Arrell Food Institute at the University of Guelph is seeking a diverse range of industry partners interested in working with students and young professionals to explore solutions to real-world challenges.
We have two immediate opportunities for collaboration:
The Greenhouse Innovation Challenge (see flyer for more info).
Arrell Food Institute is seeking greenhouse industry partners to participate in the Sustainable Food Systems for Canada (SF4C) Greenhouse Innovation Challenge, launching in January 2027.
Building on SF4C’s Wine Innovation Challenge, this five-month program will connect greenhouse growers with innovators, researchers and experienced mentors to develop solutions to real-world industry challenges.
We’re looking for greenhouse partners interested in:
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Bringing forward a challenge or opportunity within their operation, such as improving production, resource efficiency or sustainability; addressing labour or energy demands; making productive use of unused greenhouse space; or responding to new market and community needs.
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Working with a matched team to scope and develop a practical solution through monthly check-ins.
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Exploring opportunities to test and validate solutions and move toward adoption within their operation.
Partners can also participate as mentors, sharing their industry knowledge and expertise to support participating teams.
SF4C will coordinate the program and provide training, mentorship and connections to specialized expertise. The goal is to move promising ideas toward practical application while building skills and relationships across the greenhouse sector.
For more information, please see attached flyer or email Jeanna Rex: jeannar@uoguelph.ca
Talent Innovation Canada (TICAN) - Arrell Food Institute Agri-food Program
Arrell Food Institute at the University of Guelph leads the agri-food stream of Talent Innovation Canada (TICAN), a national non-profit program connecting Canadian companies with graduate students and postdoctoral researchers to advance industry-led research and innovation.
Through TICAN-AFI, companies propose projects related to R&D, product development, technology or business challenges, and are matched with graduate talent who work with them to move the project forward. TICAN provides matched funding to help cover the trainee’s salary and program costs.
We’re currently seeking agri-food companies interested in hosting one or more placements starting by March 2027, as well as partners for the 2027–28 cohort. We’re particularly interested in projects that align with AFI’s vision of advancing more equitable, resilient and sustainable food systems.
Learn more about TICAN-AFI: Talent Innovation Canada (TICAN) with Arrell Food Institute - Arrell Food Institute
For more information, contact Kristy Tomkinson at tomkinso@uoguelph.ca
Greenhouse Innovation Challenge Overview Flyer.pdf (127.3 KB)