BEST startup graduates LaunchYU program, wins award

Lassonde’s BEST start up Lyofresh Technologies participated in Innovation York’s LaunchYU AccelerateUP business accelerator program, where over the course of four months and 24 workshop sessions the company benefited from training, mentorship and resources provided by the program to accelerate the development of a sustainable and profitable food processing technology business.

The culmination of this program was the Graduation Day pitch and networking event hosted by Aird & Berlis LLP on September 19, where Lyofresh Technologies pitched the business to investors, mentors, and university officials.

Attendees of the event were welcomed by York University President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton; Vice-President of Research and Innovation Robert Haché; and Innovation York Director Sarah Howe.

Lyofresh Technologies was one of the three selected ventures by Innovation York to receive a $5,000 cash award.

Lyofresh will receive ongoing mentorship and will compete for the newly created $25,000 Aird & Berlis StartupSource Market Entry Award.

As a student-run startup, the team is comprised of York University students, faculty and staff. The company actively connects with all entrepreneurial resources within York University’s ecosystem.

“As Lyofresh Technologies continues development and commercialization of its innovative freeze drying technology, we look forward to continue to work with Innovation York, York University, Aird & Berlis LLP as well as a wide range of partners including the United Nations Food and Agriculture’s (FAO) Save Food Initiative to rise up to the Zero Hunger Challenge of a world where no one goes hungry and food is no longer wasted,” said co-founder and CEO Nicholas Steele.