Questions? Reach out to shinjini@vantechjournal.com
#VTJTalks: Is it a Problem or a Puzzle? Building Technology the Food Industry Actually Needs
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Is it a Problem or a Puzzle?
A candid panel on where technology meets the food industry
Brought to you by Vancouver Tech Journal in partnership with CFIN (Canadian Food Innovation Network)
The food industry is one of Canada's largest and most complex technology frontiers, yet many still view it through a consumer lens. Behind every product on the shelf is a system powered by software, automation, robotics, data infrastructure and digital platforms—and today, that system is under pressure. Labour shortages, rising costs, supply chain disruptions, food safety risks and climate realities are forcing companies to rethink how food is made, moved and experienced.
For tech builders and investors, the opportunity is enormous. But there's an important distinction to understand: are we solving real industry problems, or simply working on entertaining puzzles?
This session bridges the gap between BC's tech sector and the food industry. Through honest conversation between food manufacturers, foodservice operators and innovators, attendees will learn where technology can create meaningful operational impact—and where solutions risk becoming novel but disconnected from real industry needs.
Panelists will unpack:
The difference between operational problems and "nice to have" innovations
Real-world constraints, including margins, manufacturing realities, regulatory pressures and adoption barriers
How software, AI, robotics, data platforms and advanced manufacturing are currently being deployed across the industry
Lessons learned from technology pilots—those that succeeded, and those that failed to scale
Speakers
Mona Afrouz - VP Business Development, Canadian Food Innovation Network
More speakers TBA...Stay tuned!
Agenda:
5:00-5:30pm Networking
5:30-6:30pm Panel Discussion with Q&A
6:30-7:00pm More Networking!
ABOUT CANADIAN FOOD INNOVATION NETWORK (CFIN)
The Canadian Food Innovation Network (CFIN) is a national organization championing innovation and collaboration across Canada's food sector. Connecting a community of more than 9,000 members - spanning manufacturers, processors, distributors, retailers, foodtech startups, and funders - CFIN helps food and beverage businesses find the collaborators, funding, technology, and resources they need to grow, while positioning Canada as a global leader in food innovation. Through funding opportunities, Regional Innovation Directors, and its first-of-its-kind YODL platform, CFIN has invested more than $19 million to help bring foodtech projects to market. Learn more at cfin-rcia.ca.
Thank you to our core partners!
A huge thank you to all of our sponsors — who continuously support our events. Your contributions are pivotal in helping us drive impact in Vancouver’s tech ecosystem and bring together the community.
Interested in partnering with us? Contact us: shinjini@vantechjournal.com
Questions? Reach out to shinjini@vantechjournal.com