Dienstag / Tuesday, 08.10.2024

12:15 - 13:15 | LUNCH BREAK

Science + Industry

Plant science is at the heart of Vertical Farming, so the technology should be always built around biology and not vice versa. In this program pillar the focus is on the newest insights of science and in how far technology reflects this. Technological advancements will be presented in a panel followed by a discussion on how more synergies between research and industry can be achieved.

14:40 - 15:00 COFFEE BREAK

Mittwoch / Wednesday, 09.10.2024

Business Development + Investment

This pillar will highlight pathways for growth and innovation in vertical farming by examining successful business models and investment strategies. We will start in this pillar with the question “Why are investors attracted to food tech and what do they expect?” Investors will share their experience as well as their goals as entrepreneurs. We will also learn how a new VF system was developed to finally reach commercial production levels and how important it was to find the right partners.

In our first AVF Startup challenge we provide a stage for 10 entrepreneurs to pitch and get valuable feedback from experts. Our highlevel jury comes from science, industry and investment and will choose the two best pitches for the award.

12:00 - 13:00   LUNCH BREAK

15:00 - 15:30  NETWORKING COFFEE

Special Topics

In this pillar we acknowledge the multidisciplinary approach CEA needs to reach the best and maximum yields with as little input as possible. In algae production we have already reached an advanced level. The technology of cold plasma is an innovation that has this potential, as well as automation and sensing topics presented in this pillar. But we also present how Vertical Farming can be part of Africa's agricultural production in the future.