2019 Gryphon’s LAAIR Projects Announced

On May 21, 2019 Dr. Sherri Cox, Executive Director of Research Innovation and Knowledge Mobilization, announced the latest recipients sharing a total of $420,000 in Gryphon’s LAAIR funding. Made possible by the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance, Gryphon's LAAIR Grants are ideal for identifying target markets and testing concepts with end users.

“Developing and bringing new agri-food products, practices and services to market creates jobs, grows our economy and helps farm businesses succeed,” said Ernie Hardeman, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “By investing in research innovation and commercialization, our government is helping to keep Ontario’s agri-food sector strong and competitive.”

The province is investing $420,000 towards ten Gryphon’s LAAIR projects to help students and researchers conduct market research and create new technologies that will have widespread impact in the marketplace.

Funds were awarded to researchers who applied to two different streams, each with specific goals:

Market Validation Grants

Market Validation Grants validiate and confirm the market opportunity for new technology by performing primary and secondary market research.

Grants awarded to:

• Ashutosh Singh ($20,000) - Market validation of protein-rich peach crisps and powder;
• Julang Li ($20,000) - Market validation via registration of EGF containing yeast fermentation product;
• Manickavasagan Annamalai ($20,000) - Market validation for "maple syrup encapsulated protein powder (MSEPP)" in domestic and international sectors;
• Praveen Saxena ($20,000) - PTC+: A novel culture vessel for plant propagation;
• Robert Hanner ($20,000) - Point-of-need qPCR assay for pathogens of concern in commercial greenhouse operations;
• Simon Somogyi ($20,000) - An examination of consumers' perceptions and buying behaviour of smart food packaging and smart food cabinets in unmanned food grocery stores; and
• Thomas Koch ($20,000) - Market assessment of a stem cell service and therapeutic biobank for the equine industry.

Product Development Grants

Product Developments Grants are intended to develop and optimize a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) based on new technology and remove any existing barriers that are preventing industry from adoption and commercializing such technology.

Grants awarded to:

• Amar Mohanty ($100,000) - Compostable Thermoformed Vegetable Packaging from Ontario Waste Starch
• Art Hill ($100,000) - Development of a Soy-Based Fermented Cheese
• Mario Martinez Martinez ($100,000) - Manufacturing of Plant-Based Meat Analogues through High Moisture Twin-Screw Extrusion