New food innovation partnership between UK and Canada launches

Innovate UK has announced a new bilateral partnership with Protein Industries Canada (PIC). The aim is to develop greater connections between the food sectors in both countries as the drive for net zero and sustainable food chains intensify.

UK Science Minister George Freeman was in Ottawa last week meeting Canada’s Minister of Science, Innovation and Industry, Francois-Phillipe Champagne, to agree deeper collaboration on science and innovation between the two countries. One such area of collaboration will see Innovate UK and PIC work together to advance innovation in plant-based foods.

Why this partnership?

The UK and Canadian food industries have a number of elements that encourage collaborative and complementary working, particularly within the protein space. Canada’s substantial plant-based protein production enabling UK companies to obtain the ingredients they need to develop healthy and sustainable foods. As a result, there are real opportunities to build a resilient market suitable for attracting further research and investment.

As part of the partnership, both bodies will work to introduce innovators from across each country’s food sector, with the aim of creating new cohorts, collaboration and knowledge-sharing. By bringing together mutually beneficial connections, the partnership will support work to boost access to new technology, processes, ingredients, markets, customers and areas for further research.

Next steps for the partnership

• As part of the partnership’s initial activities, a webinar was held on 7th June 2023 to outline the opportunities and make initial introductions between companies and stakeholders from both sides. Click here for more information.
• In September 2023, a delegation from across the UK food sector will travel to attend PIC’s Conference and AGM, with expressions of interest open until 4th July 2023. Click here for more information. A reciprocal event will then be held in the UK later in the month.
• The partnership is looking to provide a joint funding opportunity later in 2023, with further details to be announced.