On March 6, 2020, Professor Manjusri Misra and 25 other industry collaborators attended the Improve Life Challenge 2020: Hack the Farm in a Climate of Change event hosted by the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, the Ontario Agricultural College, and the Arrell Food Institute. 

The Improve Life Challenge is a one-day immersive experience where interdisciplinary student teams will work with community partners to tackle problems and come up with possible solutions. At the end of the day student teams will present their solution in a pitch-style competition. The theme for this year’s Improve Life Challenge was Hack the Farm in a Climate of Change, which focused on challenges facing the agriculture and food sector including aging demographics, advancements in technology, and pressure for sustainable practices.

Several community partners took part in the event to team up with students and provide a problem statement based on real challenges facing their industry. Teams then worked with their community partner to investigate, collaborate, and develop unique solutions to address them.

Community partners included:

• Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
• Beef Farmers of Ontario
• Maple Lodge Farms
• Conestoga Meats
• The Co-operators
• Highline Mushrooms
• Holland Marsh Growers’ Association
• OCP Group
• Wellington Brewery

For more information regarding the event, please click HERE.