StixFresh, a biomimicry-based solution to extend produce shelf-life, earns Ryp Labs top honors and access to Lineage’s exclusive incubator program.
Ryp Labs, a pioneer in sustainable food technology, has been crowned the global grand prize winner of the 2024 Lineage Food Chain Innovation Challenge.
Their groundbreaking solution, StixFresh, a natural formulation designed to slow fruit spoilage, earned them $50,000 and a six-month mentorship in Lineage’s executive-led incubator program.
The competition aims to address critical challenges in the global food supply chain by fostering innovative ideas that promote efficiency, sustainability, and resilience.
StixFresh, the winning idea from Ryp Labs, leverages biomimicry to replicate the natural defense mechanisms of plants, effectively extending the shelf-life of fresh produce. The solution can be applied to various surfaces, including food-safe labels and stickers, making it a practical tool for reducing postharvest food waste.
“This opportunity will be a significant step forward in our mission to eliminate food waste through our innovative biomimicry solutions,” stated Moody Soliman, CEO and Co-Founder of Ryp Labs, in a press release. He emphasized the potential to create lasting economic, environmental, and social change with the support of Lineage’s global network and resources.
The competition’s global finale, held on December 2, brought together three regional winners selected from events in San Francisco, London, and Amsterdam. Each participant showcased unique approaches to combating food waste:
- London Regional Winner: Mimica introduced “Bump,” a tactile cap or tag that indicates food and drink spoilage by becoming bumpy as the product deteriorates due to temperature changes.
- Amsterdam Regional Winner: Barbara Šoštarić developed a visual indicator that helps consumers identify which food items to prioritize based on shelf life, fostering awareness and reducing waste.
The event highlighted the shared commitment to solving one of the world’s most pressing issues: food waste.
“At Lineage, we take great pride in our investments in the future of the global food supply chain. We are thrilled to support Ryp Labs in furthering our ultimate shared purpose of eliminating waste and helping feed the world. Together, we can make significant strides toward tackling one of the world’s most pressing issues today.”
Greg Lehmkuhl, President and CEO of Lineage.
The competition, organized by Lineage Ventures, targeted students and young entrepreneurs globally, encouraging the use of technology and data to transform the food supply chain. Lineage Ventures is a division of Lineage dedicated to early-stage investments in innovative solutions addressing food supply chain challenges.
The $50,000 grand prize, coupled with the incubator program, aims to provide the winning team with essential resources to scale their solutions effectively.
