector—the Canadian Food Innovation Network (CFIN). This national not-for-profit organization, funded by the federal government, supports the advancement of food technology and innovation across the country. Since its inception just three-and-a-half years ago, CFIN has been working to bring together a diverse range of stakeholders, including researchers, entrepreneurs, industrial leaders and government bodies, to collaborate on the future of food.

Nurturing the future of food tech

With a mission to bridge gaps in the food sector, CFIN focuses on areas beyond primary agriculture to support the development of food processing, distribution and production technologies. By connecting organizations with Canadian innovation, CFIN helps facilitate relationships that streamline efforts in bringing fresh food to consumers.

Hubba Khatoon, Regional Innovation Director at CFIN, shared more about CFIN’s journey and its growing impact on Canada’s food tech landscape.

“There is so much that we offer companies in the food tech and innovation space,” says Hubba. “Our goal is to help food tech innovators and adaptors reach their full potential by facilitating access to resources, expertise and collaborative opportunities that drive their innovation forward."

With an unwavering commitment to nurturing innovation, CFIN has now provided over $20 million in non-dilutive funding to sixty-eight companies across Canada, all in the form of grants. Working alongside 150 organizations, CFIN has also generated ninety-four new intellectual property (IP) creations through this process.

Supporting Calgary-based companies like Earthware, Nutrimeals and Knead Technologies. CFIN has been able to provide essential funding to advance their technologies and make significant strides in the food industry.

"It's always exciting to witness the growth of the companies we support. Take Nutrimeals, for example. We funded them in 2022, and since then, they’ve successfully developed and launched their innovative platform, Nurish’d. The platform is now poised for integration with a range of health and wellness features. It’s truly rewarding to see the impact of our support and the progress these companies make."

YODL - A hub for collaboration

Central to CFIN’s approach is its unique platform, YODL. Funded through Agriculture, Agri-Food Canada and owned by CFIN, YODL operates as a specialized social network for the Canadian food sector. With over 5,500 members and counting, YODL combines elements of social platforms creating a dynamic space where food professionals can connect, share knowledge and access vital resources.

“YODL is impressive and incredibly useful. It is like LinkedIn and Reddit combined, but exclusively for the food sector in Canada. It features a resource finder, a funding finder, a library full of lots of valuable studies and articles, and even a career hub, making it an invaluable tool for anyone in the industry,” says Hubba.

The platform’s community-driven approach allows users to post queries and receive immediate responses, fostering a collaborative environment that is essential for driving innovation. Whether a company is looking for co-packers, distribution partners or lab spaces, YODL provides a one-stop shop for finding the right connections.

Connecting bright minds

Playing a significant role in Canada’s food tech ecosystem, various local Calgary companies and organizations have been instrumental in propelling the growth of this sector. The team at CFIN has also been a key partner in this development, supporting local companies and engaging with the broader business community as a member of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce.

"We connect with so many Canadians working in tech and innovation, and even if they’re not directly involved in food, these conversations often reveal the huge growth potential and real-world applications of their work in the food sector. It's all about expanding perspectives and uncovering new opportunities for collaboration and impact" says Hubba.

As CFIN continues to support the growth of Calgary’s food tech sector, the organization remains committed to fostering a collaborative environment that brings together the brightest minds in the industry.

A future of possibilities

As CFIN looks to the future, its focus remains on expanding its reach and continuing to support the growth of Canada’s food tech sector. The organization also has an ambitious goal to grow its membership to 20,000 by 2030.

To support this growth, CFIN is constantly evolving its programming to meet the diverse needs of its members. This includes initiatives like the Food Innovation Challenge and Innovation Booster, each tailored to diverse types of companies within the food sector. Additionally, Hubba points to their involvement in programs like Innovation Scouting, which connects larger firms with SMEs to foster collaborative innovation.

“The field constantly evolves, and there are so many advancements in areas like biotechnology, artificial intelligence and sustainable practices. It opens new possibilities to improve food safety, nutrition and environmental sustainability every day.”

As CFIN embraces these exciting advancements and initiatives, the future of Canada’s food tech sector looks bright, paving the way for innovative solutions that benefit both industry and consumers alike.

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For more information and to learn more about the Canadian Food Innovation Network, visit: https://www.cfin-rcia.ca/home.