Agrifood Next: start-up, Artificial Intelligence and new investment models for the bioeconomy

The agrifood system today finds itself at the centre of a profound transformation, driven by the convergence of technological innovation, ecological transition and new business models. In this scenario, drivers such as artificial intelligence, innovative startups and new investment models are emerging as key factors in accelerating the concrete adoption of the bioeconomy and making agrifood supply chains more sustainable, resilient and competitive.
The conference 'Agrifood Next: startups, Artificial Intelligence and new investment models for the bioeconomy' aims to explore the opportunities offered by the innovation ecosystem applied to the agrifood sector, analysing the growing role of advanced digital technologies – in particular artificial intelligence – in natural resource management, the optimisation of production processes and the enhancement of agricultural and industrial supply chains.
A specific focus will be dedicated to the contribution of agrifood startups, which represent experimentation hubs capable of introducing disruptive solutions in strategic areas such as Precision farming, supply chain traceability, circular economy and waste reduction. At the same time, the conference will address the topic of new financial instruments and investment models – from venture capital to impact funds, through to public-private partnerships – necessary to raise the added value of the entire agrifood sector and foster the effective transfer of technology to the production system.
Through dialogue between agricultural enterprises, the food industry, research centres, investors and institutions, the event aims to outline strategies and development trajectories for an innovation ecosystem capable of strengthening the Italian and European bioeconomy, while promoting environmental sustainability, economic competitiveness and food security.

Session Chairs

Daniele Rossi, Vice President Cluster CL.A.N.
Donato Rotundo, Confagricoltura

Program

10.00 Greetings and introduction
Daniele Rossi, Vice President Cluster CL.A.N.
Fabio Fava, President Scientific Technical Committee Ecomondo

10.10 Session I – Framing presentations
Maurizio Notarfonso, Sustainable Agrifood Systems Division ENEA
Rosalinda Scalia, Directorate-General for Research and Innovation – European Commission
Marco Cristoforetti, Fondazione Bruno Kessler - FBK

11.10 Session II – Companies and start-ups
Introduction
Luigi Galimberti, To Seed

Case studies:
Verdiana Toma, You're Up srl società benefit
Cristina Lecchi, Moovet DXC srl società Benefit

12.10 Session III – Round table
Introduction and moderation:
Fabio Iraldo, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna di Pisa

Speakers:
Luca Brondello di Brondelli, Vice President Confagricoltura
Marcello De Nigris, President of the Young Entrepreneurs Federalimentare
Massimo Iannetta, Board Member ENEA
Francesco Buzzella, President of Federchimica