An algae-based spray that extends the shelf life of fruits. Soap made from cooking oil waste. An AI clip-on device that instantly upgrades any regular fridge into a smart one.
These are just a few entries coming to the University of Guelph's student competition, Project SOY ("Sustainable Opportunities For You") Plus, which takes place March 20.
The annual U of G competition tests the creativity of graduate, undergraduate and diploma-level students as they research and develop early-stage innovative products, services, apps and marketing strategies that align with the theme.
This year's theme supports the sustainable development goals from the United Nations: Zero Hunger and Life on Land. More than 60 students - the largest turnout since 2020 - have developed projects, services and prototypes to promote global food security, improve nutrition and support the sustainable management of our ecosystems.
More timely than ever': Student projects tackle food security, sustainability
That theme is especially timely with the rising interest in supporting Canadian-owned food solutions, says Nakita Byrne-Mamahit, lead coordinator of Project SOY Plus at the Research Innovation Office (RIO).
"These student-made projects could be part of our daily lives one day," says Byrne-Mamahit. "With the climate crisis and the growing desire for Canadian-made solutions, the innovative ideas within these entries are more timely than ever. I am so grateful to see the creativity and ingenuity of U of G students as they explore these UN goals, contributing to the development of a more sustainable Earth and a more effective economy."
A few highlights of the more than 20 entries include:
- Collapsible greenhouse kits that can be shipped in compact boxes to remote communities
- High-quality fertilizer made from composting matter and wiggler worms
- A tree-planting drone system that integrates AI-driven mapping, precision seed planting and more
- A digital platform connecting food suppliers with communities to redistribute surplus and near-expiry food at reduced prices
The competition will also see the second year of the creative stream, launched in 2024, which challenges students to create on-theme expressive artworks or compositions. This stream encourages participation beyond science and business students, who typically make up the majority of participants.
The final commissioned piece from 2024's creative stream will be on display at the finale.
Project SOY Plus 2024 undergraduate winners Foraged Teas: William Cheng, Nicholas Dernovsek and Samantha Heard
'Creativity in action': Experiential learning leads to inspiring finale
The University's Office of Research launched Project SOY in 1996 to develop new products for soybeans. Today, under the stewardship of the Research Innovation Office, which helps U of G students and faculty innovate upon their research projects, the competition has evolved beyond soy to include other plant-based species and to target more student competitors in food sciences, agriculture, engineering and more.
The Food From Thought research project champions the competition and finale event.
On top of learning how to create innovative products, student competitors receive guidance from experts across U of G, including the John F. Wood Centre, to understand what it takes to market a new product. This includes everything from patenting to licensing and commercialization.
Student coordinators Emma Tamburro and Ana Nguyen say the experiential learning opportunity has excited both competitors and coordinators.
"I hope competitors see how their ideas can make a real difference," says Tamburro. "This year's theme has inspired students to develop projects that explore a diverse range of ideas and solutions, making the finale an exciting showcase of their creativity in action."
"It's inspiring to see students create impactful projects that address real world challenges like world hunger and preserving life on land," says Nguyen. "I hope this year's participants leave feeling empowered by their innovations."
The Project SOY Plus finale takes place March 20 from 12 to 4 p.m. at U of G's Science Complex Waasamowin. Winners will be announced on the official event day.
For more information, visit the Project SOY Plus website.
