Apps for Ag tech-competition connects coders and growers

Grey County hosted fifteen young hackers, makers, and computer scientists from Georgian College at its first Apps for Ag Hackathon last Saturday. The Hackathon was part of the County’s Apps for Ag Tech-Competition. Working in partnership with Georgian College and the Henry Bernick Entrepreneurship Centre, the Apps for Ag tech-competition is connecting coders and growers to solve agricultural challenges for Grey County producers using new technology.

“The Apps for Ag Tech-Competition is supporting innovation in ag-tech here in Grey County,” said Ashleigh Weeden, Project Lead for Grey County’s Connected County Initiative. “The entire Ag 4.0 project is highlighting the opportunities for rural communities to leverage the power of broadband economy.”

The Hackathon saw students from Georgian College’s Computer Science program and the Georgian College Makers Club work with expert mentors Jaime Coe and Tony Meekes from AgNition. Students from Barrie also stopped for a tour at T&K Ferri Orchard on their way to the Owen Sound campus and connected by phone with other producers in the community as they worked through the challenges.

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“Connecting computer science students with our local agriculture and food producers helps us highlight opportunities for youth and new professionals and gives our producers access to the new talent they need to make the most of technology,” said Philly Markowitz, Economic Development Officer for Local Food.

The Apps for Ag Tech-Competition runs until October 21 when participants must submit a project outline. Participants will be invited to pitch their project to an expert panel of judges from AgNition and Incubator North on October 26. Winners will be announced during the Ag 4.0 Summit on November 2 at Meaford Hall.

Photos by Ross Bigelow, Program Coordinator – Computer Science, Georgian College.

For more information, please contact: Ashleigh Weeden, Project Lead – Connected County Initiative, at ashleigh.weeden [at] grey.ca (ashleigh[dot]weeden[at]grey[dot]ca) or 519-372-0219 ext 1255 or Philly Markowitz, Economic Development Officer – Local Food, at philly.markowitz [at] grey.ca (philly[dot]markowitz[at]grey[dot]ca) or 519-376-3365.