Ramla Hammoud and her Canadian university team turn fish waste into dog biscuits

A team of students at the University of Windsor, Canada, has come up with a business idea that could give a second purpose to discarded Lake Erie fish. Ramla Hammoud is spearheading the student team looking at ways to use fish-processing byproducts to make nutritious dog biscuits instead of discarding them. The concept earned first place at the university’s inaugural Hult Prize on-campus finals in February 2026, recognising its approach to combining environmental sustainability with entrepreneurship. The project offers a potential way to reduce waste from commercial fisheries while developing a product for pet owners.Ramla Hammoud and her team plan to turn Lake Erie fish waste into dog biscuitsThe business idea centres on transforming discarded fish byproducts into dog treats. According to the University of Windsor, Team 100% Fish developed a startup concept to convert Lake Erie fish-processing waste into premium, nutritious dog biscuits.The project addresses a challenge associated with commercial fishing. Once fish are caught and processed for human consumption, some material remains unused. Instead of treating these leftovers as waste, the students are exploring whether they can become the foundation of a useful product.The University of Windsor said the team won first place at the first Hult Prize on-campus finals with this sustainability-focused business plan.