Initiative helps researchers accelerate their agri-food ideas

Guelph, Ont. – Since university researchers can happen upon some truly innovative ideas in agri-food, the University of Guelph wants to help them get those ideas to market.

That was the thinking behind the launch of Accelerator Guelph (“New U of G Accelerator to Launch Agri-Food Ideas, Innovations” on Jan. 19, 2018).

The university says the aim of the Accelerator is “to turn cutting-edge agri-food innovations into products and applications that will improve life and help grow the economy.”

Malcolm Campbell, vice-president of Research at the U of G, says on the website that “our researchers have bold, ambitious ideas, and their work addresses gaps and helps solve problems while shaping the future of food and agriculture in Canada and beyond.”

The website explains that the Accelerator is modelled after other top accelerator programs. It’s broken down into four phases and includes mentorship, business planning, executive leadership training, financial and accounting expertise and human resources management.

Accelerator Guelph, says the university, “will complement the Gryphon’s LAAIR (Leading to Accelerated Adoption of Innovative Research) program, in which U of G researchers pitch creative ideas for research commercialization to a panel of industry leaders.”

Winners receive up to $125,000 to support their proposals, and receive assistance from industry collaborators in Ontario’s agri-food and rural sectors.