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The centrepiece of Canada’s innovation strategy is the $950-million “supercluster” initiative. The goal, according to the federal government, is for companies of all sizes, academia and the non-profit sector to collaborate on new technologies, to spur economic growth and create jobs. As part of the Innovation Nation series, the Financial Post is taking an in-depth look at each of the five regional projects, and provide continuing coverage of their progress. You can find all of our coverage here.

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CALGARY – It looks like beef. It tastes like beef. It even bleeds like beef, thanks to the beet juice extract.

If not for the distinctive aroma – fast-food chain A&W’s Beyond Meat burger gives off a scent more like a casserole than a burger patty – the plant-based protein puck would fool even the most red-blooded carnivores.

Photo by A&W

It’s a tasty concoction made from protein isolated from peas, rice and mung beans as well as canola and coconut oils. Importantly, it’s a product that plant-based protein companies across the Prairies, believe consumers around the world will buy in increasing quantities.