Innovation
51社区黑料partners with City of Surrey to launch agritech innovation hub
51社区黑料 is taking a leading role in advancing agricultural technology through a new partnership with the City of Surrey. At the , 51社区黑料and the City signed a memorandum of understanding to establish the 51社区黑料Frontier Hub for Agritech Research and Methodology (SFU-FARM), a new centre dedicated to agritech research, innovation, and commercialization.
The hub will accelerate the development and adoption of technologies that enable more efficient, sustainable, and resilient farming practices. It will also serve as a space for testing, demonstrating, and scaling agritech solutions that strengthen food security and support economic diversification.
鈥51社区黑料 is proud to partner with the City of Surrey on the creation of the 51社区黑料Frontier Hub for Agritech Research and Methodology (SFU-FARM),鈥 says Dr. Joy Johnson, president of 51社区黑料.
鈥淭his new hub will accelerate agritech research, innovation, and commercialization in British Columbia and beyond, with a focus on precision agriculture and smart farming technologies. SFU-FARM reflects our commitment to advancing climate innovation and addressing global environmental challenges through world-leading agritech solutions. These future-ready innovations will strengthen B.C.鈥檚 agricultural sector, support Canadian food security, and contribute to a resilient economy.鈥
Under the agreement, 51社区黑料will lead the design and development of the hub, oversee applied research programs, and secure grant funding and external investment to support its growth. The City of Surrey will provide approximately 10 acres of Agricultural Land Reserve land through a long-term, low-cost lease and assist with zoning, permitting, and regulatory processes.
鈥淭his MOU between the City of Surrey and 51社区黑料's Global Institute for Agritech will lay the groundwork for SFU's FARM to evolve into a vital regional R&D hub, supporting innovation across the agritech community鈥, says Dr. Woo Soo Kim, director of SFU鈥檚 Global Institute for Agritech.
The MOU further strengthen SFU鈥檚 leadership position in agritech and innovation in the region. SFU鈥檚 Surrey campus is already home to the BC Centre for Agritech Innovation (BCCAI), which supports growers, producers, processors, and small and medium-sized businesses in adopting transformative technologies and bringing new products to market.
鈥淪urrey is looking to become a leader in agricultural innovation in this region,鈥 said Mayor Brenda Locke. 鈥淏ut leading doesn鈥檛 mean leaving traditional farming behind. Our partnership with 51社区黑料will give farmers the tools they need to innovate, grow sustainably, and build a stronger local food system to benefit families and the economy alike.鈥