Lineage, the world’s largest global temperature-controlled warehouse REIT, has introduced the Food Chain Innovation Challenge, a pioneering initiative aimed at combating food waste, particularly postharvest losses. This global competition invites students and startups to propose groundbreaking solutions that address one of the world’s most pressing issues.
The challenge will bring together bright minds at major events in London, UK (November 14), Amsterdam, Netherlands (November 19), and San Francisco, USA (November 19). Participants are encouraged to present innovative solutions that can reduce postharvest food spoilage through affordable and scalable methods. These solutions aim to enhance food security, quality, safety, and market access across various regions, from developed to emerging markets.
Winners from each regional event will receive cash prizes, and an overall winner will be chosen from these finalists and announced in December. The grand prize includes entry into an incubator program designed to refine business development skills and scale effective solutions.
Participants will pitch their ideas to esteemed judges focusing on four key areas:
- Reducing food waste: Introducing technologies and strategies to minimize food loss from farm to market.
- Innovative food preservation techniques: Proposing novel methods to enhance food longevity and reduce spoilage.
- Access to nutritious food: Improving food distribution logistics to increase availability in underserved areas.
- Data-driven insights and analytics: Utilizing analytics and IoT to optimize supply chains and reduce waste.
Greg Lehmkuhl, President and CEO of Lineage, emphasized the challenge’s importance in addressing global food security, citing data from the UN Environment Programme’s Food Waste Index Report 2024, which highlights significant food waste despite global hunger challenges. Lineage aims to foster innovation throughout the food supply chain with this initiative, promoting sustainable development and practical, impactful solutions.
The Food Chain Innovation Challenge underscores Lineage’s commitment to sustainability and improving global food storage, transport, and distribution. Those interested in participating can apply here. For insights into the 2023 Hackathon and inspiration from previous winners, watch this video.
