SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 1, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Wilbur-Ellis today announced the launch of the second annual Wilbur-Ellis Innovation Award.
The program invites groups of college and university students in the United States and Canada to come up with innovative approaches to getting more people food – a key imperative, as the world’s population is projected to grow by 2 billion people by 2050. best idea wins prize A $25,000 grand prize and up to four $5,000 honorable mentions could also be awarded in 2023.
Wilbur-Ellis Innovation Award logo
The first Wilbur-Ellis Innovation Award program in 2022 was attended by more than 120 students working in over 30 teams, with the Kansas State University entomology team winning the first prize. Their presentation explored the use of bacteria to give insects plastic-degrading capabilities, transforming plastic waste into biomass for a variety of productive uses. Four other teams were awarded honorable mentions for ideas that explored improving the honey bee population, the potential of basalt to improve soil health, an alternative way to produce meat, and expanding agriculture oceanic.
Students can learn more about the award on the Wilbur-Ellis Innovation Award website (which can be accessed from the Wilbur-Ellis website at www.wilburellis.com). The Innovation Award website provides electronic postcards that can be sent to students who may wish to participate, as well as a video featuring last year’s winners and a summary of their submissions.
The Innovation Award was created as a continuing legacy of the company’s 100th anniversary in 2021. “Wilbur-Ellis is a company with a long and rich history,” said John Buckley, Wilbur-Ellis president and chief executive officer. “For more than 100 years we have worked with our customers and suppliers to feed the world. But we always look ahead and the Wilbur-Ellis Innovation Award reflects our focus on the future. With this program, we support innovative ideas in agriculture and food production , and we’re encouraging young people to join us in this important work.”
Because the Innovation Award is for students teams, it also promotes collaboration. “The challenges the world is facing are so complex that it will take a diverse range of partners working together to find solutions,” Buckley said. “We work every day with partners in our business and want to give students the opportunity to see what can be achieved when a diverse group of people work together on a big idea,” she added.
Registration for student teams is now open – With Early Birds getting 10 extra points!Student teams can register now to participate in the 2023 Wilbur-Ellis Innovation Award by visiting the website at www.wilburellis.com/innovation-award/. Teams that register by March 31, 2023 will have 10 extra points added to the final score of their presentation.
About Wilbur-Ellis: Founded in 1921, the Wilbur-Ellis companies are international leaders in the marketing, distribution and manufacturing of agricultural products, animal nutrients and specialty chemicals and ingredients. By developing strong relationships, making strategic market investments, and capitalizing on new opportunities, Wilbur-Ellis has continued to grow, with revenues exceeding $3.5 billion. For more information, visit www.wilburellis.com
SOURCE Wilbur-Ellis
