We use specific criteria throughout the Challenge to ascertain which projects will receive funding in each phase, as well as the overall winners.
The criteria below will be generally consistent throughout the Challenge. However, rating during the Spark, Shepherd, and Scaling phases will be based on the demonstrated potential to meet these criteria by the end of the Challenge.
Note that the primary objective of the criteria is to assess the technological system developed, not solely the berries produced by this system.
By the end of the Challenge, successful teams must demonstrate:
1. Impact
Is the solution capable of delivering the impact set out in the Challenge statement?
1.1 Production out of season
The system is capable of producing the crop at farm scale outside of the normal growing season for the chosen berry within Canada.
1.2 Solution is relevant across Canada
The system is relevant across a range of different geographies in Canada.
1.3 Impact of solution on Canada and Canadians is not – or will not be – unduly restricted
There are no exclusivity arrangements that could limit Canadians’ access to the ultimate food product.
2. Technological achievement
How advanced is the solution's technological achievement?
2.1 Adaptability of technology
All or part of the technology or system is adaptable to other crops.
2.2 Execution of technology
Proof that the proposed technology functions reliably and has reached Technology Readiness Level 8 or higher.
2.3 Technological innovation
The technology does something substantially different from or better than existing technology available on the global market.
3. Team capability
Does the team have the required skills and abilities to achieve success?
3.1 Team capability
The team has the relevant skills and experience to bring their solution to market and scale.
4. Large-scale implementation
Will the solution succeed in the market?
4.1 Commercial model
Financial projections credibly indicate the long-term market viability at scale.
4.2 Market readiness
Immediately following the Challenge, the solution is ready to be widely sold, licensed, franchised or otherwise adopted.
4.3 Grower acceptability
The technology has been developed in consultation with growers and has been demonstrated to be attractive to them (including ease of use and adoption).
4.4 Food retailer acceptability
There is evidence of interest by retailers, food service or wholesalers in buying the berries produced by the system.
4.5 Consumer acceptability
The taste, quality of fruit and the growing approach is acceptable to Canadian consumers.
5. Environmental sustainability
What is the solution's environmental impact?
5.1 Environmental impact
System does not impact the environment in an adverse manner, and/or provides environmental benefits.
Weighting
The weighting of the assessment criteria will shift throughout the Challenge and is shown in the table below:
| Assessment 1 | Assessment 2 | Assessment 3 | Assessment 4 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criterion | Select Spark Phase awardees | Select Shepherd Phase awardees | Select Scaling Phase awardees | Select overall winner | Select breakthrough technology winner | |
| 1. Impact | 20% | 20% | 20% | 20% | Pass/Fail Solution must fully address Challenge Statement | |
| 2. Technological achievement | 15% | 30% | 30% | 30% | 100% | |
| 3. Team capability | 15% | 20% | 15% | 5% | Pass/Fail Relevant team must be in place | |
| 4. Large-scale implementation | 10% | 15% | 20% | 25% | Pass/Fail Solution or components must be market-ready and have a commercial model in place | |
| 5. Environmental sustainability | 15% | 15% | 20% | 20% | Pass/Fail Solution must not create an adverse environmental impact | |
6. Need for Spark Award (only for Spark Phase) | 25% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | |