Key Takeaways
- Big Idea Ventures and McCain Foods have launched the Golden Crisp Innovation Challenge.
- The global program targets solutions to maintain french fry crispiness in food delivery.
- Winners will co-develop a proof of concept directly with McCain Foods.
- The initiative includes a two-week accelerator and a live pitch event in Chicago.
- Applications are open globally until March 20, 2026.
Big Idea Ventures and McCain Foods Address Food Delivery Crispiness Challenge
Big Idea Ventures, in partnership with McCain Foods, has announced the launch of the Golden Crisp Innovation Challenge, a global initiative aimed at solving one of the most persistent challenges in modern food delivery: keeping french fries crispy from kitchen to consumer.
Crispiness is widely regarded as the most important quality attribute for fries, yet delivery conditions—such as steam buildup, moisture migration, and extended transport times—often compromise texture and quality. As off-premises dining continues to expand globally, Big Idea Ventures and McCain Foods are seeking scalable, commercially viable solutions that preserve product quality and improve consumer satisfaction.
Big Idea Ventures Designs Global Pathway From Innovation to Proof of Concept
The Golden Crisp Innovation Challenge offers selected participants the opportunity to co-develop a proof of concept (POC) directly with McCain Foods. Innovators will gain access to real-world testing environments, technical expertise, and mentorship from industry specialists.
To support participants, the program includes an intensive two-week accelerator hosted by Big Idea Ventures, McCain Foods, and a network of global experts. The accelerator is designed to fast-track development by focusing on product design, supply chain considerations, and go-to-market strategy, ensuring solutions are ready for commercial evaluation.
The program will culminate in a live pitch event in Chicago, where finalists will present their solutions and officially launch their POC collaboration with McCain Foods.
Focus Areas for the Golden Crisp Innovation Challenge
Technologies Targeting Texture, Packaging, and Delivery
Applications are open globally to startups, university teams, research groups, and established companies that can demonstrate scalability and real-world impact. Priority areas of interest include:
- Novel biotechnology approaches for food preservation
- Smart and adaptive packaging materials
- Oils, coatings, and ingredients that maintain crispiness
- Humidity-control and moisture-management technologies
- Logistics and delivery optimization systems
- Smart appliances designed for food quality retention
Andrew D. Ive, Founder and Managing General Partner of Big Idea Ventures, said the initiative is designed to bring together innovators from across the food and agri-food ecosystem to address a shared consumer challenge.
“Together with McCain Foods, we aim to turn bold ideas into scalable solutions that enhance how consumers experience food around the world,” Ive said.
Industry Perspective From McCain Foods
McCain Foods emphasized that the challenge builds on existing innovation efforts while opening the door to new approaches.
“Crispiness is what makes fries so enjoyable—and it’s what consumers value most,” said Cesar Vega, Vice President, R&D Applied Technology & Innovation at McCain Foods. “This initiative brings us together with leading innovators to unlock new ways to deliver consistently crispy fries, wherever consumers choose to enjoy them.”
Application Timeline and Next Steps With Big Idea Ventures
Applications for the Golden Crisp Innovation Challenge are now open, with a submission deadline of March 20, 2026. Big Idea Ventures stated that selected participants will be evaluated based on scalability, technical feasibility, and potential real-world impact.
The initiative reflects Big Idea Ventures’ continued focus on supporting food innovation programs that bridge early-stage ideas with global commercial partners, addressing practical challenges across the food value chain.
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