Nestled within the sprawling campus of Purdue University, the Digital Innovation in Agri-food Systems Laboratory (DIAL) is at the forefront of a revolution that is reimagining the world’s food and agriculture systems. With its venture studio model, DIAL aims to nurture startups and innovations that are poised to disrupt the agri-food sector.
Connecting the Dots in a Fragmented Industry
Agri-food systems are intricate, with countless players involved in the production, transportation, and delivery of food. Consumers are becoming more discerning about their food choices, seeking transparency and sustainability. DIAL’s mission to improve connectivity and strengthen food and agriculture systems couldn’t be more timely.
By creating connections across a fragmented agri-food ecosystem, DIAL delivers digital innovation and fosters new businesses that address specific industry needs, ultimately providing consumers with access to healthy, affordable, sustainable, and transparent food.
Industry-Centric Approach
Traditionally, academia has been more focused on theory and basic research. DIAL, however, takes a fresh, industry-centric approach. This involves a swift translation of discoveries into innovations that are market-ready and fulfill industry requirements. Purdue University, renowned for its agricultural heritage, is uniquely equipped to combine industry, technology, faculty expertise, and institutional assets to realize this vision.
The Fellowship Program
Central to DIAL’s operation is its annual cohort of fellows. Drawn from diverse backgrounds spanning various industries and technologies, these individuals are the human engines driving digital innovation. Through DIAL’s process, fellows generate groundbreaking ideas, engage with agricultural industry partners, and launch their startups.
DIAL Fellows receive go-to-market assistance, research support to define markets and understand customer needs, narrative development, sales pipeline improvement, and pitching support. In addition, DIAL connects them with industry experts, investors, policy specialists, and other entrepreneurs.
Meet the Team
Allan Gray, the Executive Director, provides strategic direction for market research and new venture development. He works with DIAL Fellows to pinpoint industry challenges and assists them in creating startups that bring digital innovations to the industry.
Tim Dixon, the Senior Director of Innovation Talent and New Ventures, recruits and coaches DIAL Fellows. He is also instrumental in engaging investors to fund DIAL and its startup companies.
Ben Van Nostran, the Senior Director of Business Development and New Ventures, creates partnerships across the food value chain with industry and venture capital clientele, and leads DIAL’s market research program on digital innovation in the agri-food system.
Lourival Monaco, a Postdoctoral Research Associate, focuses on competitive intelligence, framework construction, and strategic planning in agribusiness.
A New Dawn for Agri-food
DIAL’s work is an ambitious and comprehensive approach to fostering innovation in the agri-food sector. By bridging the gap between academia, industry, and entrepreneurship, and by supporting entrepreneurs, DIAL is seeding the future of agri-food with digital innovation.
With a focus on creating high-value startups, enhancing transparency, traceability, efficiency, resiliency, and food safety across the food system, DIAL is not just growing crops – it’s cultivating the future.
For more information on the Digital Innovation in Agri-food Systems Laboratory (DIAL) at Purdue University, visit DIAL’s website.