Session DetailsDate: Wednesday, September 10, 2025Duration: 90 minutes Format: ZoomSession Type: Welcome + Cohort Orientation + Expert-Led Workshop
Launching the Unpuzzling: Foodtech Ontario program, this kickoff session is designed to welcome participants, establish connections, and set the stage for a collaborative, high-impact 12 weeks. Participants will gain a clear understanding of the program’s structure and expectations while also being introduced to Canada’s foodtech innovation landscape.
The session will feature introductions from CFIN and program mentors, an interactive roundtable for participants to share their ventures and goals, and a keynote presentation on Canada’s foodtech ecosystem. By highlighting adoption challenges, commercialization realities, and opportunities across processing, retail, foodservice, and distribution, this session sets the foundation for the weeks ahead.
In this session, participants will:
- Gain orientation to the 12-week program structure, resources, and expectations
- Explore Canada’s food innovation landscape and adoption challenges
- Learn about opportunities and trends shaping foodtech commercialization
- Build connections with fellow cohort participants and program mentors
The session will also include an interactive roundtable, facilitated by Cohort Mentor Dr. Jody Dexter, where participants introduce their ventures, share challenges, and highlight goals for the program. This peer dialogue will help identify common themes and opportunities to revisit throughout the cohort.
The workshop concludes with closing reflections and a preview of Session 2: Intellectual Property Strategy with Conestoga C4C.
