Food+Tech Connect, GRACE Communications and Applegate are bringing together technologists, entrepreneurs, creatives, policy experts, non-profit leaders and industry executives to develop technologies and tools that help democratize meat.

Over the course of the weekend, “steakholders” will work with teams and The Design Gym facilitators to rapidly prototype innovative solutions to business or consumer education challenges in the following areas:

Production:  Develop tools to help small- and medium-sized ranchers more efficiently and sustainably manage herds, process meat and sell direct to consumers or wholesale buyers.

Health:  Minimize or eliminate the use of antibiotics and improve animal health.

Processing: Design ways for processors to more easily demonstrate that they are complying with federal regulations, manage processing demand and access financing.

Distribution:  Streamline the process of selling “non-choice” cuts of meat, and improve the efficiency and financial viability of getting meat from farm to buyer.

Foodservice:  Make it easier and more affordable for restaurants and foodservice to source sustainable ingredients, as well as to manage supplier adherence to worker and animal welfare.

Consumption:  Improve consumer insights research, education on the benefits of sustainable meat and empower informed consumption.

Learn more about the challenges on the event wiki. 

Join the #hackmeat conversation & follow @foodtechconnect for the latest  updates 

PRIZES 

A cash prize and business services will be awared to the top three winning hacks. Prizes are designed to help groups continue working with steakholders to actualize their prototypes.

1st Place: The winning team will receive $2,500 to complete their hack, as well as 1/2 day strategy session with 2-3 strategists from Purpose. The topics covered could include brand strategy, movement generation, designing to drive online action, driving participation, digital and online organizing.

2nd Place: TBD

3rd Place: TBD

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS & PARTNERS

CONFIRMED JUDGES 

• Stephen McDonnell (Applegate)
• Hilary Mason (Bitly)

SCHEDULE

Friday, December 7: Kick-off Dinner

6:00  Registration and Networking
6:30  Welcoming remarks
7:00  Challenge brief presentations
8:00  Dinner with the “steakholders,” begin forming teams

Saturday, December 8

9:30    Registration and breakfast
10:00  API demos
10:30  Idea pitches
11:00  Forming groups and begin hacking
1:00    Lunch and guest speakers
2:30    Hacking
TBD    Office hours with technical, design and industry subject matter experts
7:30    Dinner and guest speakers
1:00    Venue closes

Sunday, December 9

9:00    Breakfast and hacking
11:00  Office hours with technical, design and industry subject matter experts
12:00  Lunch
2:30    Meat demos
4:00    End hacking
5:00    Product Pitches & Demos
6:30    Winners announced
6:45    Snacks and drinks

** Tickets are refundable with 24-hour notice