Project Soy Plus – taking on the future of plant-based products
The 25th annual Project Soy Plus finale will showcase an impressive lineup of planet- and human- friendly products including biodegradable clothing, masks, bandages, utensils and anti-chafing cream; edibles like energy balls and yogurt; and even 3-D printed eyeglasses made from ocean waste and soy.
University of Guelph students will present their products to a panel of industry representatives during the competition’s virtual finale on March 26, 2021.
“We have a terrific group of really leading-edge products that students have poured their hearts and souls into – we’re encouraging everyone to join us at the finale to celebrate their entrepreneurial spirit,” says Dana McCauley, Director of New Venture Creation in the University’s Research Innovation Office.
Project SOY (Sustainable Opportunities for You) Plus is celebrating its 25th year of giving students a chance to flex their inventive muscles for possible course credits, prize money and, if they’re exceptionally good, profits from selling their products. Neophyto Foods, a successful plant-based food business, began its journey as the 2017-18 graduate winner of Project Soy. Many more projects have gone on to commercial success.
Originally started in 1996 as Project SOY, the idea was to incentivize the creativity of students and have them come up with useful ways to use soybeans. Now, the competition includes the creation, development and marketing of all plant-based products.
Any University of Guelph student can enter. The 2020-21 participants have been working - either solo or in groups of up to five - with faculty advisors. They’ll all be presenting their projects at the March 26th finale.
Entries will be judged by industry representatives and cash rewards of $2,500, $1,000 and $500 will be given to first, second and third place, contestant winners in each of the diploma, undergraduate and graduate categories.
Contestants will have virtual ‘booths’ using HopIn software. Everyone who registers can visit them and are encouraged to engage with contestants from noon to 1:30 p.m.
Then, speakers – including local MP Lloyd Longfield and former UofG research communications director and well-known agricultural journalist Owen Roberts – will set the tone. Malcolm Campbell, UofG Vice-President, Research, will be the emcee and present the awards.
Get your tickets today and find out where the future is going in plant-based products!