Reimagine, Prototype & 

Build the Future of Meat

Food+Tech Connect, GRACE Communications and Applegate are bringing together technologists, entrepreneurs, creatives, policy experts, non-profit leaders and industry executives to develop technologies and tools that help democratize meat.

Over the course of the weekend, “steakholders” will work with teams and The Design Gym facilitators to rapidly prototype innovative solutions to business or consumer education challenges in the following areas:

Production:  Develop tools to help small- and medium-sized ranchers more efficiently and sustainably manage herds, process meat and sell direct to consumers or wholesale buyers.

Health:  Minimize or eliminate the use of antibiotics and improve animal health.

Processing: Design ways for processors to more easily demonstrate that they are complying with federal regulations, manage processing demand and access financing.

Distribution:  Streamline the process of selling “non-choice” cuts of meat, and improve the efficiency and financial viability of getting meat from farm to buyer.

Consumption:  Improve consumer insights research, education on the benefits of sustainable meat and empower informed consumption.

Learn more about the challenges on the event wiki. 

Join the #hackmeat conversation & follow @foodtechconnect for the latest  updates 

PRIZES 

A panel of VCs, technology thought-leaders, journalists and industry leaders will award cash prizes and business services to the top three winning hacks. Prizes are designed to help groups continue working with steakholders to actualize their prototypes.

1st Place: The winning team will receive $2,500 to complete their hack, as well as 1/2 day strategy session with 2-3 strategists from Purpose. The topics covered could include brand strategy, movement generation, designing to drive online action, driving participation, digital and online organizing.

2nd Place: The second place team will receive  a 1/2 day strategy session with 2-3 strategists from JWT. The topics covered could include brand strategy, movement generation, designing to drive online action, driving participation, digital and online organizing. The team will also receive a dinner for up to 8 people at Briskettown. 

3rd Place: The third place team will receive up to 8 day passes at GRIND.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS & PARTNERS

CONFIRMED JUDGES 

• Stephen McDonnell (Applegate)
• Hilary Mason (Bitly)
• Shai Goldman (500 Startups)
• Paul Matteucci (U.S. Venture Partners)
• Tom Mylan (The Meat Hook)

SCHEDULE

Friday, December 7: Kick-off Dinner

6:00  Registration and Networking
6:30  Welcoming remarks
7:00  Challenge brief presentations
8:00  Dinner with the “steakholders,” begin forming teams

Saturday, December 8

9:30    Registration and breakfast
10:00  Process Overview
10:45  Ideation and Q&A with "Steakholders"
1:30    Lunch 
2:30    Hacking
4:30    Office hours with technical, design and industry subject matter experts
7:30    Dinner 
1:00    Venue closes

Sunday, December 9

9:00    Breakfast and hacking
11:00  Office hours with technical, design and industry subject matter experts
12:00  Lunch
2:00    Pig Butchering Demo with Tom Mylan
4:00    End hacking
5:00    Product Pitches & Demos
6:30    Winners announced
6:45    Snacks and drinks

** Tickets are refundable with 24-hour notice