Empowering Innovation in agritech: main highlights from the agrifoodTEF's webinar
20 December 2024
Empowering Innovation in agritech
On 18 December 2024, agrifoodTEF launched its inaugural webinar, "Empowering AI & Robotics in agritech: leveraging Testing & Experimentation Facilities for agricultural innovation" an informative event in its journey to advance innovation in the agrifood sector. The webinar, that attracted more than 80 participants from 24 countries, brought together stakeholders including researchers, SMEs, technology providers, and policymakers.
Setting the Stage for AI and Robotics in Agriculture
Moderated by Gohar Isakhanyan (Wageningen University & Research), the session began with an inspiring introduction from Giulia Carsaniga (AI Office, European Commission). She presented the EU’s vision for AI innovation and the pivotal role of Testing and Experimentation Facilities (TEFs) in fostering technological advancements in agriculture. Carsaniga highlighted how TEFs, like agrifoodTEF, are designed to accelerate the deployment of AI and robotics solutions that address real-world challenges in farming.
Key Objectives of agrifoodTEF
Raffaele Giaffreda (Fondazione Bruno Kessler), agrifoodTEF’s coordinator, delivered an insightful presentation on the project’s mission and objectives. He emphasised the importance of offering a comprehensive framework that supports SMEs and start-ups through:
- Access to state-of-the-art facilities and real-world testing environments.
- Expertise in AI, robotics, and agronomy to enhance technological readiness.
- Guidance on compliance with European regulations to ensure trustworthy and efficient solutions.
Giaffreda also stressed the collaborative aspect of agrifoodTEF, highlighting the role of its nine European nodes in tailoring services to local and cross-border stakeholders.
Insights from Node Leaders
A highlight of the webinar was the panel discussion featuring experts from Austria, Belgium, and Italy. The panellists provided practical guidance for SMEs and start-ups on:
- Navigating funding opportunities to support innovation projects.
- Understanding the requirements for accessing agrifoodTEF services.
- Leveraging agrifoodTEF’s resources to improve technological solutions.
The discussion also addressed the role of regional nodes in supporting agritech innovation at the local level while fostering collaboration across Europe.
Engaging with the audience
The session concluded with an interactive Q&A segment, where participants posed questions on topics such as:
- Funding mechanisms for accessing agrifoodTEF services.
- Opportunities for cross-border collaboration among agritech stakeholders.
Future plans for expanding the TEF network to include new services and regions.
Interested in cooperating with agrifoodTEF?
Are you an SME, start-up, or industrial player in the agritech sector? Or perhaps a farmer interested in adopting digital solutions but unsure where to begin or how to access financial support? Reach out to us to explore the opportunities agrifoodTEF has to offer.