Lineage Food Chain Innovation Challenge 2024

Are you an innovator, developer, designer, or entrepreneur with a passion for solving complex global challenges? Lineage invites you to participate in the Food Chain Innovation Challenge 2024. This is a unique opportunity to make a real impact on the global food supply chain and contribute to sustainable food security.

About the Challenge:

The Lineage Food Chain Innovation Challenge 2024 seeks forward-thinking students and startups worldwide to address the complexities of the food supply chain. Participants are encouraged to explore new perspectives and propose innovative solutions that can reshape how we feed the world.

Key Highlights:

• Cash Prizes: Teams presenting the best ideas at each regional event will receive cash prizes.
• Incubator Program: One overall winner will be selected to participate in a Lineage-organized incubator program to further develop their solution.

The Global Challenge of Postharvest Food Waste:

Postharvest food waste is a significant global issue, particularly in developing and emerging regions. The absence of affordable and scalable solutions leads to the loss of valuable food resources that could nourish millions. This challenge addresses the need for innovative technologies and data solutions to tackle postharvest food waste and its multifaceted impacts on communities and economies.

Focus Areas:

Participants are encouraged to focus on one of the following themes:

1. Reducing Food Waste: Technologies and strategies to minimize postharvest food waste across the supply chain, considering storage, transportation, and distribution.
2. Innovative Food Preservation Techniques: Novel methods or devices for preserving food freshness and quality, extending shelf life, and reducing spoilage, especially in resource-constrained environments.
3. Access to Nutritious Food: Design solutions to improve access to nutritious food in underserved areas, addressing challenges such as food distribution logistics, affordability, and availability of fresh produce.
4. Data-Driven Insights and Analytics: Utilize data analytics, IoT devices, and other technologies to gather insights into food supply chains, identify areas of waste, and optimize resource allocation for maximum efficiency.

Benefits:

• Connect: Network with industry professionals, mentors, and fellow participants from around the world.
• Learn: Receive real-time feedback and guidance from experts in the food and logistics fields.
• Get Funded: Win cash prizes and compete for additional prize money and access to an executive-led incubator program.
• Create Impact: Address real-world issues and contribute to a sustainable future.

Eligibility:

• Open to students and entrepreneurs of all ages, genders, backgrounds, geographies, and industries.
• Individuals or teams can participate.
• No country restrictions, but entrants must be eligible to receive prizes and are responsible for paying any taxes on the winnings.
• Open to startups and early-stage companies.
• Teams may consist of 1 to 5 members.
• Changes to team members are not permitted after September 30, 2024, unless approved by the Food Chain Innovation Challenge committee.
• Judges are not eligible to participate but may provide advice and support to teams.

Judging Criteria:

1. Innovation: Originality and creativity of the idea.
2. Viability: Practical implementation and potential for success.
3. Impact: Potential market impact and benefit to the industry or society.
4. Presentation: Clarity, persuasiveness, and professionalism of the presentation.
5. Team Capability: Ability of the team to execute the plan.

Application:

Participants must submit a detailed business plan, including market viability, product or service description, financial projections, and the impact of their solution on minimizing post-harvest food waste. A short (5-7 slides) pitch deck with additional information is optional but recommended.

How to Apply: