Egg Farmers of Canada is delighted to announce the winners of its latest Student Innovation Challenge. The initiative saw post-secondary students from across the country pitch their research ideas and creative solutions to help shape the future of Canada’s egg sector. Eligible students were invited to submit a short video that answered the question: What is your research project, and how is it bringing innovation to the egg industry in Canada?
“With per capita egg consumption trending upward and further growth anticipated in 2025, we know there are great things on the horizon for Canada’s egg sector. Working with this next generation of researchers allows us to harness our shared passion for eggs and develop innovative solutions to challenges we face,” said Roger Pelissero, Chair of Egg Farmers of Canada. “From leveraging artificial intelligence to learn about animal behavioural patterns to drawing on new approaches for enhancing hens’ diets to exploring new tools for responding to animal health matters—the opportunities are endless.”
Several students responded to the call, showcasing how fresh approaches can help egg farmers achieve their goals. The winners were selected by a jury comprised of industry representatives, academics and stakeholders and were announced at an Egg Farmers of Canada meeting on March 19, 2025. Jo Ann Chew from the University of Alberta received the first-place prize, with Venkatraman Manikandan from Dalhousie University and Janan Shoja Doost from the University of Guelph receiving the second- and third-place awards, respectively.
“Our sincere congratulations to all who shared their expertise by participating in our latest Student Innovation Challenge,” added Drew Black, CEO of Egg Farmers of Canada. “We are grateful for the chance to connect with so many inspiring students and highlight how they are helping to shape the bright future of Canada’s egg sector.”
The Student Innovation Challenge complements Egg Farmers of Canada’s research program, which includes a Research Grant Program, a cross-disciplinary Research Chairs Network and several research partnerships. Visit eggfarmers.ca/research for more information about Egg Farmers of Canada or our research program.
About Egg Farmers of Canada
Now in its sixth decade as one of Canada’s leading agriculture organizations, Egg Farmers of Canada manages the national egg supply and promotes egg consumption while representing the interests of over 1,200 regulated egg farmers and egg farm families from coast to coast. Visit eggfarmers.ca for more information.
