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
SOLUTIONS
GOALS
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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 >>
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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.

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We invite entrepreneurs, researchers, and advocates to submit their business, research, or policy proposals for funding consideration.
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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.
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Best-in-class candidates will be selected to receive equity and debt financing for their businesses.
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A cash prize will be awarded to GroundBreakers — rising stars working in research, early stage entrepreneurship, or advocacy.