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Champaign — A unique blend of industry leaders, investors, academics, growers/producers, and startups will convene for the seventh annual AgTech Innovation Summit on Wednesday, March 9, hosted by the University of Illinois Research Park. This daylong, free conference includes speakers across each one of those areas who contribute to advancements in agtech. This year’s event features in-depth conversations designed to extract ideas from multiple thought leaders. Attendees will explore how technology solutions are addressing some of the most significant challenges and opportunities facing agriculture today, including investment in startups, supply chain, carbon, workforce, and more. “We are thrilled to welcome our conference guests back to Champaign-Urbana,” said Laura Appenzeller, executive director of the University of Illinois Research Park. “This is a location that has cemented its place in the history of agriculture innovation like few others. More significantly, it has agtech at the heart of its future.” What started as a regional conference has grown into an event that attracts participants nationally and globally. Registrants hail from 26 states as well as representatives from other countries. The event will be held Although the conference is in-person this year, a livestream will be available via Research Park’s YouTube channel. Some highlights of the agenda include fireside chats with: Chris Harbourt, Chief Strategy Officer of Indigo Ag, discussing carbon markets; Tami Craig Schilling, North America Knowledge Transfer Lead, discussing her career journey into agtech; Tim Hassinger, CEO of IntelinAir, discussing the company’s growth from EnterpriseWorks startup graduate; Aaron Rudberg, Managing Director and COO of S2G Ventures, discussing agtech investment trends. The generous sponsors who make the AgTech Summit possible include John Deere, World Business Chicago, AGCO, Bayer, Corteva AgriScience, ADM, Cargill,  Sikich LLP, and the Center for Digital Agriculture. 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. 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 researchpark5.wpenginepowered.com. Find the Research Park on Twitter at @UIResearchPark.

CHAMPAIGN, IL – The annual Champaign-Urbana AgTech Week, presented by Champaign County Economic Development Corporation, University of Illinois Research Park, and You’re Welcome CU, will return for its third event in 2022 with both in-person and virtual events.  The five-day event, March 7-11, celebrates Champaign-Urbana’s robust AgTech ecosystem, including the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Parkland College, corporate innovation partners, startups, state-of-the-art facilities, student organizations, local ag companies, the Illinois AgTech Accelerator, and more. “As one of the nation’s premier AgTech hubs, Champaign-Urbana is uniquely positioned to convene entrepreneurs, investors, academics, and industry leaders for learning and networking, which results in more connectivity across this sector,” said Laura Bleill, Director of External Engagement at University of Illinois Research Park. Participating organizations include Champaign County Economic Development Corporation, University of Illinois Research Park, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Serra Ventures, Parkland College, Illinois AgTech Accelerator, Integrated Bioprocessing Research Laboratory (IBRL), Early College and Career Academy (ECCA), UIUC’s College of Aces and Corporate Relations, gener8tor, and many others. The schedule of events includes: Women in AgTech Panel Integrated Bioprocessing Research Laboratory (IBRL) – One-on-One Tours & Meetings AgTech Student Career Mixer AgTech Innovation Summit Parkland College AgTech Showcase Lunch & Learn: How to Get Involved in the Illinois AgTech Accelerator “Parkland College is pleased to contribute to and support the vibrant AgTech ecosystem in Champaign-Urbana,” said Stephanie Stuart, Vice President for Communications and External Affairs for Parkland College and Champaign County Economic Development Corporation Board Chair. “Working in partnership with the EDC and the University of Illinois, Parkland College’s Midwest Center for Precision Agriculture supports the needs of industry and local growers by providing the most innovative community college curriculum in the region. Whether students arrive from the family farm or urban center, they will gain hands-on experiences in the field and on the latest equipment in our programs. We look forward to showcasing the next generation of ag workforce training as part of next week’s celebration.” Champaign-Urbana has long been a hub for technology as well as agriculture. In the past decade, those two paths have converged, paving the way for the community to become an “epicenter for AgTech.” “Champaign County comprises approximately 1,000 square miles, the majority of which are involved in agriculture,” said Carly McCrory-McKay, Executive Director at Champaign County Economic Development Corporation. “With resources like the College of ACES, Parkland College, direct access to large grower networks, and access to incredible talent, it’s no wonder companies like John Deere, AGCO, Cargill, Nutrien, and many others choose to locate here – and why companies start here. We look forward to celebrating our AgTech industry next week and working with our many community partners to further advance Champaign-Urbana as a premier AgTech destination.” The full schedule of events can be found online at www.cuagtechweek.com. Registration is required at many events, but all are free to attend.