McCain Foods, the world’s largest producer of frozen potato products, identified a major challenge: keeping fries crispy in the age of delivery. French fries remain a global favorite, and industry reporting confirms that “crispiness is, in fact, the number one attribute people want when it comes to fries – even more important than temperature.” Yet in real-world delivery settings, steam trapped in packaging, moisture migration, and transport delays frequently degrade texture and turn fries soggy.
The Golden Crisp Innovation Challenge aims to identify and scale technologies that can preserve the crispiness consumers love and ensure every fry tastes as good as the first bite.
Through the Golden Crisp Innovation Challenge, we’re inviting companies, researchers, startups and teams to bring their best ideas—whether in ingredients, packaging, digital tools, or appliances. Together with McCain Foods, we’ll support innovators who can keep fries crisp through the delivery journey.
Here’s how you can join the Golden Crisp Innovation Challenge:
- Submit Your Application Online: All applications must be submitted through our official challenge portal, hosted on the Vevolution platform. The final deadline for submissions is April 19, 2026.
- Initial Screening: Our team will review all applications to identify the top candidates who meet the selection criteria.
- Interviews & Shortlisting: Shortlisted companies will be invited for an initial round of interviews with the Big Idea Ventures team.
- Finalist Selection: A final group of innovators will present to a joint committee from McCain and Big Idea Ventures, from which the program finalists will be chosen.
We encourage early applications, as they will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Innovative companies with scalable solutions that can keep fries crispy including but not limited to these categories:
Biotech for Texture & Preservation:
ingredients and processes to extend freshness
Smart Packaging & Films:
materials that manage moisture, airflow, and temperature
Oils, Fats & Coatings:
solutions that lock-in crispiness
Humidity Control Technologies:
systems that prevent sogginess in transit
Logistics & Delivery Optimization:
tools to get fries to customers fast and fresh
Smart Appliances:
Other: any new technology that delivers the crispiest golden fry
Companies selected will benefit from admission to a tailored micro program focused at building a POC with McCain Foods:
- Gain Commercial Insights: Understand how to bring innovations to market at scale, from consumer insights and product development to supply chain, packaging, and foodservice partnerships.
- Investment and Scale-Up Guidance: Learn how to translate science into business, raise capital, and scale globally with practical guidance on fundraising, regulatory pathways, and manufacturing growth.
- Technical Sessions: Explore cutting-edge advances in coatings, packaging, and delivery systems that can transform the future of crispy fried foods.
Paid Trip to Chicago
Finalists will be invited to Chicago with travel and accommodation covered for one person from the team. In Chicago, you will:
- Participate in a Welcome Meet and Greet event
- Refine your presentation with the Big Idea Ventures team
- Visit McCain’s innovation and research facilities
- Present your Golden Crisp Innovation to McCain leadership, industry partners, and a high-profile audience
What’s in it for Companies Joining the Program?
Expert Insights:
direct mentorship from McCain Foods and Big Idea Ventures
Present Your Solution:
pitch at McCain Foods headquarters in Chicago for global visibility and partnership opportunities
Collaborative Development:
winners may have the chance to develop a POC in collaboration with McCain Foods.
Pilot and Scale Opportunities:
test and grow your innovation across McCain’s operations worldwide
Once you have applied, we will review your information based on the following criteria. The most relevant companies will be contacted for further discussion, and ultimately, 3 companies will be chosen based on the following factors:
- Innovation and differentiation: originality and strength of your approach
- Scalability: ability to expand across markets and geographies
- Performance: effectiveness in keeping fried foods crispy in delivery conditions
- Collaboration mindset: readiness to partner, adapt, and grow with McCain
- Commercial fit: alignment with McCain’s mission to deliver great food, globally
Who is eligible to apply?
We are seeking teams and companies from Seed to growth-stage with innovative technologies that can enhance the crispiness and texture of fried foods in delivery and foodservice settings. This includes solutions related to coatings, ingredients, packaging, or food processing technology.
Is there a fee to apply or participate?
No. There are no fees to apply or participate in the Golden Crisp Innovation Challenge.
What does the "paid trip to Chicago" include?
For each of the finalist teams, we will cover round-trip airfare and accommodation to travel to Chicago for the final showcase event.
What is the time commitment for the program?
The core of the program is a two-week virtual accelerator, which will require significant participation from at least one founder or key team member. This is followed by the in-person showcase in Chicago.