What is the Innovation Challenge?
The Innovation Challenge is a 5 day long sprint where youth, innovators, and entrepreneurs tackle real-world food system problems.
It’s where prototypes are built, collaborations spark, and solutions take root — all in one high-energy day.
Challenge Focus Areas
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Food Waste
Rethink how we reduce waste from farm to plate.
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Sustainable Agri-Tech
Innovate agricultural practices for the climate era.
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Food Access
Improve access to nutritious, affordable food.
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Community Systems
Build local solutions rooted in equity and inclusion.
How It Works
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Form a Team or sign up solo — we’ll match you
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Get Inspired through keynotes & expert talks
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Sprint & Build over 48 hours with mentor guidance
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Pitch your idea in Round 01. Top 05 Teams go to round 02
Thoughts or questions?
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Freddie Pike
Learn MoreHead of Social Innovation
NL Eats Community Outreach Inc.Email : freddie.pike@nleats.com
A Challenge for Everyone
The F.O.O.D Forward Innovation Challenge is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment. We encourage participation from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
Thanks to the generous support of our funders and community partners, all Innovation Challenge participants will receive free access to the full Food Forward 2025 event, including the main conference and all Hackathon programming.
Are you ready to take on the challenge and help build a food-secure future?
Register today and join us at the F.O.O.D Forward Innovation Challenge!
Where & When
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Kickoff of Challenge
Time: September 10, Wednesday at 6:00 PM
Venue: Bitters Pub
Details: Hosted by Azmat and Freddie
• Pitching & Startups 101 with Matthew Cadigan & Aiden Moore
• Building an Effective MVP with Faiaz Halim (TBC)
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Workshops @MUN
Join SessionTime: September 11, Thursday at 12:00 PM (America/St_Johns) — Startup & Finances 101 with Karla Connolly (TBC)
Venue: Online (Virtual Access)
Or dial: (CA) +1 587-794-6572 PIN: 799 883 757#
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Workshops @MUN
Join SessionTime: September 11, Thursday at 2:00 PM (America/St_Johns) — Ensuring Digital Technologies are Inclusive with Veronika Sherova (FAO)
Venue: Online (Virtual Access)
Or dial: (CA) +1 647-735-7957 PIN: 629 046 303#
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Preliminary 10 Team Presentation
Time: September 11, Thursday at 6:00 PM
Venue: Bitters Pub
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Conference Day 01 + Workshops
Time: September 12, Friday
Venue: St. John’s Convention Centre (SJCC)
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Top 5 Team Final Presentation
Time: September 13, Saturday (After Lunch)
Venue: St. John’s Convention Centre (SJCC)
Meet the Leaders Guiding Food Forward 2025
Round 1 Judges
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Alison Snow
Connect(Technology and Agriculture)
Systems Analyst at MUN and Chairperson at Food Producers Forum
Mentors Who Made It Possible
EMPOWERING FOOD FORWARD 2025
Want to help behind the scenes? Volunteers are the heartbeat of this event.
