From Lab to Field: Agritech Solutions to Climate Change | Simon Fraser University - Surrey Campus
Cultural Experiences
This session features two speakers offering perspectives from research and industry:
Dr. Woo Soo Kim, Professor at the School of Mechatronic Systems Engineering at Simon Fraser University (SFU), will share highlights from his lab’s cutting-edge research in precision agriculture. Developed in collaboration with graduate and capstone students, his projects include drone-based soil sensing, AI-powered irrigation systems for indoor farming, and tools for mapping invasive species—real-world solutions designed to make agriculture more sustainable and resilient.
Cameron White, Director of CZROBio, will discuss how startups like his are translating research into action. He’ll share insights on building agritech ventures, the value of collaboration between government, academia, and private enterprise, and what it takes to grow innovation in this space.
Whether you're a student, researcher, or simply curious about the future of farming, this event offers a practical look at how technology is shaping agriculture to tackle climate concerns.
Event Format
This is a hybrid event.
In-person attendees are welcome to bring their lunch and eat while listening to the presentation. The event will take place in SRYC Room 2750.
To register for the online event and receive a Zoom link, please select the "Virtual Attendee" ticket option.
Speaker Bios
Dr. Woo Soo Kim is a Professor at the School of Mechatronic Systems Engineering at Simon Fraser University (SFU). He specializes in advanced 3D printing of sensors and robotic systems. As the founding director of the Global Institute for Agritech at SFU, he collaborates with a multidisciplinary team of 13 faculty members to develop innovative agritech technologies, including AI, IoT sensors, plant biology, drone, and robot systems. Dr. Kim actively engages with agritech stakeholders worldwide to foster global partnerships and manage local training programs. His recent work focuses on developing AI-driven autonomous irrigation and nutrient feeding systems for indoor farms, as well as creating affordable drone-weed robots to enhance agricultural practices through interdisciplinary expertise. With 90 published journal articles on 3D printed sensor and robot systems, he maintains strong collaborations with Canadian and international industries. Webpage: www.sfu.ca/~woosook
Cameron White is the Director and Chief Financial Officer of CZROBio. Mr. White began his career practicing corporate and securities law, specializing in corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions in the areas of media, technology and natural resources. After 15 years he realized that the things his clients were doing were WAY more interesting than the things he was doing. Clearly a slow learner! He subsequently co-founded several start-up ventures including Thunderbird Entertainment, which grew from a 4 person Yaletown office to roughly 1500 people located in Vancouver, Los Angeles, Toronto and Ottawa. At CZROBio he will focus on growth strategy, financial planning and business affairs.
Information Source: SFU's Surrey Campus | eventbrite