Two Winners Selected in Global Contest to Design Solutions for 50,000 Tons of Pomegranate Husks to Reduce Food Waste and Create a More Sustainable Supply Chain

Congratulations to BCD Bioscience (founded by UC Davis scientists Matt Amicucci (former FST grad), Bruce German (Foods for Health and Food Science and Technology), Carlito Lebrilla (Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine and Chemistry), and Dave Mills (Food Science and Technology) for being one of two applicants to win the inaugural Wonderful Innovation Challenge!

Out of nearly 400 applicants from all over the globe and across the innovation spectrum with solutions ranging from sustainable textiles and bioplastics to alternative meat and bioenergy, only two winners - BCD Bioscience and Enagon - were selected by TWC, and each was awarded a portion of the $1 million allocation to develop their respective pilot programs.  TWC partnered with ReFED, the national nonprofit working to end food loss and waste across the food system, as the Strategic Advisor and Managing Partner for the challenge.

Through the Challenge, innovators were offered up to $1 million in funding and development resources for their economic and environmentally friendly pilot-ready solutions to transform the 50,000 tons of nutrient-dense pomegranate husks generated each year by juicing POM Wonderful pomegranates into a value-added resource that will have a positive impact on the planet. 

Original news release from The Wonderful Company, here: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-wonderful-company-announces-winners-of-1-million-wonderful-innovation-challenge-301434775.html