Vaishnavi Yathirajam is the founder of Manakin Bio, a company at the intersection of biotechnology and advanced AI systems. She works closely with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) on cutting-edge research projects that integrate synthetic biology, diagnostics, and AI for space and Earth-based applications. With a strong background in interdisciplinary research, she combines expertise in artificial intelligence, behavioral psychology, and biosystems engineering to build impactful solutions for human well-being.

Her work often draws from ancient philosophies and cultural knowledge systems—like the Thirukkural—to inform the design of empathetic and ethically-grounded technologies. Vaishnavi is a passionate advocate for culturally contextualized AI, and frequently speaks on the future of human-centered design, diagnostics, and ethical intelligence. She believes the next generation of AI should be not only intelligent—but deeply humane.

Vaishnavi Yathirajam is the founder of Manakin Bio, a company at the intersection of biotechnology and advanced AI systems. She works closely with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) on cutting-edge research projects that integrate synthetic biolo... Show more

Stephen’s training and background are in chemical and energy engineering, and he has over ten years of research experience in sustainable energy and chemical technologies. The pillars of his research are process development, techno-economic assessment, life cycle thinking, supply chain optimisation, and whole-systems analysis for evidence-based, strategic, and conscientious deployment of biomass-based, circular, and carbon abatement solutions. Currently, he is affiliated with Imperial's Department of Chemical Engineering and its recently inaugurated Centre for Sectoral Economic Performance to collaborate on a sectoral study of the UK's fine chemicals industry. Its objective is to understand the current local and global industry landscapes; analyse the technological, innovation, business, and regulatory environments; and develop policy and industry recommendations for the sector's future competitiveness and sustainability.

Stephen’s training and background are in chemical and energy engineering, and he has over ten years of research experience in sustainable energy and chemical technologies. The pillars of his research are process development, techno-economic assessmen... Show more

Anne Stanton is a Group Manager in the Business and Tech Innovation department at Avanade, based in Seattle, WA, USA. Anne has extensive experience with the Microsoft Power Platform and Microsoft Dynamics 365 Customer Engagement Architecture.

Anne Stanton is a Group Manager in the Business and Tech Innovation department at Avanade, based in Seattle, WA, USA. Anne has extensive experience with the Microsoft Power Platform and Microsoft Dynamics 365 Customer Engagement Architecture. Show more

Barbara Mechura, a retired school nutrition director turned AFHK Grant Program Director, brings over 30 years of experience in both rural and metro districts. Her focus is on transforming school cafeterias with fresh, healthy ingredients and farm-to-table partnerships, fostering excitement in kids for nutritious, veggie-centric meals. She's successfully revamped school kitchens, turning them into havens for scratch-cooked, fresh foods. Her expertise extends to training staff as engaged food coaches.
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:
- National Farm to School Network Technical Assistance Provider
- Winner of 20+ grants
- Led 16 kitchen design and remodel projects; numerous kitchen enhancements
- Mentor to assistant directors, now successful nutrition leaders in various states
- Presenter at School Nutrition Association and State Affiliate conferences
- Over a decade designing educational programs for the Minnesota School Business Officials Association.

Barbara Mechura, a retired school nutrition director turned AFHK Grant Program Director, brings over 30 years of experience in both rural and metro districts. Her focus is on transforming school cafeterias with fresh, healthy ingredients and farm-to-... Show more

Samuel Oluwakorede Oyefusi is a Mechanical Engineering student at Pan Atlantic University, Ex-president of the Living Green Club, the co-Founder of Ridebuddy and Global Ambassador of Thierworld.

He has a passion for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with a keen focus on Energy Transition, Robotics innovation, and advocacy for quality education. He excels in research, analysis, and strategic planning, leveraging his expertise in innovation and sustainable development to drive positive change in Africa

As an UNLEASH community leader, he mentors the youths close to him with the aim to inspire a new generation of innovators dedicated to creating a brighter future for the continent.

He is currently engaged in a groundbreaking project involving a smart irrigation system for farming and an Agrobot equipped with computer vision and AI for precise farm navigation, crop yield estimation, weed detection, and removal.

Samuel Oluwakorede Oyefusi is a Mechanical Engineering student at Pan Atlantic University, Ex-president of the Living Green Club, the co-Founder of Ridebuddy and Global Ambassador of Thierworld. He has a passion for the Sustainable Development Go... Show more

Founder at KrishiSarthi- An Agritech Startup
Pursuing my dream to be the best in cybersecurity field. Having all kinds of knowledge about OWASP top 10 and hunting on different platforms discovering new zero-days. Writing papers on ML and AI.

Founder at KrishiSarthi- An Agritech Startup Pursuing my dream to be the best in cybersecurity field. Having all kinds of knowledge about OWASP top 10 and hunting on different platforms discovering new zero-days. Writing papers on ML and AI. Show more

I am passionate about food, plants, nature, healing and leading others to discover how to reverse aging, repair cellular damage and feel at love within themselves. Ive travelled the world for 8 years searching for my own inner truth. Ive come to settle in Garson MB canada, following the passing of me step father, to develop 60 acres of land into a sustainable, electro cultured and permaculture food forest. Helping to provide Nutritious foods locally, developing a summer camp for kids and bring back the lost practice of electroculture. NFTs will save our planet, will save my farm, will save locals employment. NFTs will feed the kids, create sovereignty and freedom for mankind.

I am passionate about food, plants, nature, healing and leading others to discover how to reverse aging, repair cellular damage and feel at love within themselves. Ive travelled the world for 8 years searching for my own inner truth. Ive come to sett... Show more

Graduated in BOTANY honors, Fell in Love with the Internet since 1993 - the days of no Browser. Since then an eFarmer implements the learnings on Web technologies.

Web Developer Since the year 2000 from HTML to Node.js its a journey of extraordinary testimony of web incarnation. Worked on .NET, JAVA, PHP, Python, Perl, AMP, Polymer, Node.js, VS Code, Progressive Web Apps (PWA), Cloud Server Management (Google), Cloud Application Development,

Avid Himalayan Mountain Trekker from Manali in the East to the Sikkim in the West of Himalayan Ranges, Vegetable Farmer From Potatoes to Cucumber, and Blogger since 2002.

Graduated in BOTANY honors, Fell in Love with the Internet since 1993 - the days of no Browser. Since then an eFarmer implements the learnings on Web technologies. Web Developer Since the year 2000 from HTML to Node.js its a journey of extraordina... Show more

I'm Head of Engineering Platform in eFishery the aquaculture startup with innovation of fish feeder, I'm creating the edge tech happen in efishery, and I manage the centralize software development, infrastructure and cybersecurity

I'm Head of Engineering Platform in eFishery the aquaculture startup with innovation of fish feeder, I'm creating the edge tech happen in efishery, and I manage the centralize software development, infrastructure and cybersecurity Show more

Lisa McCann is a registered dietitian and proud alumni of the University of Minnesota. She is currently a Sustainable Nutrition manager with Midwest Dairy and has worked for the past seventeen years on behalf of dairy farmers to share their farm-to-table story and why dairy is good for the body and good for the planet. Her job has always focused on building relationships with schools and a variety of health, wellness, and sustainability partners sharing innovative research in dairy nutrition and provide solutions for today’s health-conscious student, wellness partner, and consumer. Lisa lives in the Twin Cities with her husband of over 31 years and has two married adult sons and a granddaughter who brings so much joy! She enjoys reading, walking, and home improvement projects in her spare time.

Lisa McCann is a registered dietitian and proud alumni of the University of Minnesota. She is currently a Sustainable Nutrition manager with Midwest Dairy and has worked for the past seventeen years on behalf of dairy farmers to share their farm-to-... Show more

Ingénieure agronome, spécialisée en modélisation, Victoria a rejoint Adventiel en 2017 dès l'obtention de son diplôme. Elle a participé à la création du service intelligence artificielle et sciences des données en 2022, qu'elle pilote aujourd'hui. Victoria s'attache à ce que son équipe exploite tout le potentiel des IAs pour répondre aux enjeux terrains agricoles et soutenir ce secteur.

Ingénieure agronome, spécialisée en modélisation, Victoria a rejoint Adventiel en 2017 dès l'obtention de son diplôme. Elle a participé à la création du service intelligence artificielle et sciences des données en 2022, qu'elle pilote aujourd'hui. Vi... Show more

Entrepreneurship Fellow at Dunin-Deshpande Queens University Canada, Blockchain Developer and Software Engineer having worked previously at Hesa Africa and Power Learn Project as an Assistant Database Instructor.2 times Founder and current CEO Investa Farm.

Entrepreneurship Fellow at Dunin-Deshpande Queens University Canada, Blockchain Developer and Software Engineer having worked previously at Hesa Africa and Power Learn Project as an Assistant Database Instructor.2 times Founder and current CEO Invest... Show more

Amy Galvin is a dedicated leader committed to bringing farm to table to patients. Amy has been in healthcare for 5 years. During this time she has worked to reduce food waste across retail, catering, and patient services for the BILH hospital system consisting of 14 hospitals. Amy was the recipient of the Jane Matlaw Environmental Champion Award in 2022.

Amy Galvin is a dedicated leader committed to bringing farm to table to patients. Amy has been in healthcare for 5 years. During this time she has worked to reduce food waste across retail, catering, and patient services for the BILH hospital system ... Show more

Foodie with a past in gastronomy and zero food waste projects, after my studies in International Food and Agribusiness, I've started experimenting old and new Fermentation and regenerative techniques. I've been resident at Moos community while working with Edible Alchemy in Berlin and recently co-founded the Regenerative Project Gaia's Garden.it

Foodie with a past in gastronomy and zero food waste projects, after my studies in International Food and Agribusiness, I've started experimenting old and new Fermentation and regenerative techniques. I've been resident at Moos community while workin... Show more

Name: Abubakar Salihu Usman

Origin: Jama'are Local Government, Bauchi State, Nigeria

Academic Background:
- Currently a final year student at Bauchi State University, Gadau
- Studying Botany

Professional Background:
- Rice Farmer

Summary:
Abubakar Salihu Usman is a final year Botany student at Bauchi State University, Gadau, and a dedicated rice farmer from Jama'are Local Government, Bauchi State. He is passionate about agriculture and botany, and is committed to making a positive impact in his community through his studies and farming endeavors.

Name: Abubakar Salihu Usman Origin: Jama'are Local Government, Bauchi State, Nigeria Academic Background: - Currently a final year student at Bauchi State University, Gadau - Studying Botany Professional Background: - Rice Farmer Summa... Show more

John is the co-founder of CropSafe - building the operational and financial operating system for the millions of farms that feed the world’s population, powered by a global network of orbital satellites and weather monitoring stations. CropSafe has recently announced that they have raised $3M in seed funding and have opened U.S. headquarters in Los Angeles.

John is the co-founder of CropSafe - building the operational and financial operating system for the millions of farms that feed the world’s population, powered by a global network of orbital satellites and weather monitoring stations. CropSafe has r... Show more

Tumelo is a passionate BCom Entrepreneurial Management graduate from the University of Free-State. Named one of the 100 Young Mandelas of the future by News24, she remains committed to improving lives and creating real impact through all the world she does.

She is associated with the likes of the Durban Youth Council, Enactus UFS where she served as the Vice-President and MiET, a non-profit organization where she worked as a data consultant. She has also mentored young people through the University of Free-State P3 mentorship program and Nkcubeko Noyila Foundation's Learners Connect.

Her experiences and training on leadership includes discussions on social, political and global issues, particularly in the African & South African context through the YALI program and the GIBS: Spirit of the Youth program.

As of late, she has Co-founded & is Director of Sprout Africa, a company committed to providing access to efficient markets & training for farmers in marginalized communities. Her passions for youth, media, driving change through sustainable development and she believes that young people have a huge role to play in impacting our global society.

Tumelo is a passionate BCom Entrepreneurial Management graduate from the University of Free-State. Named one of the 100 Young Mandelas of the future by News24, she remains committed to improving lives and creating real impact through all the world sh... Show more

Experienced product owner with a background in telecommunications and farming.

Experienced product owner with a background in telecommunications and farming. Show more

Kangombe Bornface is a Zambian innovator passionate about using technology to solve real-world problems. He has developed AI-driven solutions like the Agro Infection Detection system, which helps farmers detect crop diseases early, reducing losses and improving community health. Kangombe combines expertise in machine learning, mobile and web development, and innovation management with a strong focus on social impact. He has participated in multiple hackathons and innovation challenges, consistently building solutions that blend technical rigor with practical utility. Kangombe is committed to empowering local communities through technology and promoting sustainable development across Zambia.

Kangombe Bornface is a Zambian innovator passionate about using technology to solve real-world problems. He has developed AI-driven solutions like the Agro Infection Detection system, which helps farmers detect crop diseases early, reducing losses an... Show more

Jadean Wright is a powerhouse of ethical innovation and social impact in South Africa’s tech landscape. She’s a Directorate and CMO of The Makers Club, a venture that builds affordable, IoT-powered smart farming solutions to empower educators, farmers, and hobbyists toward sustainable agriculture. But her influence stretches far beyond agri-tech.

Here’s a snapshot of her journey and impact:
🌍 Vision & Values
- Tech for Justice: Jadean blends activism, feminism, and innovation to bridge the gap between social justice and emerging technologies.
- Inclusive Design: Her work centers marginalized communities, especially women and youth, with trauma-informed, dignity-first platforms.
🛠️ Achievements
- Named one of Africa’s Top 15 Young Geeks by Geekulcha in 2025.
- Participant and individual prize winner at the ITWeb Security Summit Hackathon and participant in the BRICS Women’s Startup Contest.
- Led her team to first place at the KZNInnov Tech Makerthon, despite having no prior experience in coding or tech—a testament to her grit and mindset.

📚 Education & Expertise
- Studied Basic Electronics, Leadership & Development, and is completing her Diploma in Human Resources and NQF Level 4 in IoT.
- Integrates advanced security, automation, and digital transformation into her projects.
🤖 Community Impact
- As a member in the The Makers Club, she’s helping close South Africa’s digital skills gap by training youth in robotics, IoT, and AI.
- Her initiatives prioritize accessibility, gender equity, and real-world problem solving.

Jadean’s story is one of bold leaps, deep empathy, and relentless innovation.

Jadean Wright is a powerhouse of ethical innovation and social impact in South Africa’s tech landscape. She’s a Directorate and CMO of The Makers Club, a venture that builds affordable, IoT-powered smart farming solutions to empower educators, farmer... Show more

Jayme works for the Minnesota Department of Education as the Farm to School and Early Care Consultant. In this role, she works to support Minnesota schools and early care centers as they build and grow their local food programs. She provides educational tools and resources, procurement strategies, technical assistance and training to stakeholders. Prior to this role, Jayme served as the Assistant Director of Child Nutrition Services at Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools, the Statewide Health Improvement Partnership Consultant for Dakota County and the Cooking and Nutrition Program Manager for Urban Roots, formerly the Community Design Center. Jayme has a Masters Degree in Public Health Nutrition from the University of Minnesota and a Bachelor's degree from the University of St. Thomas. Jayme is married with four children and lives in Prior Lake, MN.

Jayme works for the Minnesota Department of Education as the Farm to School and Early Care Consultant. In this role, she works to support Minnesota schools and early care centers as they build and grow their local food programs. She provides educatio... Show more

Jackie is currently the foodservice director at Orono Schools. This will be her 10th school year with Orono.

Jackie is currently the foodservice director at Orono Schools. This will be her 10th school year with Orono. Show more

Gary Jones graduated from Johnson and Wales University in the early years of the Culinary Arts program in Providence, RI. After several years of working in resort and hotel environments, Gary began a career as a chef at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, FL overseeing single and multiple units in restaurants, resorts and park catering operations. Through a 37 year career at Walt Disney World, Gary pushed the limits of traditional chef duties including the Disneyland Paris opening training team, as a recruiter hiring interns, cooks and chefs throughout the United States and internationally, teaching and managing culinary arts classes for avocational guest students at the Disney Institute, developing and managing food allergy programs, supporting food and beverage program and menu development for new theme parks and resorts, and developing and supporting environmental programs at each of The Walt Disney Company theme parks around the world. Gary has discussed food allergies and nutritional kids meals representing Walt Disney World while speaking at the Chicago National Restaurant Show, Florida Restaurant Show, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics national convention, FASI and multiple format media interviews.

Gary Jones graduated from Johnson and Wales University in the early years of the Culinary Arts program in Providence, RI. After several years of working in resort and hotel environments, Gary began a career as a chef at the Walt Disney World Resort i... Show more

Mike and family have run Crystal River Watersports (CRWS) since 2014 with a motto of “Observing and Preserving Nature Above, In and Underwater.” CRWS allows guests to explore Florida’s Nature coast via scuba diving, swimming with manatees, scalloping, and river cruises.
Professionally, Mike graduated from the Pennsylvania State University with degrees in business and pursued a career in information technology consulting before migrating from the DC suburbs to Citrus County, FL. The goal was to be able enjoy working with people in the hospitality industry while sharing a love of the outdoors, especially scuba diving.
Since moving to Florida, Mike has gotten involved in the local community by previously serving on the Crystal River Waterfront Advisory Board, Manatee Eco Tourism Assoc. and Friends of the Crystal River National WIldlife Refuge. He is currently the vice chair of the Citrus Co Tourism Development Council and on the Visit Florida Board of Directors.

Mike and family have run Crystal River Watersports (CRWS) since 2014 with a motto of “Observing and Preserving Nature Above, In and Underwater.” CRWS allows guests to explore Florida’s Nature coast via scuba diving, swimming with manatees, scallopin... Show more

Dr. Haruna Evuti Aliyu is a veterinary epidemiologist and public health researcher with over a decade of experience in disease surveillance and One Health initiatives. He serves as an Animal Health Specialist for the World Bank–funded L-PRES project in Niger State, Nigeria. Currently pursuing a PhD in food safety, his research focuses on pesticide residues in animal products and their public health implications.

Dr. Haruna Evuti Aliyu is a veterinary epidemiologist and public health researcher with over a decade of experience in disease surveillance and One Health initiatives. He serves as an Animal Health Specialist for the World Bank–funded L-PRES project ... Show more

Availability of diverse and nutritious foods. Physical, economic and social access to nutritious foods. Adequate utilisation of food items consumed to maintain a healthy nutritional wellbeing.
challenge in Kenya, with a substantial portion of children experiencing multidimensional poverty, impacting their access to basic needs, education, and healthcare.
A significant percentage of Kenyan children live in poverty, with estimates suggesting that over 40% of children experience multidimensional poverty, meaning they are deprived in multiple areas of their well-being.
Multidimensional Poverty:
Child poverty in Kenya is not solely about income; it encompasses lack of access to basic services like healthcare, education, sanitation, and safe drinking water.
Child poverty has severe consequences, including malnutrition, limited access to education, increased vulnerability to disease, and reduced opportunities for a healthy and fulfilling life.
Factors Contributing to Child Poverty:
Factors such as economic inequality, lack of access to quality education and healthcare, and vulnerability to climate change impacts contribute to child poverty in Kenya.
Addressing Child Poverty:
Efforts to combat child poverty in Kenya require a multi-pronged approach, including investing in education, healthcare, social protection programs, and addressing the underlying causes of poverty.
Inadequate Nutrition:
A significant portion of Kenyan children experience malnutrition, which can lead to stunted growth and developmental delays.
Lack of Access to Education:
Many children in Kenya are unable to access quality education due to poverty, leading to limited opportunities for future success.
Limited Access to Healthcare:
Children in poverty often lack access to essential healthcare services, making them vulnerable
Inadequate Sanitation and Water:
Many children in Kenya live in areas with poor sanitation and lack access to clean drinking water, which can lead to waterborne diseases.

Availability of diverse and nutritious foods. Physical, economic and social access to nutritious foods. Adequate utilisation of food items consumed to maintain a healthy nutritional wellbeing. challenge in Kenya, with a substantial portion of chi... Show more

Jarren McBride is an FFA member at Texico High School. Jarren aspires to continue advocating for cybersecurity in agriculture through public speaking.

Jarren McBride is an FFA member at Texico High School. Jarren aspires to continue advocating for cybersecurity in agriculture through public speaking. Show more

24yo Shiny Fenbreon that goes by Moon Nightmare. Pronouns She/He/Him/Her, hailing from Seguin, ON.

24yo Shiny Fenbreon that goes by Moon Nightmare. Pronouns She/He/Him/Her, hailing from Seguin, ON. Show more

Dr. Seth Dobrin, an accomplished authority in artificial intelligence (AI), is the founder and CEO of Qantm AI, a venture launched in 2022. A visionary with over two decades of experience, Dr. Dobrin's career is distinguished by his relentless pursuit of AI-enabled transformation, culminating in his role as IBM's inaugural Global Chief AI Officer, where he effectively integrated AI initiatives into complex business ecosystems.

Before this, as Chief Data Officer at IBM's Software Group, he was instrumental in modernizing the business through data-driven insights. His unique, human-centered approach to AI strategy and its application has helped transform global corporations and propelled a more people-focused AI discourse in the industry.

An ardent advocate of responsible and inclusive AI, Dr. Dobrin served as President of the Responsible AI Institute and actively supports Women Leaders in Data and AI. His transformative contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including AIConics Innovator of the Year and recognition amongst the Top 10 Most Influential Chief AI Officers and Top 50 Tech Entrepreneurs in 2023.

Dobrin's multidisciplinary approach is grounded in his scientific background, holding a Doctorate in Molecular and Cellular Biology from Arizona State University. This and his business acumen inform his impactful work at the nexus of AI, data, and business transformation.

His inspirational leadership, commitment to inclusivity, and human-centric approach to AI underscore his profound influence on ethical AI development worldwide.

Dr. Seth Dobrin, an accomplished authority in artificial intelligence (AI), is the founder and CEO of Qantm AI, a venture launched in 2022. A visionary with over two decades of experience, Dr. Dobrin's career is distinguished by his relentless pursui... Show more

Christian is a senior frontend developer at Kantega, and is highly enthusiastic about pixels and coffee. Ask him about React or the optimal way to brew a washed Kenyan coffee, and he’ll talk for days.

Christian is a senior frontend developer at Kantega, and is highly enthusiastic about pixels and coffee. Ask him about React or the optimal way to brew a washed Kenyan coffee, and he’ll talk for days. Show more