First annual event at Benson Farm will highlight hydroponics, aquaponics, and the
growing Kentucky State University-led initiative
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Soilless agriculture is opening new possibilities for food production,
sustainability, and applied research. From hydroponic systems, in which plants grow
in nutrient-rich water, to aquaponic systems, which pair plant production with aquaculture,
the field is helping reshape how food can be grown and studied. Kentucky State University
will spotlight that work at the first annual DARE-KY AgTech Symposium on Tuesday,
April 21, 2026, at the Harold R. Benson Research and Demonstration Farm in Frankfort.
The symposium will bring together researchers, educators, students, industry partners,
and community stakeholders for a day focused on AgTech innovation and the future of
soilless agriculture in the Commonwealth.
DARE-KY, or Driving AgTech Research and Education in Kentucky, is a Kentucky State
University-led initiative focused on strengthening research, education, and workforce
development related to soilless food systems. The effort also reflects the University’s
land-grant mission, linking applied research, education, and outreach in support of
agriculture and workforce development across Kentucky. Project partners include Bluegrass
Community and Technical College, the University of Pikeville, Kentucky Science and
Technology Corporation, and FoodChain Inc.
“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 award, the
largest NSF grant in Kentucky State University history. That investment is helping
expand research capacity, educational opportunity, and cross-sector collaboration
in an area of growing importance to agriculture and food systems.
A Pre-Symposium Grant Writing Workshop will be held on April 20, 2026, at 1 p.m. This
workshop is open to undergraduate and graduate students who have a research idea related
to agricultural technology. Partners from the Kentucky Science and Engineering Foundation
(KSEF) will lead a proposal development session to guide students in developing a
research proposal for a DARE-KY-funded Research Award.
Selected student proposals may receive up to $5,000 to support implementation of their
research ideas. Students interested in participating in the workshop can register
at:
https://kysu.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6FZZV1a7PHksVPo
Additional information on the symposium and the NSF grant is available at kysu.edu/dare-ky. The symposium is free, but registration is required at dareky.org.
