4th annual Apps for Ag event seeks innovative ideas

Do you have an idea for a mobile app that would simplify a task for growers, ranchers or anyone who works in agriculture? An upcoming event allows you to meet others who can turn your idea into something functional.

The 4th annual California Apps for Ag will be held from 8 to 11 a.m., July 15-17, at the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources building, 2801 Second St., Davis. The event is hosted by UC Agriculture and Natural Resources and the California State Fair.

Software developers, designers, entrepreneurs, farmers, farm consultants and others in agriculture are encouraged to participate in the competitive "hackathon" to solve real problems in agriculture and food. Participants will compete for cash prizes at a "pitchfest" in front of a live audience at the State Fair on July 17 from 1 to 3 p.m.

Prizes will be awarded to the top three apps: First place wins $5,000; second place, $3,000; and third place, $1,500.

"We would really like to see participants come from all corners of the state," said Gabe Youtsey, UC ANR chief information officer.

People who work in agriculture should bring ideas for problems that technology may help solve.

"Apps for Ag hackathons have already resulted in multiple startups and we want to see this momentum continue to grow," said Robert Tse, U.S. Department of Agriculture California Rural Development chief strategy officer for agriculture technology and innovation. "There is no better place than the State Fair in the capital to showcase the ingenuity of California's ag tech community."

One startup that has resulted from a previous agriculture hackathon is Ag for Hire, which connects farmworkers who need jobs with farmers who need workers.

"Apps for Ag is where I met my cofounder, formed the concept and built our first prototype," said Josh Brown, Ag for Hire founder and CEO. "I would not have been able to find someone so embedded in the agriculture industry on my own."

For more information and to register, visit www.apps-for-ag.com.

Apps for Ag is supported by several agriculture technology hubs around California and founded by the AgTech Roundtable, whose members include USDA, CDFA, California Department of Technology, California Farm Bureau Federation, California Association of Pest Control Advisers and other organizations.