The Seam, a leading provider of agribusiness software and trading solutions, recently announced a partnership with Memphis-based educational organization, Tech901, to connect I.T. students to career opportunities in their field, and to develop a collaborative effort between the agriculture and technology industries.
“As a part of our initiative to bring blockchain to the commodities market, The Seam is constantly searching for new talent in technology, including software architects, technical writers, quality assurance specialists, programmers and business analysts,” said Chairman and CEO, Mark Pryor. “The digital cotton supply chain and agricultural technology are beginning to require more from the I.T. industry, and The Seam is eager to invest in up-and-coming tech professionals.”
Tech901 began as a school-age technology club, and eventually received funding to expand into a certification program, as a result of the growing need of tech professionals throughout the Greater Memphis area. Through foundational courses in networking, data security, coding and web development software, the organization has crafted a hands-on program for students to transition seamlessly from their education to their career. By the end of their time at Tech901, students have earned a CompTIA certificate, and are among the most qualified candidates for tech positions throughout the Midsouth.
Pryor recently met with Executive Director of Tech901, Robert Montague, and Lead Instructor, Briahna Chambers, to discuss partnership opportunities, which led to a facility visit with current students. Pryor was able to share about the role of blockchain in the cotton supply chain, in addition to many other technological advancements in agriculture.
Students were also able to meet with various staff at The Seam to discuss future employment and mentorship opportunities.“There is a growing need for creative digital solutions in commodities trading,” said Pryor. “And when those of us in agriculture partner with future leaders in technology, entire industries begin to evolve into global, sustainable business models.”
The Seam was founded by leading global agribusiness companies and specializes in commodity trading and management systems. In December 2000, it began operating the world’s first completely online, anonymous exchange for cotton trading. Since that time, the company has leveraged its software and application development expertise in agriculture to expand into other commodity segments, including peanuts, grains and dairy.
The Seam is a proven leader in the agritech space, having cleared or processed more than $8 billion through its platforms, and recently launched an innovative business intelligence tool for peanut producers and handlers. For more information, visit www.theseam.com.
Tech901 was founded in 2015 by community development and business leaders with a goal of training a Memphis workforce to meet local I.T. hiring needs. Together, they crafted a plan to facilitate I.T. business growth in Memphis by recruiting, training, and developing a pipeline to place semi-skilled and skilled workers in open positions. Tech901’s unique structure pre-tests applicants for aptitude and alleviates common impediments to success (training, cost, program length, and location). Today, highly qualified Tech901 grads are filling employers’ needs for a trained I.T. workforce. To learn more, visit Tech901.org.