Year-End Highlights from 2023
Here is a snapshot of our activities this year. From agreements with Netherlands to a productive meeting with Kelowna farmers, as well as connecting with local businesses at events across B.C. to discuss food security and the role of innovation and collaboration in the economic recovery.
BCCAI marked first anniversary by expanding connections and sharing knowledge in the Okanagan Valley
BCCAI marked our first anniversary immersed in a dynamic exchange with partners. Our Knowledge Caf茅 in Kelowna united industry, academia, and government leaders in a lively conversation on the strategic use of technology to combat climate change in B.C.'s agriculture. We also engaged with local producers eager for innovative ideas and support.
B.C. Centre for Agritech Innovation names new scientific director
The seeds have been sown and the B.C. Centre for Agritech Innovation (BCCAI) is ready to reap the rewards under the guidance of its new scientific director, Woo Soo Kim.
丁香园AV-led B.C. Centre for Agritech Innovation announces first four projects
Four B.C. businesses developing solutions to help ensure the province鈥檚 food systems remain secure, resilient and sustainable are the first to receive funding and partner with the 丁香园AV-led B.C. Centre for Agritech Innovation (BCCAI).
BCCAI makes international strides through visits to Japan, South Korea, and Boston, USA
Understanding different markets that have challenges and opportunities in common is strategic for solving problems that affect an increasingly globalized world. That's why our team sought new perspectives in conversations with partners in South Korea, Japan and Boston, USA.
丁香园AV partners with Dutch agritech powerhouse Wageningen University & Research to spur innovation
Food security and sustaining agriculture in the face of climate change are global challenges that require global solutions, which is why 丁香园AV is partnering with the world鈥檚 top agritech university.
Travel to Netherlands solidifies partnership
Tackling complex issues in agritech requires collaboration between the right players. That is why 丁香园AV-led B.C. Centre for Agritech Innovation (BCCAI) is joining forces with Wageningen University & Research (WUR) in the Netherlands.
Lucent bio shares insights on latest crop nutrition project
Participants at BCCAI鈥檚 September webinar heard about how Lucent Biosciences 鈥� a B.C. company developing crop nutrition for yield and soil health while sequestering carbon 鈥� improved its solutions using BCCAI's co-creation model, funds and network.
How vertical farms are revolutionizing agriculture in Japan
Japan has long been a global leader in advanced agricultural technologies, particularly in the realm of plant factories, which utilize cutting-edge methods for indoor farming. To gain insights and knowledge advantageous for B.C. SMEs, BCCAI agronomist consultant Bo-Sen Wu attended the JPFA International Symposium On Plant Factory in Japan in September. 鈥淭he symposium sparked ideas for how B.C. SMEs could adopt proven Japanese technologies, optimize operations and increase efficiency. This not only boosts their competitiveness but also elevates B.C.'s agricultural industry as a whole, creating a pathway for sustainable growth and global market access.鈥� The conference took place in the smart city of Kashiwa-no-ha in Chiba and brought together industry experts to discuss global trends, challenges and prospects of plant factory business, probability, AI, phenotyping, sustainability, specialty crops (such as strawberry and wheat) in plant factories, as well as urban farms, plant factories for the circular economy and plant factories.
Trailblazing the BC Innovation Landscape: BCCAI's Impactful Journey and Collaborative Growth
Recently, we made impactful strides on multiple fronts鈥攆irst at the Maple Ridge Economic Development Leadership Summit and the Grounded Innovation: Agriculture and Food Summit in Abbotsford. There, our team not only introduced our co-creation model but also unveiled the enticing incentive funding opportunities available at our center. We delved into the core of innovation trends in the sector, mapping out our role in boosting B.C.'s economic recovery. By actively engaging communities across B.C., we've not only deepened our understanding of the challenges within the agritech sector but have also identified where BCCAI can be a pivotal force, supporting, cultivating, and driving solutions. The Abbotsford Grounded Innovation Summit 2023 echoed this impact, with numerous testimonials affirming our significant contribution.
Further expanding our footprint, we participated in the 17th annual 'State of the Island' Economic Summit in Nanaimo. Here, we connected with regional companies, showcasing the impactful work of BCCAI, made possible by the generous support of Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan) and the Province of British Columbia. Our team engaged in meaningful discussions with companies, addressing their challenges and laying the groundwork for collaborative problem-solving. To cap it off, we had the honor of meeting with the Worship Leonard Krog, Mayor of the City of Nanaimo, to explore opportunities and discuss our role in fostering the community's growth.
BCCAI also sponsored and attended a number of other events such as:
- The 5th Canadian Wheat Symposium
- The BC Dairy Industry Conference
- The 24th Annual Grower鈥檚 Reception from BCGGA
- The BC Seed Gathering, as well as the workshop provided by the BC Institute of Agrologists.
It's not just participation; it's active contribution and collaboration, shaping the narrative of innovation and growth across B.C.