
We are committing $33 million to big ideas that will extend the growing season of berries in Canada.
Scaling Phase
From prototype to production: this is where bold ideas take root.
Four standout teams from British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec, selected from an exceptional cohort of eleven Shepherd Phase teams, are moving forward into the Scaling Phase. The innovations, insights, and collaborations sparked during the Shepherd Phase have been nothing short of extraordinary. Each team brought forward bold ideas, deep expertise, and a shared commitment to reimagining the future of food.
This is a pivotal moment in the Challenge. This is where innovation gets real. This is how we grow our future.

Lesley G. Campbell and Habiba Bougherara

Youbin Zheng

Martine Dorais

Jim Mattsson
What is the Homegrown Innovation Challenge?
The Homegrown Innovation Challenge highlights the necessity—and opportunity—for innovation, integration, education, and collaboration in the Canadian agricultural sector. Canadian farmers and tech innovators need to play a leadership role in the future of food production: together. There is a place on the farm for engineers, scientists, and academics. Farms of the future will have to adopt new approaches and technologies in order to improve efficiency and sustainability, with value to growers at top of mind.