F3 INNOVATE

F3 Innovate is the nation’s hub for climate-smart agrifood technology and engineering.

F3 Innovate empowers the
next generation of agrifood technology leaders through internships and experiential learning, preparing them for the jobs of today, and the agrifood technology careers of tomorrow.

F3 Innovate develops university-industry research for the growers and communities who need it most. This organization serves as a vital nexus, bridging the gap between cutting-edge university research and the practical needs of growers and communities. By fostering collaborative partnerships among researchers from Fresno State, UC Ag and Natural Resources, and the University of California, Merced, F3 Innovate delivers engineering and entrepreneurial solutions to the entire food system, improving the food security of the nation.

The strengths lie in the diversity of specialty crops, the knowledge of food and farming, and university problem-solving on agriculture’s tech-transition: AI, automation, mechanization, climate adaptation and carbon storage, water-energy efficiency and irrigation technologies. By commercializing F3 inventions, F3 Innovate fuels new ventures and job creation in the Central Valley. The people who work in Central Valley agriculture have unique technical knowledge to support a transition to high-tech, high-quality food production.

Deliverables & Outcomes

Industry Leadership
and Global Identity

100 dues-paying members to participate in research and development (R&D)
Annual R&D agenda vetted by industry & small farmers
Program agreements with 3 global cluster hubs in adjacent industries
1 trade and 1 R&D exchange per year
Communication channels grow audiences by 15%
Conferences and convenings for industry showcases biennially

Promote the region as the globally recognized leader in climate-smart agrifood technology through conferences, an industry association, publications, and international trade and reverse trade missions.

Innovation &
Commercialization

Inventory of innovation assets (labs, test farms, research facilities, AgTEC Innovation Centers, training programs, researchers by area, projects).
25 industry-engaged R&D projects generating $2.5m additional investment
24 university-driven R&D projects
Commercialization process for new technologies with 10 new patent or copyright filings
Outreach to 25 agrifood-tech investors

University-industry-community partnerships and technology commercialization that fosters an innovation ecosystem in the region and generates startups and business expansion.

Talent Pipeline Coordination

Career exploration, internships and fellowships for 300 K-14 and 6 university students.
Conduct outreach to underserved communities and small farmers in entrepreneurship and access to agtech

Bring industry to the table to partner with student development programs.

F3 Innovate 501(c)3

To meet the needs of the region, F3 Innovate included a dedicated non-profit organization to support entrepreneurs, advance commercialization, build up the innovation ecosystem, and catalyze research collaborations while training the next generation of ag-tech leaders. Research units at UC Merced and CSU Fresno are the commercialization arm conducting critical research for the future of the global food system.

With an aim to develop programming around these core entrepreneurship and workforce areas, F3 Innovate, a 501(c)3, launched in June 2023. Through collaboration with partner organizations, the Board of Directors has accomplished establishing values and is building staffing and infrastructure.

Board of Directors

Ashley Swearengin, CVCF, Chair
Debbie Astone, Fresno State, Vice Chair
Glenda Humiston, UC ANR, Secretary
Juan Muñoz, UC Merced, Treasurer
Luis Elizondo, Board Member
Rachael O’Brien, CDFA, Board Member
Eddie Ocampo, Board Member
Drew Ketelson, Board Member
Maria Olide, Board Member
Danna Stroud, Go Biz, Board Member

F3 Innovate Staff

Priscilla Koepke
Chief Executive Officer

Priscilla brings over 15 years of diverse experience in technology, innovation, strategic planning, and global policy. As the founding CEO of F3 Innovate, she leads the organization’s mission to advance climate-smart agrifood technology and drive economic growth in California’s Central Valley.

F3 Innovate is open for business!

We are seeking research, industry and workforce partners for our 501(c)3 commercialization non-profit. We are dedicated to fostering collaboration and advancing the agrifood industry.

For more information, visit f3innovate.org.