Dini McGrath

Food waste solutions for a greener future

Dini McGrath is the founder of The Wonki Collective, the first B2B food matchmaking technology helping manufacturers track and redistribute surplus ingredients. Raised by a single mother who ran her own business and later discovering she was dyslexic, Dini learned about determination and adaptability from a young age. Over time, she embraced her dyslexia as a superpower, fostering resilience and a unique problem-solving approach, – traits that proved invaluable in her journey as a founder.

The Wonki Collective has designed an AI driven B-2-B Software as a Service, to help food and beverage manufacturers manage surplus food stock. They will be developing their technology to address all surplus streams, from raw ingredients to finished packaged goods thereby enabling manufacturers to improve their tracking and optimise resource efficiency.

Supply chain food waste emits 2.4 million tonnes of CO2 every year. With this solution, they are looking at cutting nearly 180,000 tons of CO2 by 2026 (which corresponds to removing 40,000 cars from the UK roads).

Supply chain food waste in the UK emits 2.4 million tonnes of CO2 annually. Through innovative matchmaking technology, The Wonki Collective aims to cut nearly 180,000 tons of CO2 by 2026 – equivalent to removing 40,000 cars from UK roads. Their platform enables manufacturers to seamlessly reuse, sell or redistribute surplus ingredients that would otherwise go to waste.

“My mission is to drive purposeful innovation that transforms industries and empowers communities, with a focus on resource efficiency and reducing food waste,” says Dini.

Her achievements include winning the Footprint Media Waste Prevention Award 2024, securing first place at the Undaunted Demo Day, and winning both the Hubbub ‘Eat It Up’ grant and Innovate UK resource efficiency grant.

“The food industry employs 49% women at entry level, however, at senior c-suite, women are seriously underrepresented at only 23%,” says Dini of winning the Women in Innovation Award. “I believe it’s our role as innovators to act as role models for women forging their career paths.”

“Balancing being a mother and business owner is challenging,” Dini reflects. “I surround myself with support and am lucky enough to have family and friends close by.”

Her advice to aspiring women innovators? “If you don’t start, you’ll never learn what you’re capable of. Don’t be afraid of people who aren’t believers – surround yourself with those who truly get your vision.”

For more information on Women in Innovation

Find out more about the Women in Innovation Award and other support available across the Innovate UK ecosystem on the Women in Innovation programme page.