Preview: AgTech Nexus Europe, Dublin

When and what is it on?
Our AgTech Nexus Europe (www.agtechnexus.com) is taking place in Dublin, 7 December 2018 at the Convention Centre Dublin. The event, which is presented by Global AgInvesting, brings together an international group of investors, agribusiness executives, agtech entrepreneurs and farmers for an intensive look at agricultural technologies being developed and deployed in the EU and around the world. Speakers will address how agtech start-ups can: help farmers improve environmental performance while increasing productivity sustainably; use technology to improve animal health & nutrition; and address labour issues through robotics and machine learning.

Along with key networking opportunities, a highlight of the day will be a selection of promising agtech entrepreneurs offering a direct look at tomorrow’s agtech solutions and areas for investment.

How many years has it been going?
This is the second annual event in Dublin, with the first being held in December 2017. We also host a US version of the event, which will be in its fourth year in 2019. The location is yet to be determined but last year we were in Boston, and we were in San Francisco the previous two years.

What was the inspiration to start it?
With Brexit looming, Ireland is poised to be a beachhead to entry for international tech companies to set up headquarters in Europe. The Irish government is striving to make the country an agtech hub, as evidenced by ISIF’s investment into Finistere Ventures’ €20 million Ireland AgTech Fund (IAF) in September of 2017. Kieran Furlong, an Ireland Native who is heading up the IAF for Finistere, says: “All the ingredients are here – a long-standing, export-oriented Agri-Food industry; world-leading research at Irish universities and institutions such as Teagasc; and, of course, the thriving IT, biopharma and medtech sectors. AgTech is essentially the combination of all of these, so we see great potential for start-ups here.”

We have worked with Finistere Ventures for many years, and were happy to partner with them to bring this new event to the European market.

What exciting things can people look forward to?
Along with our high profile keynotes from Commissioner Phil Hogan and Bayer’s Liam Condon, a highlight of the day will be a selection of promising agtech entrepreneurs offering a direct look at tomorrow’s agtech solutions and areas for investment.

What opportunities are on offer for those attending?
There will be a welcome reception on the evening of the 6th, as well as over four hours of dedicated networking time on the day of the event. The blend of investors, entrepreneurs, producers, and potential partners will provide a marketplace for fundraising, potential partnerships, new customers, and fresh ideas.

Who will be speaking?
Our keynote speaker is Phil Hogan, the EU Commissioner of Agriculture and Rural Development, and our featured speaker is Liam Condon, President of the Crop Science Division at Bayer AG. Other speakers include: Arama Kukutai of Finistere Ventures, Cathal Fitzgerald of the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund, Tom Kelly of the Innovation and Competitiveness Enterprise Ireland, and Mitchell Presser of Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer. See the full list of speakers here.

How can people book tickets / when does it usually sell out?
People can register at www.agtechnexus.com.

Discounted Passes are available for early-stage agtech companies, strategic / agribusiness players and producers, and some government and academic organizations. Contact Kate Westfall at kwestfall@globalaginvesting.com for details.