What’s Our Next Joint Effort in the EU AgriFoodTech Startup Ecosystem? 

The session opens with a presentation by David Blivin, deeptech investor at Cottonwood Technology Fund and author of ‘Crossing the Cactus’, joined by co-author Alain le Loux. Drawing from the book’s core insights, David outlines the key challenges and success factors for scaling AgriFoodTech ventures from early stage to global impact.

Building on this foundation, the session takes a broader look at how Europe can shape the next decade of AgriFoodTech innovation. Speakers explore how lessons from the Dutch ecosystem and emerging collaborations with global venture builders such as Flagship Pioneering can inform a stronger European strategy. Topics include the opportunities in green biotechnology and agri-food robotics, the decline of risk capital and growing talent constraints, and what is needed to strengthen venture building, early-stage financing and entrepreneurial leadership across the EU.

Moderated by Rens de Jong