FOODSHOT #4
Water: The Essential Input
In this FoodShot, we consider the Water Cycle as a whole and seek innovations that protect water as an
essential limited
resource for both water and land-based food and agriculture. This FoodShot will also consider how water
cycles interact
with our previous FoodShots related to soil health, precision protein, and bioactive foods.
WHY WATER
Through water, the future of both our land and aquatic foods are inexorably linked. In a world that
recognizes water's
essential role in all forms of food production, it is critical to develop solutions that link water to
improved outcomes
on nutrient cycles, soil health, ecosystem sustainability, and human health.
Not only are we faced with the challenge of water scarcity for land-based agriculture due to climate change,
but
agricultural practices have permanently polluted our rivers and lakes, and in turn are creating massive
ocean dead
zones. Chemical and microplastic pollutants in the water have made their way through our entire food system.
Climate
change is disrupting the global water cycle patterns, simultaneously deepening droughts and intensifying
floods.
WATER SOLUTIONS
The democratization of nutrition is the next frontier of food. Protein — which is necessary
for all key human biological functions, including the musculo-skeletal system, the
circulatory system, the pituitary system, and our overall health — will play a critical
role in this evolution. The Precision Protein FoodShot looks at proteins, peptides, and
amino acids systemically and with heightened rigor in order to in order to build a protein
system that is more precisely attuned to human and planetary health, better aligns global
and regional supply and demand, increases accessibility, and decreases waste and
environmental damage. In this framework, a Precision Protein System activates science,
technology, investment and innovation to deliver the maximum benefits to humans and the
planet.
WATER
SOLUTIONS
This FoodShot will seek out solutions to address:
— Mitigating and adapting to the multiple threats of climate change on the water cycle as
related to food production
— Overuse and contamination of water that impacts food production, ecosystems, biodiversity, and
human health
— Disruptions to water cycles connecting land- and water-based systems
— Unsustainable aquatic food production (overfishing or damaging water-based farming)
— Equitable access to aquatic foods and wealth creation for indigenous and low-income coastal
communities that are especially
affected by climate change
[x]
BREAKTHROUGH ADVANCES IN EFFICIENT AGRICULTURAL WATER USE
ON LAND
- Breeding crops to increase tolerance to extreme precipitation events, including drought
resiliency, flood adaptation,
and exposure to salt water.
-
Water-smart intelligent agriculture that leverages remote sensing, machine learning, big
data, and artificial
intelligence to reduce water use and increase irrigation efficacy.
-
Waste to value technologies that repurpose wastewater and extract waste products for
agricultural uses that can reduce
the need for chemical and greenhouse-gas intensive inputs.
-
Improved management of freshwater flows and connections to other ecosystems.
NEXT >>
[x]
BREAKTHROUGH ADVANCES IN WILD-CAUGHT AND FARMED AQUATIC
FOODS
- Diversification of consumption patterns through shifts in consumer behavior and demand
towards sustainable aquatic
foods, and in particular, aquatic species that can grow without additional inputs such as
oysters, clams and seaweed.
-
Low-impact fish harvesting, including improvements in hardware to reduce damage and bycatch
during harvesting of
wild-caught fish, and novel technologies that can easily detect contaminants and support
traceability in blue foods.
-
Circular economies and regenerative aquaculture that incorporate fish into existing systems
and reduce waste of aquatic
foods
-
Better data collection of aquatic food systems and gathering data beyond production -
including processing, distribution
and retail - to better understand and gain insights into consumer needs and demand for
aquatic foods.
Indigenous and community-based fisheries and aquaculture.
NEXT >>
[x]
GOALS
ALIGNMENT WITH UNITED NATIONS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
Goal #2: End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable
agriculture
Goal #3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
Goal #6: Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
Goal #12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
Goal #13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
Goal #14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable
development
Goal #15: Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably
manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, and halt biodiversity
loss
FOODSHOT GLOBAL WILL EVALUATE AND ADVANCE EQUITY APPLICATIONS ON AN ONGOING BASIS TO ALIGN COMPANIES
SEEKING CAPITAL WITH OUR VENTURE PARTNERS.
01
We invite entrepreneurs, researchers, and advocates to submit their business, research, or policy
proposals
for funding consideration.
02
Submissions will be reviewed by food and agricultural systems experts who will provide
issue-specific
insights and vet applications for boldness, viability, and global impact.
03
Best-in-class candidates will be selected to receive equity and debt financing for their businesses.
04
A cash prize will be awarded to GroundBreakers — rising stars working in research,
early stage entrepreneurship, or advocacy.
