In a remarkable display of innovation, a lab-grade and food-grade film named SoyShield clinched the top prize of $20,000 at the 31st annual Student Soybean Innovation Competition. The event, held at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, introduced a new soy-based food innovation track, won by a team behind a high-protein snack called Soy Straws. The winning group, known as The Edemamas, consisted of Purdue students Anna Hicks, Sara Thomason, and Rong Yang.
This prestigious competition, a collaboration between the Indiana Soybean Alliance (ISA) and Purdue University, awarded over $35,000 to four teams in the industry track and $11,000 to five teams in the soy-based food track. More than 100 students participated in the competition, showcasing their creativity and prowess in developing innovative soybean applications.
SoyShield, the grand prize winner, is a versatile, biodegradable film designed for both lab and home use. Developed by Purdue students Claire Eckhardt, Nicholas Emge, and Leah Hartzell, SoyShield offers a sustainable alternative to traditional plastic wraps. The team highlighted the film’s environmental benefits and its potential to replace plastic wrap in households, emphasizing its permeability and compostable nature.
The creators of Soy Straws, winners of the soy-based food innovation track, impressed the judges with their lightweight, shelf-stable snack reminiscent of a Spanish egg roll cookie. The product, offering 15 grams of protein and zero trans fats, stood out for its innovative manufacturing process and diverse flavor options. The team’s dedication to creating a unique, crispy snack was evident in their meticulous formulation process.
The Student Soybean Innovation Competition aims to showcase the versatility of soybeans and address various agricultural and consumer needs. Denise Scarborough, ISA Board Chair, expressed enthusiasm for the students’ creations, emphasizing their potential to open new markets for soybean growers. The competition not only fosters creativity but also cultivates relationships between ISA and Purdue, driving innovation in the soybean industry.
The event also featured the Dr. Rodolfo Pinal People’s Choice Award, renamed in honor of the late Associate Professor of Industrial and Molecular Pharmaceutics. This year’s recipient, SoyCare, introduced soybean-based diapers as a cost-effective, biodegradable solution. The product’s integration of soy-based absorbent technology and fabric aligns with the growing demand for sustainable alternatives in various industries.
Indiana soybean farmers’ investment in innovation extends beyond the competition, with initiatives like the Soybean Utilization Endowed Chair at Purdue’s College of Agriculture. Dr. Nathan Mosier leads research into new soybean applications, supported by the state soybean checkoff program. The competition serves as a platform for students to explore the myriad uses of soybeans and contribute to the industry’s growth and sustainability.
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