UofG’s LAAIR Innovation Showcase and Pitch Competition winners announced

As part of Canadian Innovation Week, The Research Innovation Office at the University of Guelph (UofG), the first annual Gryphon’s LAAIR Innovation Showcase and Pitch Competition. The event, held on May 21, acknowledged innovators who have impacted the Ontario economy and beyond. During the event, six corporations who have roots in the UofG research community pitched for a chance to win $17,500 in cash prizes.

LifeScanner was chosen by industry judges as the $7,500 grand prize winner of the Gryphon’s LAAIR Innovation Pitch. We Vitro Inc. was chosen as the People’s Choice winner and will receive $5,000 to invest in the growth of their venture. Other pitch teams included FloNergia Inc., Griffinix Inc., SP Nutraceuticals Inc., and eQcell Inc.

“Developing and bringing new agri-food products, practices and services to market creates jobs, grows our economy and helps farm businesses succeed,” said Ernie Hardeman, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “By investing in research innovation and commercialization, our government is helping to keep Ontario’s agri-food sector strong and competitive.”

The province is investing $420,000 towards ten Gryphon’s LAAIR projects to help students and researchers conduct market research and create new technologies, such as:

• Developing of a soy-based fermented cheese.
• Manufacturing plant-based meat.
• Developing compostable vegetable packaging.
• Assessing the market an equine stem cell service and therapeutic biobank.
• Evaluating the market for a maple syrup protein capsule.
• Assessing the market for protein-rich peach crisps and powder.