Celebration of AgTech: Summit Brings Together Thought Leaders Across the Value Chain of Ag
AgTech Innovation Summit returns for Sixth Year in Virtual Format
Champaign — The most innovative minds in agtech will convene virtually Wednesday, March 10 for the sixth annual AgTech Innovation Summit hosted by the University of Illinois Research Park and presented by Bayer.
The free event features a lineup of panels, fireside chats and presentations, with a unique mix of industry thought leaders, agtech investors, academics, growers/producers, and startups to provide a well-rounded perspective on the future of AgTech.
Attendees will explore how technology solutions are addressing some of the most significant challenges facing agriculture today, including sustainability, profitability, supply chain, carbon markets, data and more.
“We look forward to the days when conference guests can visit the agtech hub of Champaign-Urbana again, but the virtual format facilitates engagement with even more industry leaders,” said Laura Frerichs, executive director of the University of Illinois Research Park. “What started as a regional conference has grown into an event that attracts participants not only nationally, but from around the world.”
Highlights of the agenda include fireside chats with GROWMARK CEO Jim Spradlin and Corteva Chief Technology Officer Sam Eathington, both talking live with Dean Kimberlee Kidwell of the College of ACES; Genective President & CEO Linda Jing talking about disruption; AGCO Senior Vice President Seth Crawford discussing precision agriculture and connectivity ; and Julian Sanchez, John Deere’s Director of Emerging Technology talking about his career path to agtech.
Annual favorite panels return, including those featuring growers/producers, investors, and agtech entrepreneurs. New panel topics include regenerative agriculture and carbon markets.
Another new panel highlights the connectivity between agtech and agrifood innovation, centralized in Chicago.
Networking remains a key component of the event. Despite the virtual environment, the AgTech Summit offers opportunities to connect with other conference participants with an AgTech Networking night Tuesday, March 9 at 5 pm. The evening will feature startup pitches, engaging discussions, and meaningful connections.
The generous sponsors who make the AgTech Summit possible include Bayer, John Deere, Genective, Moore & Warner Ag Group, and Kin + Carta.
The AgTech Innovation Summit is programmed by the University of Illinois Research Park in partnership with the Office of Corporate Relations and the College of ACES.
Registration is available online HERE.
About the Research Park at the University of Illinois
The Research Park at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is a technology hub for startup companies and corporate research and development operations. Within the Research Park there are 120 companies employing students and full-time technology professionals. More information at researchpark.illinois.edu. Find the Research Park on Twitter at @UIResearchPark.