Come celebrate summer's bounty at the Forum, where in August we'll address "extended harvests." We will be exploring techniques, spaces and technologies that extend growing seasons, increase yield, increase opportunities for local food production and bring the harvest to new places and spaces. Mark your calendars now and please join us!

General Forum Info: The Springboard Social Innovation Forum offers a monthly event designed to support those interested in creating a better future. Our focus is to help practitioners or potential practitioners of social projects push beyond discussion and debate into action. Each Forum will inspire and teach with ideas, powerful role models, and stories. Speakers, content experts, panels, and workshops will help you improve your strategies for planning and launching effective social ventures. The Forum will create a context to connect, learn, and take action around ideas that lead to tangible change—all in a venue designed for building community.

This event is actually on the 4th of August! I double checked with the Hollywood Theater!

Drones, Big Data, and the Next Agricultural Revolution

Ryan M. Jenson, MS, mechanical engineer, CEO & Co-Founder, HoneyComb Corporation

Aerial robotics and agriculture aren’t usually associated with one another, at least not yet. However, agriculture is projected to become the largest adopter of drone technology−surpassing all other use cases. To understand the transformation from military to the farm you need to understand the technology, its disruptive nature, and the intricacies of precision agriculture. In this talk Ryan Jenson will discuss drone-based applications, why they’re a game changer, and how drones will become a ubiquitous tool on the farm and in everyday life.

Ryan is CEO & co-founder of HoneyComb Corporation which specializes in the development and application of drone technology and data services for precision agriculture. He has led HoneyComb to the forefront of the emerging space and is widely considered to be an expert in the technology, capabilities, and its global impact on agriculture. Over the past decade Ryan has played a key strategic and technology role across a range of projects with the USDA, Department of Energy, National Science Foundation, Department of Defense, British Royal Navy, NASA and Fortune 500 companies. His experience encompasses agriculture, big data, remote sensing, aerospace systems, and software to name a few. Ryan holds a master’s degree in mechanical engineering; along with a bachelor’s degree and minor in electrical engineering that he received at age 19. Today his name appears on over 30 publications & presentations and he routinely advises on business strategy, disruptive technology, and leadership.

Science Pub Portland – Hollywood Theatre is a monthly event open to all ages. No RSVP or scientific background required. Just bring your curiosity, sense of humor, and appetite for food, drinks, and knowledge! $5.00 suggested cover charge. Tell your friends. We hope to see you there!

Questions? E-mail [email protected]