Canadian Agri-Food Automation and Intelligence Network (CAAIN)
CEO
Darrell Petras studied Agriculture sciences with a specialization in Economics at the University of Alberta. It turned out to be the perfect mix for a young person who as fresh off the Viking, Alberta, family farm who had interests in agriculture and technology wotjh a penchant for business.
His early career set him up for long-term success as he came under the influence of exceptional professionals who mentored him in the world of entrepreneurship and steeped him in the processes and rigour required to build a technology company from the ground up while protecting and benefiting from its core intellectual property:
Ideation - Lab - Minimally Viable Product - Startup - Market (all while focused on the customer)
Not satisfied to sit on the sidelines and only watch others benefit from his guidance, Darrell has walked the talk, co-launching or purchasing successful enterprises himself over the years.
His experience in, and passion for, business and agriculture make him an ideal CEO for CAAIN with its focus on supporting the development of Canadian agtech and encouraging the growth of SMEs that are the lifeblood of our nation’s economy. Because of his background, Darrell believes he has a responsibility to help fast-track the adoption of the agri-food innovation needed to ensure food security domestically and internationally.
Darrell can be reached at darrell.petras@caain.ca.