Improving connectivity and network infrastructure within Manitoba’s sustainable protein ecosystem

Manitoba has established itself as an important player in building out Canada’s plant-protein ecosystem. With investments from Merit Functional Foods, Roquette, Prairie Fava, and many more, it’s easy to understand why the province wants to ensure its ecosystem is connected and destined for growth. To continue Manitoba’s journey for expansion within the ecosystem, the University of Manitoba and the Enterprise Machine Intelligence and Learning Initiative (EMILI) want to foster more connections between the province’s researchers, processing sectors, and government.

The University of Manitoba and EMILI are bridging the gap between Manitoba’s protein research and processing sectors by enhancing the Manitoba Sustainable Protein Research Network, a publicly accessible web-based tool with information on the assets detailing research expertise and infrastructure for everyone involved in Manitoba’s sustainable protein ecosystem.

The Network is based on the Manitoba Protein Research Strategy led by the University of Manitoba’s Dr. James House, and it exists as an additional layer on EMILI’s Digital Agriculture Asset Map. Prior to the Network’s development, there was no database that is entirely focused on sustainable protein activities, such as research capacity, infrastructure and assets.

The Network exists to

• Fill the lack of knowledge about existing expertise, infrastructure and research capacity within Manitoba;
• Ensure that people across the sustainable protein ecosystem have a solid understanding of the different players involved in this space;
• Explore the potential for connectivity by fostering connections between researchers, industry, companies and government; and
• Expand across all Canadian assets in the future.

With a co-investment from Protein Industries Canada, the consortium will build on the existing Network to improve its functionality, create a more user-friendly interface, promote easier connection between members of the value chain, and will serve as a pilot for eventual expansion across Canada.

“As Canada’s plant protein ecosystem continues to grow and welcomes more players, it is important that we are able to build connections across the value chain,” said Protein Industries Canada CEO Bill Greuel. “This continued growth in infrastructure and connectivity will contribute to Canada’s traceability and plant-based food innovation goals. I expect great success for this platform with the University of Manitoba and EMILI’s skills and reputation, and nationwide integration for the prosperity of Canada’s plant-based food, feed and ingredient sector.”

Improving data systems, like the Manitoba Sustainable Protein Research Network, will align and link the research sector and other stakeholders throughout the value chain. As a result, Canada’s plant-based food and ingredients sector will experience more innovation, new collaboration opportunities, commercialization of new products, and an expansion of the ecosystem.

Improvements to the Network include

• Improving and expanding current search capabilities in the platform to feel more like a search engine (similar to Google) with the addition of a machine-learning search function that “suggests” results that the user may want to see;
• Developing and implementing a workflow process for users to create, update and revise their own entries and an approval process for users to add entries, in a way that is responsive and that allows stakeholders quick and efficient access to the asset map while balancing the need for a security and relevancy;
• Expanding the functionality across various platforms, so the asset map is accessible on all web browsers and devices, including mobile; and
• Developing an export capability in the system to allow users to save and export search results.

“A key outcome of the Manitoba Protein Research Strategy is the development of a database that will create new research collaborations and define the expertise and infrastructure available within the province to advance sustainable protein research,” said University of Manitoba Professor Dr. James House.

“Identification of collaborators and knowledge mobilization across the industry is an important enabling mechanism in growing the sustainable protein ecosystem. By strengthening connectivity between researchers and industry, we are working to ensure a more innovative and resilient protein supply chain,” said EMILI Managing Director Jacqueline Keena.

To stay informed with the launch of the platform, sign up for the Protein Industries Canada newsletter and EMILI’s newsletter.