TECH-NOURISH: Tech-Driven Food System Transformation, happening March 9th as part of SXSW @ Canada House 2024 in Austin, Texas powered by Telefilm Canada and with the support of the Consulate General of Canada to the United States. Canada House is a celebration of all that is Canadian at SXSW. Simon Fraser University proudly serves as an official Food System Innovation partner for this exceptional event. We offer an exclusive opportunity to capture and share the latest trends and innovations in food system technology. Your presence will enable a wider audience to experience the forefront of tech-driven food transformations. 

We are privileged to present an exceptional Canadian line-up at TECH-NOURISH, welcomed with esteemed remarks from H.E Susan Harper, Consul General of Canada in Dallas, United States, and an indigenous prayer & blessing from Chef Steph Baryluk.  

At TECH-NOURISH, seven panels will present a compelling mix of Canadian and global perspectives, all focusing on critical questions about the future of food systems. With a key emphasis on determining effective strategies and scaling, the panels will explore AI, emerging technologies, digital innovation – addressing challenges and solutions.  

We are privileged to present an exceptional Canadian line-up with key trailblazers including Jasmine Byrne, COO of Big Mountain Foods; Asha Wheeldon, CEO and Founder of Kula Foods; Chef Steph Baryluk, Indigenous Chef at SFU's Rooted Program; Gina Arsens, Founder & CEO of Yumasoy; Yuan Shi, General Partner at The51 Food & AgTech Fund; Dennis Innes, Dean of the School of Hospitality & Food at Vancouver Community College; Yves Potvin, CEO & Founder of Konscious Foods; Kevin Booth, EVP of Compass Group Canada; Dr. Pete Poovanna, Founder of Forest Bean Coffee; Dan Culic, Managing Director at AntiSocial; and John Cassidy, Managing Director Canada at SVG Ventures | THRIVE. 

In our global segment, TECH-NOURISH is proud to host a diverse array of international experts: Kate Warren, Executive Vice President & Executive Editor at Devex; Ammad Bahalim, Senior Program Officer, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation; Hélène Papper, Director of the Global Communications and Advocacy Division at IFAD; Julie Borlaug, Principal, Borlaugh Consulting; Philip A. Loring, Global Director, Human Dimensions Science; Roy Steiner, Senior VP of the Food Initiative at The Rockefeller Foundation; Ali Weinstein, Co-Founder of the Hollywood Climate Summit; Paul Newnham, Executive Director at SDG2 Advocacy Hub; and Max Cooper, Chief Development Officer at Producers Trust. 

At TECH-NOURISH, we are thrilled to announce a special segment, "Harmony on the Plate - Indigenous Flavors Embrace Plant-Based Delights." This culinary showcase promises an immersive journey that blends the rich traditions of Indigenous cuisine with the innovative spirit of plant-based cooking. Prepare to be delighted by a menu that is as thoughtful as it is tantalizing, featuring dishes like mouthwatering plant-based sushi, goat, chicken and traditional recipes including fried bannock and braised bison short rib, each reflecting the diversity of Canada’s culinary heritage.

We will also feature The Reels Zone, a dynamic area for live social media reels, reactions, podcasts, interviews, and engaging discussions, alongside The Innovation Zone, showcasing a blend of innovative food brands and cutting-edge technology for sustainable food futures, and so much more!