This article contains information about UNH hosting an Industry Day to encourage collaboration within the State of New Hampshire.
DURHAM, N.H.—The University of New Hampshire will host one of its bi-annual industry “sandpits” focused on food and agriculture Thursday, Nov. 7, 2019, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. in Huddleston Hall. “Sandpits” encourage innovation and industry/university collaboration by providing companies with direct access to UNH researchers working in the same field. It is free to attend but registration is required.
“We know many local companies could benefit from UNH capabilities in their pursuits to innovate and commercialize new ideas” said Marc Eichenberger, director of corporate engagement at UNHInnovation. “Food and Agriculture Day will give UNH the opportunity to showcase its resources, facilities and relevant research with the goal of building business/academic partnerships that result in commercialization and economic development.”
The day is designed to help companies and researchers identify and develop potential projects and partnerships, solve business challenges and accelerate scientific innovation in the sector. Learn about UNH research in the areas of sustainable agriculture and food systems, aquaculture, nutrition and nutrition trends, organic dairy farming, animal and crop health, veterinary technology, extending New England growing seasons, big data and farming, brewing science, ecogastronomy, fisheries and more. Activities include networking/speed dating opportunities to interact and exchange ideas, an expo of UNH research and business resources, and a networking social hour. There will also be tours of the Woodman Horticultural Research Farm and Macfarlane Research Greenhouses, and the N.H. Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory.
“The sector is undergoing rapid transformation due to changing consumer preferences, new technologies, and climate change,” said Denis Ward, president of the New Hampshire Farm Bureau Federation. “Industry participants in our state can potentially benefit from UNH expertise to help them address these opportunities and challenges.”
The sandpit brings together the combined expertise, capabilities and facilities of the College of Life Sciences and Agriculture, NHAES and Cooperative Extension. The event is administered by UNHInnovation in partnership with NH Department of Business and Economic Affairs, the Business and Industry Association of NH, the NH Department of Agriculture, Markets & Food, the New England Farmers Union and the NH Farm Bureau.
The University of New Hampshire inspires innovation and transforms lives in our state, nation, and world. More than 16,000 students from all 50 states and 71 countries engage with an award-winning faculty in top-ranked programs in business, engineering, law, health and human services, liberal arts and the sciences across more than 200 programs of study. As one of the nation’s highest-performing research universities, UNH partners with NASA, NOAA, NSF and NIH, and receives more than $110 million in competitive external funding every year to further explore and define the frontiers of land, sea and space.