WHAT'S NEXT IN DIGITAL AG?
Over the next few decades, a rising global population, increasing wealth, changing consumer demand and climate variation will put growing pressure on food systems. While global demand might be met through current agricultural practices in the short term, these strategies are unsustainable for the long term. Globally, agriculture demands a radical transformation.
The world’s future food systems must become more sustainable, productive, resilient and efficient. We must re-envision the way food is produced, processed and distributed, the way natural resources are used, recycled and replenished, and the way social and agricultural systems interact to support healthy individuals, communities and environment. To transform existing food systems, we must integrate knowledge from biology, ecology, engineering, business, computer and information science and the social sciences to create communication networks that enable timely response and informed decision-making at the level of the farm, community, nation and world.
WHY YOU, WHY THIS?
IF YOU'RE KEEN TO COLLAB.
You know that the success of global agricultural systems relies on collaboration across science and business, creative and engineering.
IF YOU'RE ITCHING FOR IMPACT.
You know that there's major improvement needed in today's agricultural systems and you're going to lead the charge.
IF YOU LIKE SOLVING PROBLEMS.
You've fallen asleep dreaming of ways to improve and optimize yield, heal the earth, and improve agricultural practices.
IF YOU JUST 🤍 HACKATHONS.
A hackathon that's designed for curious, innovative, imaginative, young people interested in having a positive impact. Applying technology to societal problems.
SUSTAINABILITY FOCUS
In an era of rapidly changing environmental conditions, the need for sustainable agriculture practices has never been more urgent. Agriculture accounts for a significant portion of global greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, and land consumption. As populations grow and climate change intensifies, it is crucial to find innovative solutions that increase food production, minimize environmental impact, and enhance resource conservation.
Digital agriculture offers promising pathways to address these challenges. By leveraging advancements in artificial intelligence, machine learning, IoT, and data science, digital agriculture enables more precise and efficient resource use, fostering sustainable farming and management practices. Solutions that emerge from integrating computing science, electrical engineering, agricultural sciences, and veterinary medicine can redefine how we approach agriculture in a sustainable way.
This year, the Cornell Institute for Digital Agriculture dedicates its annual hackathon exclusively to sustainability. Students from diverse fields are invited to develop practical solutions for a more sustainable agricultural system, contributing to a greener, more resilient future. Below are some of the major considerations and potential challenges to consider. While teams are open to exploring different challenges, this year, we emphasize the importance of the key sustainability concepts. Click below for more details and full case studies.
Sustainability
Controlled Environmental Agriculture
Climate-Smart Agriculture
Data-Driven,
Human-Centric Digital Agriculture Innovations
Circular Agrifood Systems and Economy
Harnessing Digital Ag
for One Health
TEAM FORMATION SESSIONS
Two VIRTUAL team formation sessions are offered to help participating students form interdisciplinary teams of 4-6 with members from different colleges, departments, and fields of study. As few as four or as many as six members per team is permitted.
WEDNESDAY
Virtual
7:30-9:00PM
February 26th
THURSDAY
Virtual
7:30-9:00PM
February 27th
WEEKEND SCHEDULE
Hover over schedule events to learn what's recommended (★), what's mandatory, where to submit registration, team content and for mentors, access to our teams list + locations.
FRIDAY
Check-in Desk Opens
4:00PM
Visit sponsors, network, connect with your team, and get settled in for an amazing weekend.
Location: Upper Atrium
Hackathon Intro + Kick-Off
5:00PM
MANDATORY
Dinner
6:00PM
Pasta, Chicken Parmesan, Vegan Meatballs, Garden Sald, & Fruit Crisp
Day Concludes
9:15PM
We promise to have you done in time to catch the last few TCAT buses from Schurman Hall
Fast-Start Workshop
Bring your laptop, a pen or pencil, and get ready to rumble!
Location: LH5
7:15PM
MANDATORY IN-PERSON
SATURDAY
Breakfast Available
8:45PM
Coffee, Tea, and breakfast sandwiches
Mentor Training
10:15PM
Mentors join us in LH5 for role, responsiblity, and expectations
Mentors Visit Teams
11:00AM - 12:30PM
Mentors: find teams that could use your expertise. Teams: ask questions!
One member from each team will report on what help your team needs in LH5
10:30AM
MANDATORY IN-PERSON!
Lunch Available
12:30PM
Moe's Southwest Grill - Burritos, Fajitas, chicken, tofu, rice, and beans
NEW Mentors join us in LH5 to review role, responsiblity and expectaetions
Mentor Training
2:15PM
MANDATORY IN-PERSON!
Mentors Visit Teams
3:00PM-4:30PM
Mentors: find teams that could use your expertise. Teams: ask questions!
Dinner
6:00PM
Korean Rice Bowls
chicken, tofu, accoutrements
2:30PM
MANDATORY IN-PERSON!
One member from each team will report on team name & needs in LH5
Networking Reception
4:30PM
🍹🫖☕🧀🍘
Pitch Workshop
MANDATORY
Join Tushar & Alayna for a quick rundown on How to Pitch like a Pro and demo FAQs in LH5.
6:30PM
SUNDAY
Judges Prep
Please bring a laptop if you're able, and arrive promptly!
LH5
9:10AM
1st Round Demos Kick-Off
Room assignments will be released here by 9AM Sunday morning.
9:30AM
FULL TEAM
MUST BE PRESENT :)
Hackathon Retrospective
10:45AM
Bring your laptop!
We're doing a live-retro commonly used in Agile to recap a sprint, using Miro.
MANADATORY
Lunch Available
11:15AM
Garden Veg Sandwich (VG)
The Pennsylvania (VG)
Turkey Club
Chicken Sandwich
Final Demos
11:45PM
FULL TEAM MUST BE PRESENT :)
Celebration
1:00PM
🎊
BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
IN COLLABORATION WITH:
WITH SUPPORT FROM:
$8,000 Cash
$8,000 in cash will be awarded to winning team(s) Judging Criteria
