As California provides more than half the produce for the entire nation and leads the world in technology and life sciences, the state is also the ideal testbed for bold ideas and ambitions around AgTech. UC researchers and partners are applying innovative technology solutions to increase production to feed growing populations and to conserve scarce water resources.
At our first fall Silicon Valley Forum: Technology and Innovation in Agriculture on October 4, we describe this work. Featured speakers include Stefano Carpin, Professor of Computer Science, UC Merced; Shrinivasa K. Upadhyaya, Professor of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, UC Davis; Miku Jha, AgShift Co-Founder & CEO; and Gabriel Youtsey, Chief Innovation Officer for UC’s Agriculture and Natural Resources Division (ANR).
We invite you to join us for this highly interactive event that includes short presentations and a panel discussion with plenty of time for Q+A and networking. Lunch will be provided.
Panel Information:
Stefano Carpin
-Speaker: Stefano Carpin, Professor and Chair, Department of Computer Science, UC Merced
-Perspectives: Agricultural Robotics, Water Management, Engineering
-Abstract: UC Merced researchers are developing prototypes of novel, scalable irrigation systems that combine mobile robotics, remote sensing, and artificial intelligence to reduce the amount of water needed in large-scale commercial copeland. This research, a collaboration among UC Berkeley, Davis, and Merced, is funded by the US Dept. of Agriculture.
Shrinivasa Upadhyaya
-Speaker: Shrinivasa K. Upadhyaya, Professor, Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, UC Davis
-Perspectives: Plant Water Status, Precision Irrigation, Leaf Monitoring System, Biological and Agricultural Engineering
-Abstract: UC Davis researchers have developed the Continuous Leaf Monitor, a plant water status (PWS) sensing system for precision irrigation. Tested in almond crops and others, field results demonstrate that this sensing and control system saves water and improves water productivity - “crop per drop” - significantly.
Gabe Youtsey
-Speaker: Gabriel Youtsey, Chief Innovation Officer, Agricultural and Natural Resources (ANR)-UCOP
-Perspectives: Food Systems, Environmental Sustainability, Natural Resources
-Abstract: ANR envisions a thriving California in 2025 where healthy people and communities, healthy food systems, and healthy environments are strengthened by a close partnership between the University of California and its research and extension programs and the people of the state.
Miku Jha
-Speaker: Miku Jha, CEO and Founder of AgShift
-Perspectives: Food Quality Analysis, Global Food Waste, Start-up
-Abstract: AgShift, a Silicon Valley startup, has designed what may be the world's most advanced AI-based food quality analyzer. The company’s patented AI solution autonomously inspects edible nuts, produce, seafood, and other commodities for quality assessment and grading. This process augments manual inspections and provides fast, objective, and consistent results at scale across organizations, reducing food waste and potentially saving millions of dollars resulting from inconsistent food quality.
FAQs
What is the CITRIS Silicon Valley Forum?
The Silicon Valley Forum series will share the innovative, cross-disciplinary research of CITRIS and the Banatao Institute. We will focus on topics like designing sustainable energy, water, transportation systems, fostering civic engagement in the digital era, improving the human experience through advances in robotics and automation, and modernizing healthcare delivery. These talks will be held on the first Thursday of every month.
What are my transportation/parking options for getting to and from the event?
Parking is available on-site at the UC Santa Cruz, Santa Clara Campus, 3175 Bowers Avenue, Santa Clara, CA 95054.
How can I contact the organizer with any questions?
For questions regarding the Silicon Valley Forum Series, please contact our Development Coordinator Emily Sawicki at esawicki@citris-uc.org