Used by the judging panel to select innovation teams at each phase of the Challenge
The judging panel will use specific judging criteria which will generally remain consistent throughout each assessment period in the Challenge. The judging criteria below will be used to select the final winners. However, judging during Assessment 1, Assessment 2 and Assessment 3 will be based on progress towards meeting, or demonstrated potential to meet, these criteria by the end of the Challenge.
Please note that the primary objective of the judging criteria is to assess the technological system developed, not solely the berries produced by this system.
This criterion tests whether the solution is capable of delivering the impact set out in the Challenge statement.
The system is capable of producing the crop at farm scale outside of the normal growing season for the chosen crop and geography within Canada.
The system is relevant across a range of geographies in Canada.
There are no exclusivity arrangements that could limit Canadians’ access to the ultimate food product.
This criterion tests the solution’s technological achievement.
All or part of the technology or system are adaptable to other crops.
Proof that the proposed technology functions reliably and has reached Technology Readiness Level 8 or higher.
The technology does something substantially different from or better than existing technology available on the global market.
This criterion tests whether the solution is developed by a team with the required abilities.
The team has the relevant skills and experience to bring their solution to market and scale.
This criterion tests whether the solution is likely to thrive in the market.
Financial projections credibly indicating long-term market viability at scale.
The solution is market-ready: immediately following the Challenge it is ready to be widely sold, licensed, franchised or otherwise adopted.
The technology has been developed in consultation with growers and has been demonstrated to be attractive to them (including ease of use and adoption).
There is evidence of interest by retailers, food service or wholesalers in buying the berries produced by the system.
The taste, quality of fruit and the growing approach is acceptable to Canadian consumers.
This criterion tests the solution’s environmental impact.
System does not impact the environment in an adverse manner, and/or provides environmental benefits.
