DARE-KY: Growing Kentucky’s Agricultural Future Through Inaugural Symposium

The inaugural DARE-KY Soilless AgTech Symposium recently brought together researchers, students, educators and industry leaders from across the state to explore the future of agriculture and the agricultural technologies (agtech) reshaping the industry.

Hosted by Kentucky State University, the two-day event highlighted innovations in hydroponics, aquaponics and controlled environment agriculture while showcasing how Kentucky is building research capacity and preparing students for careers in emerging agricultural fields.

The symposium is part of the broader DARE-KY initiative, funded through the National Science Foundation's Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (NSF EPSCoR) E-RISE program. Led by Kentucky State University in partnership with the Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation, Bluegrass Community and Technical College, the University of Pikeville and FoodChain, the initiative aims to expand research, strengthen workforce development and advance soilless agriculture across the commonwealth.

Unlike traditional farming, soilless agriculture relies on water-based nutrient systems and controlled growing environments to produce crops year-round. These technologies are creating new opportunities for sustainable food production while drawing students from fields such as biology, chemistry, engineering and computer science into the world of agriculture.

Connecting Students to Agriculture Through AgTech

While the symposium highlighted cutting-edge research and technology, one of its central themes focused on people, particularly students discovering new pathways into agriculture through agtech.

Keynote speaker Jacob Ball, executive director of Bluegrass AgTech Development Corporation (BADC), reflected on how technologies such as hydroponics can help students connect with agriculture in ways that feel relevant to their own experiences.

Students who had tuned out during traditional ag units leaned in when we got to hydroponics. Not because it was easier, but because it was theirs. It spoke a language they already had… For a student who grew up thinking that ag was something that other people did, that intersection was a revelation. More than that, it was an opportunity. - Jacob Ball, Executive Director, Bluegrass AgTech Development Corporation (BADC)

That sense of opportunity was evident throughout the symposium as presenters shared examples of undergraduate research in aquaponics systems, partnerships with local farmers and projects designed to address real-world agricultural challenges.

Byron Meade of the University of Pikeville emphasized the importance of experiential learning, noting DARE-KY's goal is to “integrate as many undergraduate researchers as possible” into research laboratories and projects. At the University of Pikeville, more than 50 undergraduate researchers are actively involved in research systems and projects.

For Akanksha Gautam, a graduate student in agricultural science at Kentucky State, the symposium offered an opportunity to connect with researchers and industry professionals while gathering insight for her own work. Her research focuses on the distribution of soilless agriculture operations across Kentucky and the perspectives of farmers who have adopted, or are considering adopting, these systems.

This is my first exposure to the professional soilless agriculture world. I'll get to connect with people, get more ideas, learn how local farms are working and how to best reach out to these farmers, which will ultimately help my research. - Akanksha Gautam, Graduate Student, Kentucky State University

Student Research Takes Center Stage

The symposium also gave students the opportunity to showcase their agtech ideas and research through a poster competition open to high school and college students from across Kentucky. The competition provided participants with hands-on experience presenting their work in a professional conference setting while connecting with researchers, educators and industry professionals.

The poster session offered a glimpse into the future of agricultural innovation in Kentucky, with three students recognized for the quality and creativity of their work:

• First place: Annika Maxey (FoodChain)

• Second place: DeAira Watts (Kentucky State University)

• Third place: Kwabena Sarpong (Kentucky State University)

In addition to receiving monetary awards and certificates, the students earned recognition from peers and professionals working across Kentucky's growing agtech sector. 

Collaboration Driving Innovation 

Beyond student research, the symposium created opportunities for collaboration among educators, researchers and industry leaders working to advance soilless agriculture across the commonwealth.

Attendees participated in panel discussions focused on education, research, workforce development and industry outreach. These conversations allowed participants to engage directly with experts while exploring the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of agtech.

Participants also toured Kentucky State University's farm facilities, where they experienced firsthand the people, animals and technologies involved in modern agricultural systems. The tour provided a closer look at innovative agricultural practices and demonstrated how universities and partner organizations are advancing agtech education and research throughout Kentucky.

Building Kentucky's Innovative Agricultural Future

The collaborative spirit throughout the symposium reflects the broader mission of DARE-KY: strengthening Kentucky's agricultural innovation ecosystem while creating pathways for the next generation of researchers, entrepreneurs and industry leaders.

Cathleen (Cate) Webb, executive chair of Kentucky's Statewide EPSCoR Jurisdictional Committee, said initiatives such as DARE-KY are helping position Kentucky at the forefront of agricultural innovation.

DARE-KY empowers and connects students to their future. It puts Kentucky on the leading edge of agtech. I remember the call where Dr. Tope mentioned E-RISE, and I was absolutely thrilled. It is enormously impactful for our state and for Kentucky State University. - Cate Webb, Executive Chair, Kentucky's Statewide EPSCoR Jurisdictional Committee

More than 94 participants attended the symposium, reflecting growing interest in agricultural technology and soilless agriculture throughout Kentucky.

By bringing together students, researchers, educators and industry leaders, the inaugural DARE-KY Soilless AgTech Symposium showcased the growing momentum behind agricultural innovation in the commonwealth. Through research, workforce development and hands-on learning experiences, DARE-KY is helping build a stronger agricultural innovation ecosystem while preparing the next generation of leaders to shape the future of agriculture in Kentucky.