The Canadian Food Innovation Network (CFIN) has announced the winners of its inaugural Foodtech Frontier awards, which recognize Canadian companies creating innovative solutions in the food industry. The program highlights 25 emerging companies and 10 established industry leaders tackling challenges in sustainability, food security, health, and supply chain efficiency.
“Our country is…home to some of the most forward-thinking food innovators in the world”
The winners represent a wide range of foodtech solutions, from food safety and waste management to alternative protein production and packaging innovations. Dana McCauley, CEO of CFIN, stressed the importance of supporting these companies, stating, “Canada’s food sector is under pressure to adapt… Yet, our country is also home to some of the most forward-thinking food innovators in the world. With Foodtech Frontier, we’re supporting the growth of these companies to strengthen our economy, create new jobs, and feed more people in a sustainable way.”
The 2025 cohort of awardees is noteworthy not only for their technological advancements but also for their economic impact. These companies have collectively generated $440 million in sales, invested $35 million in research and development, and created 1,763 jobs over the past year. Additionally, they have raised a total of $256 million in funding.
Award highlights and economic contributions
Foodtech Frontier serves as both an awards program and a catalyst for growth. As part of the initiative, Redstick Ventures awarded $100,000 each to two companies, Cubbi and Dispension, which are expected to use the funds to accelerate their growth. All winners gain recognition from CFIN and access to a network of investors, partners, and customers.
The established foodtech leaders recognized in this year’s program include Cronometer, a nutrition-tracking app built on verified data, and Fresh Prep Foods, a meal kit service that uses sustainable, locally sourced ingredients. Other notable leaders include EnWave, which develops vacuum-microwave dehydration technology, and FPS Food Process Solutions, which provides turn-key freezing and processing systems for food manufacturers.
Emerging “Rising Stars” in the foodtech space include Maia Farms, which is developing mycelium-based protein ingredients, and Myo Palate Corporation, focused on producing cultivated meat via cellular agriculture. Other notable companies include RFINE Biomass Solutions, upcycling spent coffee grounds into nutritious ingredients, and Opalia, which is pioneering cell-based milk without cows. Infusd Nutrition, known for its clean-label solubility technology for nutrients and adaptogens, also stands out as a key player in the emerging foodtech frontier.
Among the recognized winners is Renaissance BioScience, a Vancouver-based company known for its yeast technology. Renaissance was named a “Rising Star” for its work in developing yeast-based solutions to address challenges in food, beverage, and flavor industries. The company’s innovations include non-GMO patented products, such as acrylamide-reducing yeast, and a suite of alcoholic beverage yeasts licensed to global partners.
Dr. John Husnik, Renaissance’s Chief Science Officer and Co-CEO, commented on the honor: “The Renaissance team is honored to be selected as one of Canada’s inaugural Foodtech Frontier ‘Rising Stars.’ This recognition reflects our commercial achievements and technology expertise, and we’re delighted to be listed alongside other exciting companies that are collectively advancing Canada’s food industry.”
Supporting innovation across Canada
The Foodtech Frontier program is not just about individual company recognition, but also highlights the impact of food innovation on the Canadian economy. “From cutting-edge processing tools to smart AI solutions keeping our food safe, the companies we’re honoring today show how innovation can help the food industry grow strong in a fast-changing world,” stated Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.
The initiative has also drawn praise from government officials. Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry, noted the role these companies play in advancing Canada’s food system and creating jobs. “These companies contribute to a more sustainable and competitive food system, while creating jobs and economic opportunities for Canadians,” Joly said.
