Thank you to our 2026 event sponsors
Grounded Innovation 3.0
Welcome to Grounded Innovation 3.0
This spring, Grounded Innovation 3.0 returns with a powerful reminder: agriculture does not exist in a bubble. Our food systems are deeply connected to community well-being, social innovation, climate action, and economic resilience—and this year’s event puts those connections front and centre. Join us on Wednesday, May 13, for a day of ideas, collaboration, and action.
We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Tammara Soma as our keynote speaker. Dr. Soma is the Director of Research and Co-Founder of the Food Systems Lab, Canada’s first social innovation lab dedicated to transforming food systems and addressing food waste through community-driven, equity-focused solutions.
Event details
Agenda
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
| Morning session – Keynote & panels | |
| 8:30 am | Doors open |
| 9 am | Welcoming & keynote address (Dr. Tammara Soma) |
| 10:15 am | Panel 1 (One Health) |
| 11 am | Panel 2 (BC Agriculture Strategy) |
| 12 pm | Lunch |
| Afternoon session – Pitch competition & challenge | |
| 12:45 pm | Food policy pitches & awards |
| 2:30 pm | Wine Talk (Dr. Daniel Bender) |
| 3:00 pm | Wine challenge launch |
| 3:30 pm | Reception begins |
Location
Building A, Hall 1100
UFV Chilliwack Campus
45190 Caen Avenue
Cost – free
Registration for this event is now closed.
2026 Event Features
Inspiring panels & speakers
Keynote speakers
Hear from Dr. Tammara Soma (Director of Research and Co-Founder, Food Systems Lab, Simon Fraser University) and Dr. Lenore Newman (Director, UFV Food and Agriculture Institute; SF4C co-chair).
Engaging panels
Two engaging panels exploring the future of food systems, from integrating One Health into decision-making, to an Agriculture Strategy Panel on pathways toward a resilient, innovative future for BC’s agri-food sector.
Featured wine expert speaker
Food policy pitch competition: from crisis to capacity
Student teams will pitch fast, bold policy solutions tackling emergency food planning in the Fraser Valley to a panel of expert judges as they compete for cash prizes.
Future of wine challenge launch
Launch of a new sector-focused, mentorship-based challenge supporting collaboration across policy, climate, and innovation to identify solutions for a threatened BC wine industry.
Dr. Daniel Bender, Canada Research Chair in Food and Culture, will deliver an expert perspective on climate change and its impact on regional wine production and long-term resilience.