Published by Communications and Public Affairs (519) 824-4120, Ext. 56982 or 53338
News Release
March 16, 2004
Student innovation doubled with contest initiatives
Innovative ideas ranging from biodegradable fishing lures to spun rug fibres that use soybeans and rendered products are poised to emerge from University of Guelph student ingenuity.
On April 1, 31 student teams will present projects through their involvement in Project SOY, now in its eighth year, and the new Guelph Creative Recycling Initiative (GCRI). The two initiatives are coming together this year for a joint judging day at the Ramada Hotel and Conference Centre in Guelph.
Project SOY encourages students to develop new uses and marketing strategies for Ontario soybeans. GCRI is focused on rendered products from the animal industry.
Five teams of students have chosen to enter their projects in both programs by developing a product that will use soybeans and rendered products. Among the 18 entries in Project SOY are soy crackers; soy liqueur; biodegradable soy-based plates, knifes, forks and spoons; and an edible food cup. GCRI’s 13 entries include concrete, feather fibre speaker cones and educational packages on rendering for use in schools.
Project SOY and GCRI are open to students enrolled at the University of Guelph and its affiliated colleges at Alfred, Kemptville and Ridgetown. Students compete in two categories, undergraduate/graduate and diploma.
These programs give students an opportunity to gain practical experience, network with industry professionals, win cash prizes and potentially take their ideas to market. Within each program, cash prizes of $2,500, $1,000 and $500 will be awarded. The projects will be judged by industry representatives
Project SOY is sponsored by First Line Seeds, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Maple Leaf Foods International, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food and the Ontario Soybean Growers. The creative recycling initiative is sponsored by Rothsay Recycles and U of G.
Contact:
Beth Kent or Marianne Fallis
GCRI and Project SOY
(519) 824-4120, Ext. 56638
soybeans@uoguelph.ca or cri@uoguelph.ca
For media questions, contact Communications and Public Affairs: Lori Bona Hunt, (519) 824-4120, Ext. 53338, or Rachelle Cooper, (519) 824-4120, Ext. 56982.
