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 for details, context, constraints, and full case studies.
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 so students can form team prior to the hackathon + workshop. Interdisciplinary teams of 4-6 with members from different colleges, departments, and fields of study have historically done the best.
MONDAY
Virtual Team Formation I
6:00-7:30PM
February 23rd
TUESDAY
Virtual Team Formation II
6:00-7:30PM
February 24th
WEDNESDAY
Virtual Fast Start Workshop
7:00-8:30PM
February 25th
MANDATORY
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: Lobby
Hackathon Intro + Kick-Off
5:00PM
MANDATORY
Dinner
6:00PM
Pasta, Chicken Parmesan, Vegan Meatballs, Garden Sald, & Fruit Crisp
Day Concludes
9:00PM
We promise to have you done in time to catch the last few TCAT buses from Schurman Hall
Technical Workshop
Bring your laptop, a pen or pencil, and get ready to rumble!
*OPTIONAL
7:15PM
SATURDAY
Breakfast Available
8:45PM
Coffee, Tea, and breakfast sandwiches
Mentor Training
10:15PM
Mentors join us in 121 for role, responsibility, 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 121
10:30AM
MANDATORY IN-PERSON!
NEW Mentors join us in 121 to review role, responsibility and expectations
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
Lunch Available
12:30PM
Moe's Southwest Grill - Burritos, Fajitas, chicken, tofu, rice, and beans
One member from each team will report on team name & needs in 121
2:30PM
MANDATORY IN-PERSON!
Pitch Workshop
MANDATORY
Join Tushar & Alayna for a quick rundown on How to Pitch like a Pro and demo FAQs
5:00PM
SUNDAY
Judges Prep
Please bring a laptop if you're able, and arrive promptly!
121
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
11:30AM
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
12:15PM
FULL TEAM MUST BE PRESENT :)
Celebration
2:00PM
🎊
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
