Kentucky State University announced on April 16 that it will host the first annual DARE-KY AgTech Symposium on April 21 at the Harold R. Benson Research and Demonstration Farm in Frankfort. The event will focus on innovation in soilless agriculture, including hydroponics and aquaponics, and aims to bring together researchers, educators, students, industry partners, and community stakeholders.
The symposium is part of DARE-KY (Driving AgTech Research and Education in Kentucky), an initiative led by Kentucky State University to strengthen research, education, and workforce development related to soilless food systems. The effort reflects the university’s land-grant mission by linking applied research with education and outreach for agricultural advancement across Kentucky.
Project partners include Bluegrass Community and Technical College, the University of Pikeville, Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation, and FoodChain Inc. Dr. Avinash Tope, principal investigator for DARE-KY and associate dean at Kentucky State University said: “This symposium is designed to bring together the people, ideas, and partnerships needed to help advance soilless agriculture in Kentucky.”
Tope also said: “Hydroponic and aquaponic systems hold real promise not only for innovation in food production, but also for environmental sustainability, student learning, and workforce preparation. DARE-KY is helping build that momentum through research, education, and collaboration.”
The initiative is supported by a $7 million National Science Foundation award—the largest NSF grant in university history—which is expanding research capacity as well as educational opportunities.
A Pre-Symposium Grant Writing Workshop will take place on April 20 at 1 p.m., open to undergraduate and graduate students interested in agricultural technology research proposals. Selected proposals may receive up to $5,000 for implementation support. Registration details are available online at https://kysu.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6FZZV1a7PHksVPo with more information about the symposium found at kysu.edu/dare-ky or dareky.org.
