Big Idea Ventures and McCain Foods have launched the Golden Crisp Innovation Challenge, a global pitch competition designed to find innovative solutions that keep fries crispy during food delivery.

This challenge is open to startups, university teams, research institutions, and established companies developing scalable technologies to improve food quality in off-premise dining. The initiative addresses a major industry challenge: moisture and steam causing fries to lose their crispiness during transport.

Selected teams will take part in a two-week accelerator programme, where they will receive mentorship from experts in food technology, packaging, and supply chain innovation. Participants will also have the chance to test their solutions in real-world settings and explore co-development opportunities with McCain Foods.

The programme will conclude with a live pitch event in Chicago, where finalists will present their ideas to industry leaders and begin proof-of-concept collaborations.

Key focus areas include:

• Innovative packaging materials and designs

• Coatings and oils that enhance texture retention

• Humidity and moisture control technologies

• Biotechnology-based preservation methods

• Delivery and logistics optimisation tools

• Smart appliances and food-tech innovations

Interested teams can submit their applications through the official Golden Crisp Innovation Challenge open call platform.

Don't miss out on the application deadline which is 20 March 2026.