Ag and tech leaders partner with SC State University for Hackathon supporting YBS farmers

One challenge. Six teams. Six unique solutions. Two days to bring them to life. 

That was the scene at this year’s SC State University Hackathon, where students spent a weekend designing real-world solutions to help young, beginning and small (YBS) farmers quickly find and secure the funding opportunities they need to grow their operations. 

From Feb. 20–22, innovation took center stage as students came together to rethink how technology can strengthen the future of agriculture, especially for YBS farmers who represent the next generation of the industry. 

To support the effort, agricultural and technology leaders from AgFirst, Presidio and Amazon Web Services served as on site mentors, guiding students as they developed prototypes, tested the feasibility of their ideas and used technology to best address the challenge. 

“Hands-on, collaborative events like this hackathon give students the chance to apply classroom learning to real-world challenges,” said Louis Whitesides, SC State Vice President for Public Service and Agriculture. “Experiences like this build the teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills they need to succeed.” 

On the final day, teams pitched working prototypes and market research to a panel of judges who evaluated each concept for its practicality, efficiency and innovation. 

For AgFirst, the event reflects a meaningful investment in both the future workforce and the future of agriculture. 

“Partnering with SC State gives us access to new talent and innovative thinking,” said Michael Lehmbeck, AgFirst Chief Information Officer. “Alongside technology leaders like Amazon Web Services and Presidio, we’re able to work with young minds and explore how emerging technologies can help address the challenges facing YBS farmers.” 

The hackathon not only showcased the creativity, innovation and drive of SC State students, it demonstrated the power of ag, tech and higher education coming together to spark real innovation. Partnerships like this help develop tech enabled solutions and next generation talent that will shape the future of agriculture.