Two University of Guelph innovations will represent Canada in a display on today at the United Nations General Assembly in New York City.

Innovative packaging that uses nanotechnology to lengthen the shelf life of soft fruits and a “Lucky Iron Fish” used to combat anemia, both from Guelph, are among 13 concepts showcased in an international “innovation marketplace” at the assembly.

The marketplace is part of a session on sustainable innovation and development being held during the UN General Assembly. It’s sponsored by international agencies including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Australian Aid, the Government of Canada, UNICEF, World Bank Group and the Rockefeller Foundation.

Prof. Jay Subramanian, Department of Plant Agriculture, will present U of G research on nanotechnology and soft fruit preservation, intended to reduce post-harvest losses and enhance global food security.

This project is funded by the International Development Research Centre and Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada under the Canadian International Food Security Research Fund.

Biomedical science PhD student Gavin Armstrong will display the Lucky Iron Fish, which has already won numerous innovation awards. The “fish” is a palm-sized chunk of iron placed into water being sterilized or boiled. It can help provide about 75 per cent of daily iron requirements and increase the body’s iron stores.

Armstrong is commercializing the technology, which was developed by former Guelph graduate student Christopher Charles.

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For more information, please contact:

Lori Bona Hunt
519-824-4120 ext. 53338
lhunt@uoguelph.ca 

Kevin Gonsalves
519-824-4120 ext. 56982
kgonsalves@uoguelph.ca