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#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)
Behind every product on the shelf is a complex system of software, automation, robotics, data and infrastructure. With rising costs, labour shortages, supply chain pressures and changing consumer demands, the food industry needs new solutions.
But are tech companies solving the industry's biggest problems—or simply building interesting puzzles?
This panel brings together food manufacturers, operators and innovators for a candid conversation about where technology can have real impact, what actually gets adopted, and what tech builders need to understand about the realities of the food industry.
Speakers
Mona Afrouz - VP Business Development, Canadian Food Innovation Network
Gavin Schneider - CEO and Co-Founder, Maia Farms
Conor McKenna - Co-founder and COO, Arbia
We’ll explore:
Where the biggest opportunities for technology exist
What separates a real problem from a “nice to have”
How AI, software, robotics and automation are being deployed today
Why some technology pilots scale—and others don’t
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!
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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