Doors Open & Registration

Welcome by Stephanie Regnanon

Introduction by head organizer of Agtech Disruption, Stephanie Regnanon.

Opening Keynote – Ploughing a New Furrow with WashU’s Food and Agriculture Research Mission

The intersection of agriculture and public health is more critical than ever, and the newly established Food and Agriculture Research Mission (FARM) at WashU seeks to redefine what’s possible for the future of food. As the inaugural director of FARM, Dr. Morven McLean will share how this initiative will tackle urgent challenges—from climate-driven crop failures to malnutrition—through a groundbreaking, interdisciplinary approach imbedded in WashU’s new School of Public Health. Recognizing that transformative innovations arise from unusual ideas, Dr. McLean will share FARM’s commitment to ensuring that farmers and other food system stakeholders will actively inform FARM’s research agenda. Join this session to learn how St. Louis’ thriving agtech ecosystem, with FARM as its newest member, continues to drive local, regional and global impact.

Transition Break

Startup World Cup - Agtech / Foodtech

Five of St. Louis’ most promising Agtech and Foodtech startups take the stage to compete for a chance to advance to the Startup World Cup, the world’s largest startup pitch competition. Join us for high-energy pitches showcasing groundbreaking innovations in agriculture, sustainability, and food systems—where one winning startup will move one step closer to the global finals and a $1 million investment prize!

BioSTL: A 2025 Refresh to the STL Bioscience & Ag Strategy

St. Louis continues to strengthen its position as a global leader in bioscience and Agtech innovation. In this session, Justin Raymundo of BioSTL will provide an update on the region’s refresh strategy for advancing biosciences and agricultural technology. From new research initiatives and startup acceleration to international partnerships and investment trends, this presentation will highlight key developments shaping the future of St. Louis’ innovation ecosystem. Don’t miss this insider’s look at what’s next for bioscience and ag growth in the region!

Catered Lunch

STL to the World! And the World to STL - A Panel

St. Louis has become a global hub for Agtech innovation, driving cross-border collaborations and attracting international startups, research partnerships, and investment into the region. This panel will explore the rapid growth of Agtech programs in St. Louis, highlighting how local industry leaders, accelerators, and trade organizations are forging global connections that position the region as a key player in the future of agriculture. Join experts from the World Trade Center, Bayer, Yield Lab Institute, and 39 North as they discuss how St. Louis is not only exporting innovation to the world but also creating an environment that welcomes international Agtech leaders to scale and thrive. Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, or industry professional, this conversation will provide valuable insights into the expanding global footprint of St. Louis Agtech.

Transition Break

Coffee & Cookies in the Café

Food Security on the Frontlines - A Panel

Food security is one of the most pressing challenges of our time, requiring bold innovation at the intersection of agriculture, technology, and community resilience. This panel brings together leaders working on the frontlines of food security, from geospatial-driven research and urban agriculture to community-driven nutrition initiatives. Join Rachel Opitz (Taylor Geospatial Institute / Food Security Challenge), Amy Funk (Jackie Joyner-Kersee Food, Ag, and Nutrition Center), and General John Michel (Food is Love & Currency is Caring) as they explore cutting-edge strategies to combat food insecurity in St. Louis and beyond. The discussion will cover the role of technology in food system resilience, the power of community-driven solutions, and how collaboration across sectors is essential for ensuring regional food access. Whether you’re in Agtech, sustainability, or policy, this panel will offer powerful insights into how we can collectively build a more food-secure future.

STL's 'Unfair' Advantages in AgTech (Panel)

Discover why St. Louis offers an "unfair" advantage for agtech startups in this dynamic session led by Dr. Rishi Masalia, Progam Director at 39 North, featuring an overview of the region’s unmatched assets—from strategic proximity to industry concentration. Rishi will then moderate a insightful panel discussion with Dr. Stephanie Gamez of Agragene, Inc. and Dr. George Worrall of Deep Grain, as they share firsthand how the St. Louis ecosystem has accelerated their companies' growth.

Closing Keynote - Geospatial Intelligence in Agriculture: 40 Years of Remote Sensing Innovation

Over the past 40 years, remote sensing technology has transformed from grainy satellite images to high-resolution, AI-powered analytics that drive real-time decision-making in agriculture. This session, led by SIUE GeoMARC and the Center for Predictive Analytics (C-PAN), will take attendees on a visual journey through the remarkable advancements in geospatial technology—from early Landsat missions to today’s sophisticated UAVs, hyperspectral imaging, and machine learning-driven insights. Through compelling case studies and high-impact visuals, GEOMarc will explore how satellite and airborne remote sensing have revolutionized crop monitoring, soil health assessments, water resource management, and climate adaptation strategies. As agricultural data volume skyrockets, we now stand at a crossroads: How do we extract the most meaningful insights from these massive datasets? The briefing will conclude with a discussion on the urgent need for new analytical approaches to harness the full potential of agtech data, setting the stage for CPAN to introduce emerging methods in predictive analytics and AI-driven decision-making.

Agtech Reception

Beer, Sodas, and Heavy Appetizers available in the Café