Technical Program

Available in June 2026

General Program - Preliminary

Download the preliminary General Program (PDF)

Sunday, July 19

Monday, July 20

• A 10-minute coffee break is scheduled midway through each technical session
• Technical session presentations follow a 10 + 2 minutes format

Tuesday, July 21

• A 10-minute coffee break is scheduled midway through each technical session
• Poster judging times will be announced

Wednesday, July 22

• School bus transportation will be provided for all site visits and tours

Technical Tour

Wednesday July 22, 8:30 am -12:30 pm

Canadian Light Source
POS Biosciences
Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre
CNH Canada
BlackFox Distillery

Tour description available soon.

Workshops

1. Introduction to Soil and Crop Modeling of Agriculture and Construction Equipment

Date: July 19, 2026
Time: 1-4 pm
Venue: USask Campus, 57 Campus Drive, Saskatoon

Organizers:
Dr. Martin Roberge and the Team of Soil and Crop Modeling (R & D), CNH Canada Ltd
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Adjunct Professor, Chemical & Biological Engineering, uSASK

Abstract:

This workshop features soil and crop modeling simulations and how they are used to accelerate the development of agricultural & construction equipment.

• Phase 1 will contain examples of applications using the following tools: Discrete-Element Method (DEM), Vehicle Dynamics (VD), Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), Model-Based Development (MBD), Real-Time Simulations and Digital Twin.
• Phase 2 will be a hands-on tutorial in the computer lab to show how to set up a DEM-based simulation, which will include a Physical Properties’ lab measurement.
• Phase 3 will focus on the critical steps of model validation, teaching participants how to quantify precision and correlate simulated data with physical reality.

This workshop is intended for beginners / engineers in the simulation world. Attendees will gain a better understanding of the virtual engineering lifecycle, from initial model setup to field-ready verification.

2. Advances in Bioenergy Recovery from Agricultural and Agro-Food Waste

Date: July 19, 2026
Time: 1-4 pm
Venue: USask Campus, 57 Campus Drive, Saskatoon

Organizers:
Dr. Sonil Nanda
Assistant Professor
Canada Research Chair (Tier 2) in “Clean Agricultural Technology and Energy”
Department of Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture
Dalhousie University
Truro, Nova Scotia, Canada
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Dr. Ajay K. Dalai
Distinguished Professor
Former Canada Research Chair (Tier 1) in “Bio-Energy and Environmentally Friendly Chemical Processing”
Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering
University of Saskatchewan
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Dr. Venkatesh Meda
Professor and Graduate Chair (BLE)
Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering
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Dr. Janusz A. Kozinski
Dean and Professor
Faculty of Engineering
Lakehead University
Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
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SYMPOSIUM OVERVIEW:

Canada produces significant amounts of agricultural and agro-food waste that are currently underutilized. These waste materials are rich in lignocellulosic and organic content, making them ideal feedstocks for conversion into biofuels using thermochemical, biological, and hydrothermal methods. Utilizing these resources could greatly enhance Canada’s renewable energy portfolio while reducing the environmental impacts associated with waste. This symposium aims to bring together researchers, industry professionals, policymakers, and innovators to explore the latest advancements in bioenergy recovery from agricultural and agro-food waste. With growing concerns about climate change, energy security, and sustainable waste management, this event will serve as a platform for discussing transformative technologies that convert agricultural and agro-food residues into advanced biofuels. Key topics related to thermochemical waste-to-energy technologies will include pyrolysis, gasification, and combustion of agro-waste, as well as the catalytic upgrading of bio-oils and the use of biochar for carbon capture, soil enhancement, and wastewater treatment. The symposium will also cover biological technologies, including anaerobic digestion and biogas production, as well as advancements in fermentation for bioethanol and biobutanol production. Hydrothermal processes, including hydrothermal liquefaction, carbonization, and supercritical water gasification, will be discussed, with a focus on optimizing reactor design to convert low-value agricultural and agro-food waste into high-value biofuels. Furthermore, the symposium will address interdisciplinary topics, including lifecycle and techno-economic analyses of biorefinery processes, policy and regulatory frameworks, and metrics for a circular bioeconomy and sustainability.

Objectives and Outcomes

This workshop aims to achieve several key objectives: (i) showcase recent advancements in bioenergy recovery technologies, (ii) foster interdisciplinary collaboration among academia, industry, and government, (iii) identify challenges and opportunities for scaling up sustainable bioenergy solutions in Canada, and (iv) promote knowledge exchange regarding policy frameworks, economic viability, and environmental impacts.
This will feature two invited keynote lectures, each by a leading academic and an industry expert. The target audiences for this event include (i) undergraduate and graduate students, researchers, and scholars in academia focused on bioenergy and environmental engineering, (ii) industry professionals in waste management and renewable energy, and (iii) government and policy stakeholders.
This event will provide an excellent networking opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students, research scholars, and leaders from academia and industry, fostering collaboration in the valorization of agricultural waste into biofuels.
Outcomes of the symposium will include (i) enhanced understanding of integrated bioenergy recovery systems, (ii) identification of research gaps and future directions, and (iii) strengthened partnerships across sectors.