The Canadian Food Innovation Network announced today that it is awarding nearly $500,000 across six food-tech projects throughout Canada.
“These six projects represent CFIN’s vision for a future where new ideas and technologies create a more efficient, sustainable, and customer-centric food industry,” stated Dana McCauley, chief executive of CFIN. “As we introduce intelligent solutions, autonomous robots, and state-of-the-art technologies, it’s clear that Canadians aren’t just embracing change in the food sector—we’re the ones driving it.”
Of the six projects, one is based in Alberta.
That project, titled “Integrated Table Tracking Solution for Quick Service Restaurants,” is being led by GreenCo Robots.
Launched in 2020, Edmonton-based GreenCo Robots has provided more than 300 robot waiters to Canadian restaurants.
“At GreenCo Robots, we are committed to reshaping the future of dining experiences,” says Liang Yu, president of the startup.
Noticing the impact of artificial intelligence and robotics on operational efficiency, the team behind GreenCo is launching a Table Tracking Solution targeted for Quick Service Restaurants that leverages autonomous robot models.
The solution, when coupled with GreenCo Robots’ existing robotic technologies, has the potential to optimize order delivery, minimize wait times, and attract new customers, according to Yu.
“Robots were invented by humans so that humans don’t have to be robots,” Yu explains. “Our Table Tracking Solution represents the culmination of our dedication to innovation and our relentless pursuit of excellence in addressing the evolving needs of the restaurant industry.”
Since 2021, CFIN’s Innovation Booster provides funding and support to SMEs to help them accelerate product development, overcome innovation hurdles, and validate market fit.
“These projects will provide Canadian businesses with invaluable insights on integrating advanced robotics and intelligent machine learning into their current business models to the benefit of both industry and Canadians,” stated François-Philippe Champagne Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry.
During this eighth round of Innovation Booster funding, CFIN received 31 applications nationwide.
“Innovation is vitally important to the success of our foodtech sector,” stated Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food in Canada. “Projects like these will help drive efficiencies, increase sustainability, and address key challenges in Canada’s agricultural industry.”
GreenCo was awarded $97,922 toward its project.
In total, 43 Canadian foodtech companies have received $3.6 million from the program since 2021.
Across all programs, CFIN has awarded more than $19M to 65 Canadian foodtech projects.
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