Embracing Innovation: How Technology and New Thinking Are Feeding the World

In a recent speech at an event hosted by BW, Timothy Kendrick, the company's CEO, addressed a room full of innovators, academics, and industry leaders, highlighting the significant strides being made in the field of food technology. His talk was a celebration of the collaborative efforts that are driving global solutions to food security challenges.

Kendrick began by expressing his gratitude to those in attendance, emphasizing the importance of the gathering. "What it shows is the level of engagement that is very encouraging," he said, acknowledging the global scope of the issues at hand. With a focus on how technology can address food security, Kendrick made it clear that the solutions being developed are not just local but global in their impact.

One of the key takeaways from Kendrick's speech was the importance of what he called the "triangle of innovation," where government, industry, and academia come together to create practical, on-the-ground solutions. He emphasized, "Not to be pie-in-the-sky sort of ivory tower thinkers but dirt under the fingernails implementers. And that's what's really going to make the difference."

Kendrick also showcased some of the cutting-edge technologies his company is using to revolutionize food production. For instance, he highlighted the use of a seven-axis plasma cutter, which reduced the time it took to complete certain tasks from seven hours to just seven minutes. This efficiency, he argued, allows the company to compete on a global scale.

In another example, Kendrick mentioned the resilience of their multi-peak greenhouses, which withstood a storm with winds gusting up to 140 kilometers per hour without suffering any damage. This, he said, is a testament to the advanced engineering and innovative thinking that BW brings to the table.

The impact of BW's innovations is being felt worldwide. Kendrick shared a story of how a presentation in Australia led to a shift in thinking among their international colleagues, who have since begun implementing some of BW's technologies. This global influence is mirrored at home, where BW is working with First Nations communities to enhance food security and self-sufficiency through education and technological advancements.

"We make water out of air, generate power from the sun, use fish to grow food, and we use robots to compete globally," Kendrick stated, summarizing the breadth of BW's innovative approaches. These efforts are not just about creating technology but about educating the next generation to think differently and approach problems with a fresh perspective.

Kendrick concluded by thanking the various partners that have contributed to BW's success, including academic institutions, government organizations like the BC Innovation Council and BioEnterprise, and the company's employees. He also extended a warm welcome to BioEnterprise, playfully adding, "What took you so long?"

Timothy Kendrick's speech is a powerful reminder of how innovation, collaboration, and determination can drive meaningful change in the world. For those interested in watching the full talk, you can find it