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COFFEE FUELS IDEAS FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE AT #HACKOFFEETHON2017

Announcement posted by Greta Donaldson Publicity 20 Sep 2017

Thought leaders from the coffee and tech industries will focus their minds on solving challenges in the coffee industry during the first ever Griffiths Bros #hackoffeethon2017 in Melbourne in October.

Described as “a meeting of like-minded peeps who want to explore how technology can have a profound and positive impact on the coffee industry”, the two-day event will be held at the Eastern Innovation Business Centre in Mulgrave on October 13 and 14.

 

It will enable roasters, baristas, retailers and others in the coffee industry to connect and collaborate with thinkers in the tech scene as they explore how technology can be used to address challenges and opportunities in the industry.

 

“As well as introducing and connecting participants, #hackoffeethon2017 will put our industry on a pathway to finding solutions to sustainability challenges by developing ideas that participants can explore after the event is over,” the managing director of Griffiths Bros Coffee Roasters, Peter Patisteas, said.


“We believe better application and a greater willingness to embrace technology across our industry can bring about positive sustainable change in both the short and long-term. Plus, it will be a kick-ass experience for everyone who attends! 


The chief executive officer of the Eastern Innovation Business Centre, Danielle Storey, said #hackoffeethon2017 would appeal to a range of participants including start-ups from the tech industry, developers, coders, designers and hackathon enthusiasts, baristas, café owners and operators, coffee experts, students and academics. 


“There are thousands of talented thinkers across the Australian start-up scene. We’d like to begin connecting with them and become a supporting presence that goes beyond their next cup of coffee,” Ms Storey said.  “Coffee has fueled many a brilliant idea but the industry faces challenges and it’s time for some fresh eyes.


Following a theme of sustainability throughout the coffee lifecycle – from plantation to transport to roaster to cafes to the consumer – #hackoffeethon2017 will seek solutions to a range of industry challenges.


For example, as consumption rises year on year, farmers in coffee-growing regions around the equator have been hit with the perfect-storm, unseasonably and increasingly warm and dry weather, increased levels of pests and disease and higher prices for fertiliser have hit their crops hard - can a tech driven solution create a more sustainable coffee ecosystem? Is it possible to produce carbon-neutral coffee and what does the solution look like? And how can the industry reduce or eliminate waste by finding alternative, or sustainable uses for coffee by-products.


Teams of up to six participants will compete to come up with the most innovative ideas at #hackoffeethon2017, with judges awarding prizes including; a year’s supply of free coffee and a barista masterclass to the winning team valued at $3,000. There is also a Kickstarter team bank account up for grabs valued at $1,500, alternative brew kits (Chemex, V60 Pourover, Cold Brew) – includes filter paper, scales and of course coffee to get you brewing valued at $1,300; and a dinner for six people at Kisumé restaurant (private dining available) valued at $1,000.


For further information please visit www.hackoffeethon.com.au or http://www.griffithscoffee.com.au