By Blake Jackson
Soilless agriculture is gaining modern food production, offering innovative approaches that support sustainability and research.
Technologies such as hydroponics, where plants grow in nutrient-rich water, and aquaponics, which combines plant cultivation with fish production, are gaining momentum as viable alternatives to traditional farming.
Kentucky State University is gathering these advancements during the inaugural DARE-KY AgTech Symposium today, April 21, 2026, at the Harold R. Benson Research and Demonstration Farm in Frankfort.
The event will gather researchers, students, educators, industry representatives, and community members to explore the future of agricultural technology and soilless farming systems in Kentucky.
The symposium is part of the DARE-KY initiative-Driving AgTech Research and Education in Kentucky-which aims to strengthen innovation, education, and workforce development in this growing field.
Led by Kentucky State University, the initiative also involves collaboration with Bluegrass Community and Technical College, the University of Pikeville, Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation, and FoodChain Inc.
Together, these partners are working to advance applied research and provide educational opportunities aligned with the university’s land-grant mission.
“This symposium is designed to bring together the people, ideas, and partnerships needed to help advance soilless agriculture in Kentucky,” said Dr. Avinash Tope, principal investigator for DARE-KY and associate dean and associate professor of human nutrition and food safety at Kentucky State University.
“Hydroponic and aquaponic systems hold real promise not only for innovation in food production, but also for environmental sustainability, student learning, and workforce preparation. DARE-KY is helping build that momentum through research, education, and collaboration.”
The initiative is supported by a $7 million National Science Foundation grant, the largest in the university’s history, helping to expand research capabilities and strengthen partnerships.
Students attending the symposium can participate in a proposal development workshop led by the Kentucky Science and Engineering Foundation. Selected proposals may receive up to $5,000 in funding to support innovative agricultural technology research projects.
Photo Credit: pexels-patrick-jennings
Categories: Kentucky, Crops, Education