The College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences announces the second annual SmartAg4.0. This event brings together entrepreneurial-minded students interested in using technology to create the next generation of food systems. SmartAg4.0 will be held September 29-30th in the Agricultural Administration Building on the Ohio State University campus and is open to all Ohio college students.
The Internet of Things is reshaping food systems on a global scale. SmartAg4.0 is an opportunity for students to conceive, create and develop app-based start-up business models in a team environment with the support of business strategists, subject matter experts, thought leaders, and idea people. More simply stated, who will conceive the “Uber” or “airbnb” that reshapes agriculture? Please note, students do not need computer programming skills to participate, but must bring a laptop or other device to work on.
We have identified four domain areas for creating and judging app-based business models:
Food Safety and Security - conditions and practices that preserve the quality of food to prevent food-borne illnesses and ensure access to enough food for an active and healthy life style
Production Efficiency - the ratio of agricultural outputs to production system inputs
Sustainability – food and food services provided in ways that do not use resources in excess of replacement levels nor compromising environmental quality
Last Mile - movement of food from producers and processors to the consumer
SmartAg4.0 will unite students, university faculty and staff, entrepreneurs and venture capitalists on the Ohio State University campus for a 24-hour period. Multi-disciplinary student teams will self-organize, working from Friday evening through Saturday afternoon to compete for prizes and cash awards. Wireframe app designs and business strategies will be judged on Saturday afternoon by a panel of venture capitalists and business leaders. Additionally, participants will receive door prizes and food throughout the event.
Door prizes to be given away during the event include GoPro cameras, Amazon Echos, and Apple and Garmin smartwatches. Winners of the first round or “Best Domain Pitch” (four total teams) will receive Amazon gift cards valued at $100 per team member. Everyone will come together for the final round to select the “Best Overall Pitch.” This team will receive Amazon gift cards valued $200 per team member.
SmartAg4.0 - an event for entrepreneurial-minded
students interested in food systems!
