Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in our coverage of Collision 2023 are independent and not influenced or paid for by Collision 2023 or its organizers. Setting Mind was invited as media representatives, but our thoughts and views are solely our own.
This article contains an affiliate link(s). Learn more.
Collision 2023 in Toronto, Canada has brought together some of the most innovative and forward-thinking companies and speakers from around the world. Among the sea of talent stands five startups leading the charge in creating sustainable solutions that address pressing environmental challenges. These startups are reimagining industries, disrupting traditional practices, and paving the way for a more sustainable future.
Prime Roots
Does anyone care for some of Prime Roots‘ alternative deli meat sandwiches? Founded by Kimberlie Le and Joshua Nixon, the startup utilizes koji mycelium, a thread-like structure of a fungus, to replicate the texture of meat. Their innovative approach has garnered significant attention and attracted $50 million in total funding.
Currently, Prime Roots offers a range of plant-based deli meats, such as turkey, ham, bacon, salami, and pepperoni, which are sustainable and free from nitrates, preservatives, cholesterol, soy, and wheat. Their products boast a longer shelf life compared to traditional deli meats, and the company prides itself on maintaining traditional techniques and flavours while innovating in the deli category.
SCiFi Foods
SCiFi Foods is a pioneering startup on a mission to revolutionize the meat industry through cultivated meat. Led by CEO Joshua March and CTO Dr. Kasia Gora, the startup is focused on developing sustainable and planet-friendly alternatives to conventional meat.
With their groundbreaking SCiFi burger, blending cultivated beef with plant-based ingredients, and their significant breakthrough in beef suspension cell lines, SCiFi Foods aims to provide a delicious, environmentally friendly, and cost-competitive solution to meet the growing and unsustainable global demand for meat. Supported by prominent investors, SCiFi Foods is poised to lead the way in transforming the future of meat consumption.
New School Foods
New School Foods is a Toronto-based company focused on revolutionizing the meat alternative industry. Thanks to their innovative technology and processing methods, New School Foods is enabled to create plant-based muscle fibres and scaffolding for whole-cut meat alternatives.
Their flagship product, a salmon filet, replicates the taste, texture, and cooking experience of wild fish. What sets New School Foods apart is their cold-based production technique, which ensures that their salmon filet starts raw and cooks like traditional fish.
joni
Based in Victoria, BC, joni is a period care brand that offers easy, sustainable, and chemical-free solutions for menstruation. joni’s pads and tampons are made from compostable and biodegradable materials, carrying certifications such as FSC, OEKO-TEX®, and ECOCERT, ensuring they are better for both you and the planet. Transparency is a priority for joni, as they disclose all their ingredients so that you can make informed choices about what you use on your body.
Furthermore, joni is dedicated to promoting period equity by making sustainable period care accessible to all, including initiatives in schools and workplaces through their own joni dispensers.
Mycro Harvest
Founded by Justin Cheng and Christopher Klich, Mycro Harvest is a Toronto-based startup that is revolutionizing the mushroom farming industry by leveraging affordable automation and AI technology. Their smart farms offer exceptional labour efficiency and cost savings, addressing the limitations of manual labour and a shortage of skilled growers.
By fundamentally changing the economics of mushroom production, Mycro Harvest unlocks a global ecosystem of disruptive mushroom-based products. From low-carbon food alternatives to bio-materials and eco-plastics, their innovative approach has the potential to fundamentally transform the impact humans have on the planet.
