Start-Up Arena: Pitches and Exhibition Booths

1.30–2.10 pm

Genomics, Seeds & Soil Optimization

In this quick-fire showcase, we’ll look at bio, seed, and soil technologies enhancing crop varieties and their cultivation environment. In gene editing and breeding, we’ll explore the solutions advancing genetic testing, phenotyping, and predictive breeding. And in seed and soil technology, we’ll discover the latest in seed coatings, soil amendments, automated soil measurement, and soil health optimization.

Presenters:
Cecy Price, Co-Founder & CEO, BIOGRAPHICA
Ross Mulhall, Co-Founder & CSO, CROBIO
Matt Rosen, Founder & CEO, HAYSTACK AG
Kerin Law, Co-Founder & CSO, LEAFWORKS
Siddharth Jadhav, Founder & CEO, POLYBEE
Oded Ilan, CEO, RUMAFEED
Mohammad Asefi, Founder & CEO, TERRAWAVE
Yehuda Folberg, Business Development Manager, TIERRASPEC
Caecilia Potter, CEO,VENSOGROW
Etienne Vassiliadis, CEO, VIVAGRAN
Ross Hendron, Co-Founder & CEO, WILD BIOSCIENCE

2.10–2.40 pm

Seeds of Opportunity – Cultivating Innovation with AgTech Alliances: Strategic Partnerships and Investments Shaping the Future of Agriculture

Dive into an engaging panel discussion hosted by AgroStart by BASF featuring industry leaders from Leaps by Bayer, SP Ventures, BASF Venture Capital and SVG Venture | Thrive ! This session will explore the future of agriculture, AgTech and the role of corporate investments and partnerships. Hear more about the transformative power of partnerships and collaborations within Agriculture.

In this dynamic 30-minute session, Mika Eberl, Head of AgroStart and Digital Officer Agricultural Solutions North America (BASF), will lead four distinguished panelists — experts in venture capital and investments in AgTech startups — through a compelling exploration of how strategic partnerships and targeted investments are reshaping the future of agriculture. Attendees will gain valuable insights into how to get a foot in the door with corporates and investment funds, learning strategies to effectively position their innovations and attract the attention of key stakeholders. Discover how collaboration between corporations and startups is unlocking innovative solutions to address the most pressing challenges in the agricultural sector. Whether you are an investor, entrepreneur, or industry enthusiast, this panel promises to inspire and equip you with the insights needed to navigate the vibrant landscape of agricultural innovation. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with the thought leaders driving change in AgTech!

Host:
Mika Eberl, Head of AgroStart and Digital Officer – Agricultural Solutions NA , BASF

Speakers:
Paimun Amini, Senior Director, Venture Investments Agriculture, BAYER
Francisco Jardim, Managing Director, SP VENTURES
John Hartnett, Founder & CEO, SVG VENTURES THRIVE
Neal Okarter, Investment Manager, BASF Venture Capital, BASF

3.20–4.00 pm

Precision Agriculture, Automation & AI

Let’s talk agtech. In this rapid-fire start-up showcase, we’ll evaluate the most promising companies in robotics, automation, and data-driven agriculture. From planting, spraying and weeding to harvesting, you’ll hear from rising agtech stars revolutionizing precision agriculture through ML, AI, and GenAI.

Presenters:
Elad Levy, Co-Founder & CEO, AGRE.TECH
Erez Fait, Co-Founder & CEO, AGRINOZE
Jacob Ninio, CEO, AKSATA
Tom Zhang, CEO, DAXO INDUSTRIES
Nicholas Galluccio, Head of FP&A, DEEPAGRO
Elad Segal, Co-Founder & CEO, DRIFT SENSE
Murod Khusanov, Founder & CEO, GROWZ
Michael Abramov, CEO, KEYLABS.AI
Neil Jadhav, Co-Founder & CEO, MAP MY CROP
Daniel Lee, Co-Founder & CEO, NUMANAC
Sandeep Parthak, Co-Founder & CTO, REGENCROPS
Ruud Barth, CEO, SAIA AGROBOTICS
Jerzy Czepiel, CTO, SANUS.PRO

4.00–4.40 pm

Regenerative Agriculture: Driving Plant Science Innovation

As climate and economic challenges intensify, how can science and technology support agri-food innovation and resilience? Join exciting agtech companies from France as they discuss the most promising new solutions in plant science from biologicals and encapsulation technology to breeding.

Presenters:
Nicolas Kerfant, Director BU, CALYXIA
Jean-Marie Lecuyer, BCF LIFESCIENCES
Eran Kosover, VP Strategic Alliances, ELICIT PLANT
Jean-Eric Ponthou, Head of Sales and Business Development, HEMP IT
Pascal Bassols-Pot, Technical Sales Manager, COT INTERNATIONAL
Philippe Hervé, President & CEO, GREEN IMPULSE

4.40–5.10 pm

Maple Momentum – Meet Canada’s Rising AgTech Stars!

Listen to quick-fire pitches from eight of Canada’s best startups raising seed to series B! Check out the 2025 Canadian Technology Accelerator dealbook and meet them in-person at this exciting pitch session.

Host:
Emily Raab, Trade Commissioner, CANADIAN TECHNOLOGY ACCELERATOR – AGTECH

Presenters:
Arthur Chen, CEO, VERDI
Rob Hannam, CEO, FARM HEALTH GUARDIAN
Sean O’Connor, CEO, 4AG
Xavier Hebert-Couturier, CEO, PICKETA
Pascal Labrecque, CEO, SAMI AGTECH
Andrew Fenn, VP, Finance, SOMADETECT
Damilare Odumosu, CEO, CROPMIND
Jana Tian, CEO, UPSIDE ROBOTICS

10:00–10.30 am

Building Companies: From Biocontrol/Stimulants to Biomaterials

This session is geared towards individuals working in biocontrol/stimulants and biomaterials. Attendees will gain a better understanding of how biological products can be utilized by farmers, as well as potential pitfalls to commercialization. They will also learn how to overcome the complexity of biomaterial product creation and commercialization.

Host:
Frank Klemens, Managing Director, Generation Food Rural Partners, BIG IDEA VENTURES

Presenters:
Marc McConnaughey, CEO, BIOBOND ADHESIVES
Simon Hill, CEO, PLANTSUSTAIN

11:00–11.40 am

Supply Chains, Remote Sensing & Sustainability

For our grand final start-up showcase, we’ll shift our focus to supply chain transformation from farm to fork. You’ll hear from next gen remote sensing, data analytics, AI and ML, fintech, renewable energy, animal agtech, and post-harvest marketplace companies – each one of which could be the next agtech unicorn. We’ll explore the most promising solutions in precision agriculture, supply chain monitoring and reporting, sustainability assessment, risk management, agricultural finance, solar energy, methane reduction, and commodity distribution.

Presenters:
Jonathan Mitnik, CTO, AGSTACKED
Ketan Kaushish, Head of Operations & Strategy, CARBONSPACE
Mark Fleeton, Co-Founder, CLOUDSEEDAI
Matt Henry, Founder & CEO, EARTHMETRIC INNOVATIONS
Patrick McMillan, Co-Founder & CEO, LANDWISE ANALYTICA
Kosta Stavreas, CCO, RUMIN8
Benjamin Asiedu, CEO, TDX

11.40 am–12.20 pm

AI-Powered AgTech: Showcasing Decision Making Tools

AI technologies are advancing at a rapid rate. So, how are AI developments transforming agriculture? Join exciting agtech companies from France as they discuss AI-powered decision-making tools from digital marketplaces and crop monitoring to resource optimization and post-harvest management. Discover how AI is driving smarter, more efficient, and sustainable farming practices.

Presenters:
Benjamin Coatanea-Hubert, International Manager, JAVELOT
Morgane Marquet, Head of Strategic Projects, AGRYCO
Jérôme Le Roy, President and Founder, WEENAT
Louis Petit, Export Sales Representative, Canada & USA, DOWNS

2.30 pm–3.00 pm

Empowering Japanese Agri-Food Tech: THRIVE’s Global Impact and Harvest Horizons

Discover how the THRIVE Global Impact Challenge is driving innovation in agri-food tech and how you can get involved—whether as a startup or corporate partner. Plus, hear exclusive pitches from Towing, AC Planta, and EF Polymer, three cutting-edge Japanese AgTech startups shaping the future through the THRIVE | JETRO Harvest Horizons Program.

Host:
Danny O’Brien, Managing Director EMEA & Global Programs, SVG VENTURES|THRIVE

Presenters:
Kunihiro Shimoji (Kuni), COO, EF POLYMER
Koichiro Tachibana (Ko), Head of Business Development (Americas), AC-PLANTA
Shogo Okishio, Lead Overseas Business Development, TOWING