Future Fields has been named one of 40 finalists for the annual South by Southwest (SXSW) pitch event, set to take place virtually on March 17-18. More than 500 companies applied to pitch across eight categories — selection is based on the technological innovation brought to each companies respective field.
“Our selection as a finalist in SXSW Pitch 2021 validates that we are on our way to becoming the global technology enabler for this next agricultural revolution from right here in Edmonton. The cost of cell growth media remains the biggest barrier to the commercialization of cellular agriculture, and our product is the key to unleashing this industry," said Lejjy Gafour, one of the three co-founders of Future Fields.
Future Fields co-founders Lejjy Gafour, Dr. Matthew Anderson-Baron, and Jalene Anderson-Baron. (Courtesy of Future Fields)
Future Fields will pitch in the Innovative World Technologies category. Other categories up for grabs include Artificial Intelligence, Robotics & Voice, Enterprise & Smart Data, Entertainment, Gaming & Content, Future of Work, Health, Wearables & Wellbeing, Smart Cities, Transportation & Logistics, and Social & Culture. The top overall project is also eligible for the Best in Show award.
Companies that have competed at the event in the past have a track record of success. According to SXSW, "out of the 553 companies that participated in SXSW Pitch from 2009 and 2019, over 80% have received funding, with combined funding in excess of $7.6 billion."
The winners of the 2021 iteration will be announced on March 18 at 2pm MST.