~transforming knowledge into impact
Canada has the world’s most abundant and sustainable biomass resources and is highly adept at generating value from them. The Bioindustry Innovation Canada estimates that the bio-based economic activities could grow to $10.5 trillion by 2030 with Canada’s share up to $240 billion, annually. There is considerable impetus for Canada to leverage our biomass resources since it is expected that by 2050, 50% of consumer products will be bio-based in the field agriculture and food, consumer products and services, and materials and energy production. Canada has an opportunity to become a leading force in the global bioeconomy. Bioeconomy is knowledge-driven and requires a highly skilled workforce in the fields of bioenergy, agriculture, bio-health, and bio-industrial applications (chemicals and materials). Despite Canada’s vast biomass resources that are produced from forestry, agricultural, fisheries, and municipal waste, the value chain is not well established, which has led to underutilization and loss of economic opportunities. Canada’s current workforce lacks the skill to drive innovation in the field, which compounds the slow growth of our bioeconomy. There is an urgent need for Canada to invest in bioprocessing capacity-building.
Our Goal
The Centre for Bioproduct Development and Commercialization (CBDC) in the College of Engineering is established to provide a sustainable solution to agro-processing and generation of new value-added industries. The goal of CBDC is to:
Train high quality personnel to contribute to the growing value-added sector in the Prairies.
Enhance the overall sustainability of food production by utilizing agriculture biomass and agro-processing by-products for developing high value bio-based material, chemical and energy.
Support growth of existing industries and new start-ups.
Promote development of clean technology and green processes for the generation of high value bioproducts.
Develop collaboration between industries and other stakeholders for the common goal.
To meet these objectives, CBDC is initiating a “BIO-DESIGN CHALLENGE”, with a goal of “transforming knowledge generated in the laboratory to impact”. By participating in this challenge, students will gain entrepreneurship, networking and communication skills. The successful project will get a chance to enroll in OPUS program to further develop their ideas.
THEME- CIRCULAR DESIGN & SUSTAINIBILITY
Circular design aims to eliminate waste and pollution by keeping materials in use and regenerating natural systems
- Use biodegradable or renewable materials
- Design products for reuse, repair, or recycling
- Create closed-loop systems where outputs become inputs
- Promote regenerative practices that restore ecosystems
TIMELINE FOR THE CHALLENGE
January 5, 2026 | The challenge will be launched. |
January 16, 2026 | Group will submit Expression of Interest – Project title, overview (max 150 words), and team’s member with their roles. (Please follow the guidelines provided under Expression of Interest for team’s composition.) |
January 22, 2026 | Seminar on “how to prepare a pitch-deck” Introduction to AI tools for developing business plans. Organized by SIGMA [Collider] |
February 20, 2026 | Group will submit pitch deck. |
March 1, 2026 | Top 5 ideas will be selected by a panel. |
March 10, 2026 | Pitch Feedback/Practice Workshop. Organized by OPUS |
March 16 – 30, 2026 | In-person meeting with mentors for selected teams. Mentors will be assigned after finalizing the top 5 teams and based on the teams need. |
March 31, 2026 | Detailed Business Plan will be submitted. Groups will make pitch presentation. |
April 10, 2026 | Top 2 project will be selected. The selected project will be recommended for OPUS and Sigma program. A cash award of $2,000 each will be provided by CBDC to the group for further developing their idea. |
TEAM COMPOSITION
- A team of 3-4 Graduate/Undergraduate students, and/or Research Assistant/Associate and/or PDF.
- No more than one staff member will be allowed in the team.
- The team will require one member to be outside of CBE.
- Diverse team following EDI principles. [Best practices in equity, diversity and inclusion in research practice and design]
Please send your email inquiries or documents to:
Bishnu Acharya, Ph.D., P.Eng.
Associate Professor and Director of Centre for Bioproduct Development and Commercialization
Email: bishnu.acharya@usask.ca
SPONSORS
