The Canadian meat processing technology development challenge is offering 2 “Stage 1” prizes of $150,000 and one Stage #2 prize (i.e. from one of the Stage 1 winners) of $1 million for technological solutions that can maintain safe and efficient work environments as well as food safety standards while increasing operational efficiencies (e.g., replace humans with technology).

Proposed technologies must include advances in automation through robotics, artificial intelligence, or other forms of innovation that are affordable, scalable and suitable to each sub-sector within the processing industry, such as stunning, slaughtering; butchering; grading; cutting; and packaging. Proposed solutions must allow for the integration of technology capable of running in various humidity and temperature levels associated with Canada’s diverse meat processing sector and country.

Applicants must have less than 500 Canadian employees with 50% working in Canada. The deadline for applications is January 13th, 2021 (i.e., start of hockey season)