By: Fatema Fatakdawala
This year’s TEDx conference which took place on October 26th consisted of some interesting and inspiring innovations and ideas. While this 2012 event had a great speaker line up, I found a couple of the topics particularly interesting.
For example, author Isha Datar’s talk on the possibilities for an in vitro meat production system. This life science innovation is Canada’s only investigation into cultured meat. Isha’s work has contributed to the development of Canada’s first in vitro meat lab at the University of Alberta, and has been featured in several articles in Canada and abroad. Her advocacy for the responsible use of science to contribute to food security has led to multiple speaking engagements on in vitro meat and agrobiotechnology patent reform. Watch video below:
Shifting focus, Jon Dwyer who is the Chairman and CEO of a company called Flax Energy explained his agricultural solution to the food vs. fuel dilemma. Using flax, he shows how one can yield multiple revenue streams that are not impacted by the price volatility of food-grade feedstocks such as soy and canola. This research has resulted in the Flax Energy Food, Fuel & Feed model. The Altitude Accelerator is hosting our first Recycling Idol event for cleantech companies such as Flax Energy on December 6th. Currently, we are accepting applications from emerging clean technology startups to present their business pitch to an expert panel and compete for up to $30,000 in prizes…so apply now!
ABOUT TEDx Toronto
TEDxToronto is a platform for exceptional ideas, and a catalyst for profound change. While we all know TED.com is one of the world’s best platforms for big ideas, the x in TEDx signifies an independently organized TED event. At our TEDxToronto event, TEDTalks video and live speakers will combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. In addition to their annual, one-day conference, which draws a diverse and passionate array of speakers and audience members, TEDxToronto runs community programming throughout the year exploring issues with local relevance. All of TEDxToronto speakers and organizers are volunteers, committed to developing innovative solutions and amplifying the ideas that we hope will make the world a better place.
Fatema joins the RIC team as the Communications Officer responsible for marketing, social media, event and web management. She is a graduate student pursuing her final year in the Master of Biotechnology program at the University of Toronto Mississauga.
The RIC blog is designed as a showcase for entrepreneurs and innovation. Our guest bloggers provide a wealth of information based on their personal experiences. Visit Altitude Accelerator for more information on how RIC can accelerate your ideas to market.