Cultivating the Future

BC Centre for Agritech Innovation is hosting a one-day event to enhance training and upskilling opportunities within BC's agriculture and agri-food (AAF) sectors. Amidst challenges like climate change, extreme weather, geopolitical factors, and labor shortages, these sectors are also rapidly transforming. Farmers and producers are embracing digital tools and innovative technologies to enhance sustainability, reduce carbon footprints, and boost productivity and profitability.

This transition calls for new skills and specialized training for both current and future workers. With access to a diverse talent pool from its world-class universities, a strong foundation of First Nations communities with invaluable traditional and ancestral knowledge, and a leading role in advancing cutting-edge technologies, BC is well-positioned to lead this transformation. However, to unlock this potential, we must create the right tools and inclusive programs that will attract, train and empower our workforce for the future.

The speakers and topics include:

Keynote:

Establishing a world-class training program on agritech and engagement with Indigenous communities on agritech in California and Nevada.

• , Chief Innovation Officer, University of California - Davis, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR)

Morning Panel:

BC’s leadership in agritech: The province’s top universities share agriculture—and agrifood-focused research and innovation training opportunities. Six distinguished technology leaders will deliver short talks on the latest advancements in areas including genomics, precision ranching, regional food systems, food and beverage processing, additive manufacturing, and insights into the agritech landscape of BC and beyond. They will also join a panel discussion and Q&A to discuss collaborative strategies that can shape the future of the agritech workforce in BC.

• : Associate Professor and Cattle Research Chair, Natural Resource Science at Thompson Rivers University (TRU)
• : Department Head & Associate Professor, Agriculture at University of the Fraser Valley (UFV)
• : Sherman Jen Research Chair in Applied Genomics, Director of Applied Genomics Centre at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU)
• : Professor and Special Advisor to VPRI at Simon Fraser University (SFU)

• : Associate Professor and Director at University of British Columbia (UBC Food & Beverage Innovation Centre)

• : Associate Dean Research, Faculty of Engineering at University of Victoria (UVic)

Afternoon Indigenous-led Panel:

Indigenous leaders will share unique insights into the challenges and opportunities for enhancing Indigenous youth participation in the AAF sectors. They will also share their perspectives and their journeys navigating challenges toward success. The panel discussion and the Q&A session will create opportunities to collaborate on developing programs and initiatives.

Moderated by , Director, Business Development and Indigenous Relations, Genome BC

• , CEO, Tsartlip Group of Companies

• , Councilor, Tzeachten First Nation

• , Senior Relationship Manager - Indigenous Financing, FCC

Your ticket includes:

• Full-day in-person access to cutting-edge content and sessions

• Breakfast, lunch, and a networking reception with industry leaders and peers

• Expert panelists covering sustainable practices, Indigenous knowledge, and innovative technologies

About BCCAI
Supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and producers in B.C., the B.C. Centre for Agritech Innovation (BCCAI) is a Simon Fraser University initiative that aims to develop more productive, diverse and resilient food supply chains. In collaboration with government partners, agritech stakeholders, Indigenous organizations, industry partners, agri-producers and post-secondary institutions, BCCAI focuses on the development, testing and piloting of agritech solutions in both simulated and real-world environments, ensuring they are ready for commercialization and practical implementation. Generously funded by Pacific Economic Development Canada and the Province of B.C., BCCAI is strategically positioned to elevate B.C. as a frontrunner in agritech advancements.

More information about BCCAI: https://www.sfu.ca/agritech-innovation

Event Address:
SFU Harbour Centre is located at 515 W. Hastings St and is located a brief walk from Waterfront station and numerous bus stops. Bike stalls are available outside the main entrance.

Dress Code:

• Business Casual

Directions:

1. Google Maps Link: View on Google Maps
2. Public Transit: For transit options, visit Translink

Parking:

• Two of the closest garages to Harbour Centre are the Impark garage at 450 West Cordova Street and the Diamond Parking garage at 443 Seymour Street. Both have hourly parking available.

There are washrooms located on all floors of the building. Accessible, private bathrooms and gender-neutral washroom stalls are available on the first floor in the east corridor. All floors within the building are serviced by elevators.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Harbour Centre, 555 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, Canada