This session focuses on advanced automation in plant and pest monitoring. We will discuss Plantalyzer, a tomato monitoring robot for harvest forecasting, automated seedling root quality inspection in tissue culture, and automated pest species detection in greenhouses. These technologies enable scalable, efficient monitoring for improved crop management.

Innovations in crop intelligence: From the roots to crop yields

Aneesh Chauhan is a senior computer vision and robotics scientist whose career bridges academia and industry. He earned an M.Sc. in Autonomous Systems from the University of Exeter, United Kingdom, in 2004, and a Ph.D. in Informatics and Robotics from the University of Aveiro, Portugal, in 2014. After his doctorate he held post-doctoral positions on embodied robotics at Aveiro and in the Aerial Robotics Laboratory of Universidad Politécnica de Madrid. Since 2017 he has been a Senior Scientist at Wageningen Food and Biobased Research in the Netherlands, where he leads projects that deploy artificial intelligence to tackle labour shortages, enable autonomous agri-food production, and monitor biodiversity. His research blends computer vision, machine and deep learning, human–robot interaction, and natural language processing to create robots that perceive, reason, and collaborate. Current applications under his oversight include greenhouse scouting robots, AI-enabled quality inspection for food products, and vision and sound based large-scale ecological observation. His overarching goal is to advance sustainable, human-and-planet centric technology that secures resilient food systems for future generations everywhere.

Sr. Researcher

Alexander Wilm is a Principal Engineer for Light and Life at ams OSRAM, working in the System Solution Engineering Department in Regensburg. He joined OSRAM in 2004 after graduating from the University of Applied Sciences in Regensburg with a diploma in Mechatronic Engineering.
Alexander began his career focusing on optics and system design for LED headlamps, flashlights, and projectors. His expertise broadened during a two-year assignment in Singapore, where he served as an Application Engineer and Key Expert for solid-state lighting products, covering light quality properties and the non-visual effects of light related to life sciences.
He is actively involved in several expert associations for lighting, driving innovation in solid-state lighting. Alexander also played a key role in transitioning from conventional light sources to LEDs in horticulture lighting applications, establishing himself as a recognized expert in this field. In his current position, he focuses on the application of upcoming UV-C LEDs for disinfection and treatment across various applications, driving the replacement of conventional mercury lamps.

Senior Principal Engineer

Lead data science for robotics

Learn to grow! 
Beanstalk stimulates the growth and development of people and organizations within the horticulture sector. We create an inspiring learning environment for all who work in our beautiful sector. A place to explore and develop talents, where your company is supported to evolve towards a future-proof (self-learning) organization.

Trainer

Connecting people and organisations, address sustainability challenges, facilitate cross-disciplinary collaborations and find innovative solutions is my passion.  Connect business partners with the well-known knowledge institute Wageningen Plant Research in order to enforece collaboration and making it possible that knowledge and innovative ideas finds its way to the market and vice versa

Program Manager

Alberto López is a Systems Engineer at Agritecture Consulting, where he advises on optimizing operations and energy performance for Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) facilities. With an MSc in Biosystems Engineering from Wageningen University and previous experience managing operations at GROWx’s vertical farm in Amsterdam, Alberto has extensive hands-on expertise in greenhouse and vertical farm design, climate control, and energy efficiency.
Throughout his career, Alberto has worked on cutting-edge projects including climate adaptation studies in Costa Rica, vertical farming system analyses with the German Aerospace Center (DLR), and plant selection methodologies for space missions. His deep technical knowledge, combined with practical industry experience, equips him to help growers innovate and improve sustainability and profitability in CEA ventures.

Systems Engineer

Research-driven art and design collective working in the realm of social dreaming and world-making. Our projects engage with the nonhuman: animals, objects, ecology, technology, and the spectres between and beyond categories.
We see nonsense as an antidote to “common sense” – embracing paradoxical stories to explore the ethical and metaphysical layers of our relationship with the (nonhuman) world. We create contradictory scenarios & propositions in which we appropriate ideas from fields such as science, computing, law and mythology. Our projects take various forms - interactive installations, workshops, short films, public sculptures, campaigns, chatbots and books. 
We enjoy curiosity, cherish compassion, and recognize that separating the human from the nonhuman is nonsense.

Artist

Technology Creator. Cannabis Veteran. Helping People Grow.
Jay is a dedicated and passionate leader in the cannabis industry with over 25 years of experience. As a pioneer in cannabis production and post-harvest technology, Jay has devoted his career to elevating the industry by developing innovative solutions and empowering the people who make it thrive. His journey has allowed him to work closely with small craft growers to collaborating with the largest commercial producers around the world. Jay's unrivaled expertise in cannabis production, particularly in post-harvest processing, has made him a sought-after resource for those looking to optimize their operations and maximize their success. As the CEO of Keirton, Jay oversees a company that is at the forefront of cannabis processing technology. Keirton's cutting-edge equipment is deployed globally, processing millions of pounds of cannabis each year and contributing to the industry's rapid growth. Jay's deep experience and knowledge grant him a unique and valuable perspective, set him apart as a true visionary in the cannabis space. With his unwavering commitment to cultivating people and technology, Jay continues to drive the industry forward, helping shape the future of cannabis. Connect with Jay to gain invaluable insights and learn from a seasoned expert who's always ready to share his wisdom and passion.

Founder and CEO

My name is Max van den Hemel. I am working as a Cultivation Engineer within Team Delphy Digital. My focus is on high-tech greenhouse vegetables and I bridge the three domains in digitalisation: green knowledge, data science and software development.

Specialist data-driven growing

The team Rootzone Dynamics from Wageningen University & Research BU Greenhouse Horticulture focuses on investigating processes around the plant roots and in the irrigation system. Research topics: alternative growing media, microbiology, belowground phytopathology, water quality, fertigation and virology. My personal focus has been on the application of water technology to achieve a zero-emission cultivation system with optimal recirculation water quality: prevent distribution of diseases via water, removal of plant protection products from discharge water, optimization of filtration and selective ion removal. Focus is on finding technologies that have specific effects on water quality, without inhibiting plant productivity, for example for prevention of biofilm formation in irrigation lines. The role of water composition and treatment on the rootzone microbiology is another topic that still requires a lot of attention.

Team lead Rootzone Dynamics

Maarten Ameye obtained his PhD at Ghent University in 2017. He focused on the use of innovative ways of protecting plants against fungal pathogens. In his post-doc at Ghent University, he spearheaded the deployment of multispectral phenotyping in plant-pathogen interactions.
From 2021 he started working as research leader at Inagro of the research cluster Controlled Environment Agriculture. He is responsible for setting out the short and long term research objectives and strategy. Special focus is paid on ensuring a sustainable primary production through circular economy, efficient use of resources and smart technologies in greenhouses. His group is involved in several regional, and international projects connecting fundamental science partners with farmers. Using science-based insights to safeguard horticulture production for the future is the mission of his group.

Research Coordinator Controlled Enviroment Agriculture

Egon Janssen is Manager Greenhouse horticulture at TNO. In this function he is a broker between innovation needs of growers, suppliers and TNO’s experts. The main drivers of Egon Janssen are a broad interest in technology, the ability of making connections between people and a lot of enthusiasm. After finishing his Msc Structural engineering in 1998 he started his career at TNO. Remarkable projects are Greenhouse of the future, presented on the Floriade 2002, the development of a Food production unit for use on MARS (2004) and the development of energy indicators to reduce energy use of greenhouses. In 2004 he formed the greenhouse horticulture team within TNO, combining all relevant technologies (greenhouse structure, water technology, energy, light, CO2, ICT, Robotics and logistics). To make an easy entry to the knowledge of TNO he founded the Fieldlab greenhouse horticulture in 2007. This facility, nowadays known as World Horti Centre is a marketplace for innovation where growers, suppliers and TNO meet and discuss innovations. In greenhouse units new technologies are demonstrated on small scale, where after research and development projects are started. In 2017 he started a strategic partnership with Hortivation. TNO is developing new knowledge and transfers this to the companies associated with Hortivation.

cluster manager High Tech Greenhouses

Joseph began his career in 2012 in instrumentation and controls engineering, using sensors and PLC systems to control auxilary systems in semi-conductor manufacturing. In 2019, he returned to university to study biosystems engineering at Wageningen University and Research. Since graduation he has worked at Wageningen research modelling water flows through soil to reduce emission of water, nutrients, and PPPs into the environment; optimizing fertilization to accomodate dynamic recirculation throughout the crop cycle; and, since 2023, using biochar as a cultivation susbtrate in greenhouse trials at the WR Glastuinbouw research station in Bleiswijk. Joseph brings a fresh perspective into the horticultural industry and has an eye for both what is possible and what is practical.

Researcher - Rootzone Dynamics and Sensing

Co-founder and CEO of UK and US based crop genetics platform, Phytoform. A passionate crop geneticist with an unshakeabe belief that improving the genetics of the crops we eat and use can make a more sustainable food system.

Senior Manager - Strategic Development

Simone is the chairman of the Union of coffeeshop retailers in the Netherlands, kandidate for the European Parlement and working at the national and international level to advance regulation of cannabis and to professionalize the emerging industry. She is ons of the key figures who advocates on the legalization on a European level.

Voorzitter

Rudolf de Vetten is Chief Product Officer and co-founder of Blue Radix. Blue Radix controls climate & irrigation in greenhouses with AI. Based on the goals and strategy of the grower, Blue Radix helps growers to produce more with less resources. Many growers have embraced this solution in the past years, winning back control and time. Rudolf de Vetten is responsible for the product strategy, data science development and HR. With a strong track record in business and product development, he has realized succesful data driven innovations in the horticulture market. Solid background in the field of software development, project management and energy technology.

Chief Product Officer

Johanna Bac-Molenaar became biologist, because she is fascinated by the living world around here in which each creature has its own role and place due to adaptations and interactions. During her studies in biology and in her PhD research, she specialized in the study of plants and their interaction with the environment. She currently works as a 'Plant Health' researcher at the Greenhouse Horticulture business unit of Wageningen University and Research, on the design and testing of resilient and sustainable cultivation systems. Her research aims to minimize pesticide use and to work more and more circular. As a specialist in strawberry cultivation, she likes to see the cultivation cycle (propagation, nursery and production) as one interconnected system for which integral solution work best.

Researcher Plant Health

Carlo van de Weijer has a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the TU Eindhoven and a PhD degree with honors from TU in Graz. He carries a broad experience in the automotive industry with a.o. executive positions at Siemens and TomTom. Currently he is managing director of the newly founded Eindhoven AI System Institute EAISI at Eindhoven University of Technology, Fellow for future of mobility and transport within the Deloitte Center for the Edge and Fellow for AI at Silicon Valley’s Singularity University. He advises ministries and industries around the world on the future of mobility and is member of the supervisory board of several high-tech companies, investments firms and start-ups. Furthermore, he is a regular columnist in a leading Dutch national newspaper.

General Manager Eindhoven AI Systems Institute

Alana is an experienced researcher and practitioner in indoor urban agriculture, with a specialist focus on Technologically Controlled Environment Agriculture (TCEA). With a background spanning academia, applied research, and public engagement, she brings a multidisciplinary approach to food system innovation that bridges science, sustainability, and social impact. Her current work centres on developing equitable and low-emission food production systems through vertical farming and other TCEA technologies, exploring their role in reshaping urban food environments and improving access to nutritious produce.
Alana has played a leading role in designing and running experimental growing systems, including nutrient optimisation trials and circular economy models within indoor farms. Her academic expertise includes greenhouse gas emissions mapping, socio-technical systems analysis, and community-led research. She has contributed to UKRI-funded projects, collaborated internationally, and delivered public engagement programmes that connect science to local communities, schools, and policy stakeholders.
Alana combines strong skills with a deep understanding of the environmental and social innovation dimensions of urban agriculture. She is passionate about using innovation to build healthier, more resilient food systems and continues to contribute to academic publications, stakeholder workshops, and translational research that informs policy and practice.

Tom Webster is the Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder at award-winning vertical farming business, GrowUp Farms. 
Since 2013, Tom has worked with Co-Founder Kate Hofman to take the concept of vertical farming from a small unit in London to a huge vertical farm in Kent, UK. GrowUp is a certified B Corp, using 100% renewable energy to produce their salads, which are distributed through major UK retailers such as Tesco, Iceland, and SPAR.
As Chief Technology Officer, Tom leads on plant science, data, and optimisation of our state-of-the-art controlled environment production systems that grow tasty, ready-to-eat leafy greens with minimal environmental impact.
In 2017, Tom was featured in the Forbes 30 under 30 list for his work addressing some of the fundamental flaws in the agricultural systems in a way that contributes to a more sustainable society.

Alexander van Tuyll has been working at Wageningen University & Research’s Business Unit Greenhouse Horticulture for nearly four years, with a background in biosystems engineering. His research explores circular greenhouse horticulture. This is also the topic of his ongoing PhD. Nutrients, CO2 and renewable growing media are the focus of his current projects.

Researcher in Circular Greenhouse Horticulture

Chief Executive Officer

My main interest is finding sustainable solutions to tackle today’s challenges in plant health. For this, after a journey through Latin America, USA, Asia and Europe I joined Wageningen University & Research as part of the Plant Health Group. Here,  we focus on developing production strategies that enhance plant resilience, including optimizing greenhouse conditions, improving hygiene, strengthening the standing army of beneficial organisms, and promoting positive plant-plant interactions.

Researcher

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<div>My name is Frans Goud. Grower at BASF / Nunhems. I have been working in horticulture since I was 16. Started working and learning at a cucumber nursery. Here I grew into a manager. After more than 20 years, I started working as an assistant cultivation manager at a tomato nursery. And for the last 8 years I have been working at BASF/Nunhems as (senior technician) cultivation manager tomato / cucumber. For the past 6 years, we at Nunhems have been closely involved in data-driven growing and we have been using the new Intelligent Algorithms in the IIVO climate computer.</div>
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Senior Technician

Jelte van Kammen is de algemeen directeur van Harvest House, een toonaangevende coöperatie van Nederlandse telers van tomaten, paprika’s en komkommers. De bevlogen telers produceren op een innovatieve en duurzame manier vruchtgroenten van hoge kwaliteit. Op elk punt in de keten maken we duurzame keuzes.
Jelte is daarnaast bestuurslid van FVO en staat bekend als een verbinder en aanjager binnen de sector om de uitdagingen in de glastuinbouw aan te gaan. Samenwerking en innovatie zijn sleutelwoorden. Hij is betrokken bij initiatieven als Stop the Foodfight, Coalition of the Willing en trekker van projecten zoals 100% Groen Geteeld en True Value. Deze zijn allemaal gericht op duurzame teeltmethoden en het bredere verhaal van de glastuinbouw.

Managing Director of Plantanova and Horticonnect.
 Plantanova is a young vegetable plant Nursery where technology and talent meet to raise high performance plants.
Horticonnect NL is a consortium of Dutch companies providing technology, services and knowledge, linking the Dutch possibilities with the Mexican vibrant horticultural sector.

Managing Director

Professor

Passion, commitment, and responsibility in their work, with a strategic vision through innovation as a differentiating element to improve products and processes in companies and organizations. A lover of challenges and long-term vision, moving forward with firm and steady steps

General Director

Founder & CEO

For the past 20 years Jorik Bremer MSc, has been on the forefront of industry disruptions and operated in the centre of new technological advances. Having worked at large companies (e.g Microsoft) and founding several technology startups his focus has been on the agricultural industry for many years. Backed by Google R&D Jorik launched the world's first purpose-built industry cloud for agriculture in the EMEA region for India based Cropin. As a director he currently oversees international growth at Hudson River Biotechnology, a CRISPR gene editing company based out of Wageningen the Netherlands.

Director Sales

Roel Janssen is the head of Business Development  at Planet Farms, a technology company that builds and operates fully autonomous vertical farms at scale. Before devoting his work full-time to Planet Farms Roel spent 13 years at Signify (previously known as Philips Lighting), where he was the Global Director for City Farming. In his years at Signify Roel became an industry expert in the field of vertical farming and has been invited to speak and share his views all around the globe. He was also a guest lecturer at the HAS University of Applied Science in the Netherlands. Roel graduated Business Administration in Eindhoven, where he still lives with his wife and 2 kids. Next to growing plants in a sustainable way Roel has a great passion for wine, which resulted in a WSET 3 certification.

Head of Business Development

Wendy Walrabenstein is an economist, registered dietitian, and health researcher. After 15 years in the international financial sector as a banker, she made a bold career switch by starting from scratch with a degree in Nutrition and Dietetics. She went on to earn her PhD with groundbreaking research on the impact of a lifestyle program, focusing on plant-based nutrition, physical activity, relaxation, and sleep, on chronic diseases. She co-founded Plants for Health, where she currently serves as CEO. This organization offers science-based lifestyle programs for individuals with or without chronic conditions, as well as for organizations seeking to boost employee well-being. Wendy is also co-founder of the Physicians Association for Nutrition Netherlands and vice-chair of Physicians Association for Nutrition International.

Owner

Mexx Holweg is a researcher specializing in controlled-environment agriculture and plant physiology. Currently he is achieving his PhD in Horticulture and Product Physiology at Wageningen University & Research. His doctoral work focused on the photobiology of medicinal cannabis, with particular emphasis on the effects of light intensity, spectral composition, and air temperature on plant morphology, photosynthesis, and the accumulation of pharmaceutical compounds.
Holweg’s research integrates morphological, physiological, and metabolic analyses to better understand how environmental parameters can optimize crop performance and secondary metabolite production. He has collaborated with both academic and industry partners to advance knowledge in cannabis cultivation under controlled conditions.

PhD Researcher

Eva Helén is a co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer at Brave Industries, Inc.  BRAVE offers turnkey integrated energy solutions to unlock industrial development. Previously Ms. Helén held board positions at TERALOGX Technologies, and tech companies Vasion, and Sanbolic. A successful entrepreneur, Ms. Helén founded EQ Inspiration in 2017; Sanbolic in 2000, an enterprise software company, acquired by Citrix in 2015; and Number One GM which was acquired by Autodesk. Ms. Helén is the author of "Women in Tech, a Book for Guys." She was born in Sweden, and holds a Master’s degree in Business from the University of Stockholm.

Cofounder & CCO

Researcher Greenhouse Technology

Born and raised in the heart of the Dutch Westland, Renko Schuil has been immersed in fresh food production from an early age. His career in the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) industry spans over two decades, during which he has gained extensive expertise across various facets of the sector. From hardware and growing systems to climate control, lighting, logistics, and automation, Renko has developed a comprehensive understanding of the intricate relationships between these key components. His broad experience enables him to take a holistic approach, helping growers and industry leaders optimize their operations with innovative solutions.
Renko is now representing TTA-ISO as Sales Manager Food. At TTA-ISO, ‘Food’ refers to all edible and medicinal crops grown in controlled environments, from high-tech greenhouses to fully enclosed vertical farms. With a strong focus on plant handling and processing, TTA-ISO applies its 25+ years of expertise in robotics and automation to develop turnkey solutions that improve efficiency and consistency in indoor farming.

Sales Manager Food

Grower Success Manager and Business Developer at Growficient, helping licensed cannabis cultivators worldwide enhance their irrigation strategies with wireless substrate sensors, an innovative online platform and tailored consultancy. - By optimizing irrigation and fostering a deeper understanding of holistic growing practices, I empower growers to achieve better yields, improved product quality, cost-efficiency, and sustainable water use.  - I drive business development efforts, focusing on expanding Growficient' presence in the US and EU cannabis markets. - My passion lies in leveraging technological innovation and product integration to elevate the cannabis industry, and advocate for the recognition this incredible plant deserves.

Grower Success Manager / BD

Prof Harrison is the Managing Director of the Plant Sciences Group, which comprises approximately 1400 staff split across 20 chair groups in Wageningen University and 8 Business Units within Wageningen Plant Research. In the Netherlands he is a member of the Top Team Tuinbouw en Uitgangsmaterialen, representing all Dutch Knowledge Insitutes . He provides strategic oversight of several programme boards for large regional and national initiatives on behalf of Wageningen U&R.  He is an honorary  professor at the University of Birmingham,UK. 
Previously he was an executive Director at NIAB (UK) with overall responsibility for NIAB’s portfolio of arable genetics, pathology, biotechnology, data science and crop characterisation. Alongside that he led NIAB’s contribution to the Crop Science Centre, the alliance between the University of Cambridge and NIAB, designed to bridge the gap between discovery science and societal impact. This alliance has received significant philanthropic support and rapidly established its position in the national innovation landscape. Prior to his role in Cambridge, he worked at East Malling as head of genetics, where he specialised in horticultural genetics and genomics of fruit crops.  
Prof Harrison has a PhD in evolutionary systems biology. His research group has worked to understand the evolution and genetic basis of complex traits, such as interactions between plants and microbes. Outputs have included scientific knowledge, tools, techniques and products to underpin the sustainable development of the agricultural, horticultural and food industries, using both breeding and biotechnology solutions. His group was among the first to implement gene editing techniques in key horticultural crops and in fungi used for alternative protein production. Through collaborative work with industrial partners, he and his team have delivered disease resistance traits into multiple commercial breeding programmes, as well as having initiated new public-private breeding programmes funded by global partners.

Managing Director Plant Science Group

Marcus Comaschi is the founder and CEO of GyroPlant, a UK-based company advancing next-generation plant cultivation in Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA), smart at-home hydroponics, and space-based plant research by eliminating traditional single-use substrates. Under Marcus’s leadership, GyroPlant develops clean, reusable, and waste-free substrate technology that enables resilient, future-ready food production systems. Over the past three years, GyroPlant’s novel silicone rubber seed cups have been integrated into more than 125 international R&D projects, supporting a wide range of crops-from peas and strawberries to eucalyptus saplings. Trusted by hydroponic growers and research institutions worldwide, Marcus has also forged collaborations with leading companies such as Dole UK to accelerate sustainable, substrate-free cultivation in both hybrid and indoor plant cultivation systems.

Rien Kamman is CEO and Co-Founder of Source.ag, leading the company’s global mission to empower fruit and vegetable growers with AI. Since 2020, he has driven Source.ag’s expansion and vision to make high-tech, efficient greenhouse farming accessible and scalable worldwide.

CEO & Co-founder

Niko Simos is an Operations Associate at Agritecture Consulting, specializing in vertical farming, project management, and sustainable food systems development. With a background in agricultural sciences from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and an ongoing MSc in Land, Water, Energy Resources, and Rural Environment Management, Niko brings a strong foundation in CEA research and practice. His research includes studying yield optimization for leafy greens under innovative vertical farming systems with artificial lighting.
At Agritecture, Niko manages daily operations across marketing, consulting, and business development, supporting strategic partnerships and delivering CEA workshops globally. His industry publications focus on advancing vertical farming practices, and he is passionate about leveraging technology and collaboration to create resilient food systems for the future.

Operations Associate

Starting at Logiqs in 1989 in the field of software and controls I moved to designing growing systems in 2009. Combining innovative logistic, climate and irrigation systems to best grow plants is my passion. In the past years this led to various innovations, such as Bench precise irrigation, climate and light, 2D shuttles that drive through the greenhouse , or vertical farm, to take care of logistics. Lately most focus goes to creating a very homogeneous climate near the leaves of the plants. This allows for higher humidity that can speed up growth a lot and at the same time reduce the energy use.

Ryan brings more than 30 years of hands-on experience in the cannabis and horitculture industry. A second-generation cultivator and two-time Cannabis Cup winner, he has consulted with commercial cultivation operations worldwide. Ryan has held board positions with organizations such as the NCIA, RII, and Grow Up, and is a familiar face on the global speaking circuit with appearances at events like MJBizCon, Grow Up Conference, Cultivate, the Canadian Greenhouse Conference, and Greentech.
Before joining Cultiwool, Ryan worked with a leading LED lighting company, offering technical cultivation support not only for cannabis but also for a range of other crops including tomatoes, leafy greens, and ornamentals. Outside the grow room, Ryan is a passionate home brewer and was recently named the 2024 Front Range Circuit Homebrewer of the Year.

North America Technical Sales Manager

Passionate about plant physiology and modelling. I leverage my expertise to further evolve the domain of digital twins in decision support and autonomous growing. Reach out if you would like to get in touch on greentech.

WR Onderzoeker

I work for Boerenbond, the biggest farmers association in Belgium. My function is research coördinator and teamcoach of Team Climate and Technology. My team consists of 15 employees who support farmers in making their agricultural and horticultural businesses more sustainable. We work on themes such as soil, circular economy, digital innovation, emissions, energy, innovation processes, climate, alternative crops and water. We achieve this by stimulating innovation in agriculture and horticulture; we represent the interests of agriculture and horticulture; we support our members through training and networking activities; we take action to improve social acceptance for the agricultural sector and we provide high-quality advice​ to members.

Research Coördinator and teamcoach of team climate & technology

Co-founder and Director of LettUs Grow. Current operational role as Chief Scientific Officer, focused on strategic partnerships, projects and academic collaborations.
LettUs Grow is an horticultural technology provider based in Bristol, UK. We design & build aeroponic technology & control software for glasshouse and vertical farming facilities; boosting performance across a triple bottom line. We believe careful innovation in agriculture can make the world a better place. 
Our Aeroponic Rolling Benches are designed for simple integration into automation systems, enabling existing glasshouse or vertical growers with hydroponic bench systems to easily upgrade (in full or part) to a higher performance irrigation system.
Our DROP&GROW container farms can be bought to aid trialing aeroponics anywhere, all year round.

Chief Scientific Officer & Co Founder

Been working for Wageningen University and Research for 3 years now as a practical researcher in planthealth for Dutch greenhouse crops.

Technisch Onderzoeker Gewasgezondheid

Ned’s 15 years in horticulture have been paved with enormous passion for growing plants. It has been an ongoing journey - from managing tree nursery production in the continental climate of Bosnia to overseeing high-tech vegetable production in the Omani desert. These experiences have been both rewarding and uplifting. Without neglecting his main passion—growing—he has developed into a consultant in the substrate industry, drawing inspiration from the stunning Nordic landscapes. His passion lies in helping fellow growers optimize their crop performance by analysing crop data sets and selecting the ideal growing media solutions. In recent years, he has focused his energy on helping growers transition smoothly into the future and begin learning about the new generation of growing media. From North American leafy greens and ornamental growers to Chinese blueberry growers in Yunnan, he does his best to help them choose the optimal substrate solution and make the most of their crop resources.

Director, Portfolio Management

Gonçalo is a Robotics Engineer who started his journey as a researcher at the Institute of Systems and Robotics at the University of Coimbra, Portugal. Afterwards he became the CTO, and later CEO of CoolFarm, a cloud-based, AI software company that developed control systems for indoor farming. He is currently the CEO of Periplo Innovation and Head of Software and Robotics at PlanetFarms.

Head of Software and Robotics

Ben Nikaj is a highly accomplished Senior Crop Advisor at Grodan, leading provider of root zone management solutions for professional horticulture. With an impressive career spanning over 22 years, Ben supports vegetable and medicinal crop growers worldwide in optimizing their irrigation strategies and cultivation methods. Ben’s focus is on sustainable and efficient solutions to enhance plant performance and product quality. Ben’s unparalleled expertise plays a pivotal role in advancing innovative substrates and cultivation techniques.

Senior Crop Advisor Medicinal Plants

Jef is an independent consultant for legal cannabis growers. As six-sigma greenbelt he improves and shapes business processes. For the scale-up that legal growers are he helps selecting and implementing the most fitting solutions for Seed-to-sale, post-harvest and Track and Trace. He writes regularly for <a href="https://cannabisindustrie.nl/author/jefmartens" target="_blank">cannabisindustrie.nl</a> about the Dutch Experiment impact, medicinal cannabis and Germany.

Analyst

Mr. Quade Digweed, P.Eng is a greenhouse engineer employed by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC). Since 2018, he has worked at AAFC on varied projects, covering greenhouse microclimate monitoring systems, smart LED lighting, implementation of autonomous greenhouse controls, and development of renewable energy controlled environment production systems in Canada’s Arctic.

Greenhouse Engineer

Joost holds a Master's degree in Biosystems Engineering from Wageningen University. With a strong technical background, he specializes in developing strawberry cultivation planning and management software at Delphy. Joost leverages his expertise to create data-driven solutions that enable growers to improve their cultivation practices.

Cultivation Engineer Soft Fruit

Soil scientist and grower turned technology developer with a passion for agriculture, food, and food production.
Experience working across controlled environment agriculture firstly as a user of innovation and technology and now a leader in digitising and innovating in agriculture.
Takes great enjoyment working across multi-disciplinary teams amongst software, hardware bringing what the user needs to the forefront

With a background in mechanical engineering, I am an experienced project and program manager with over 20 years of international experience in leading large-scale, multidisciplinary projects across the heavy-, light-, and ag-tech industries. Throughout my career, I have successfully managed complex industrial developments, often involving diverse teams and displinces, global stakeholders and cutting-edge new technologies.
For the past six years, I have been with Infinite Acres, where I am responsible for (i) managing and executing the company’s larger vertical farming projects, (ii) driving key internal developments as well as (iii) business development for the company. At Infinite Acres I have contributed by delivering and managing several strategic projects and developments, aligned with the company’s future direction.
I am particularly passionate about food security and the resilience of global food systems. And I am committed to making a meaningful contribution to sustainable food production around the globe, by applying my expertise and expierence impacting in ag-tech and beyond.

Director of Program Management and Business Development

Vice president & general Manager

René Beerkens is a seasoned horticultural expert with over two decades of experience at Hoogendoorn Growth Management, a global leader in sustainable automation solutions for greenhouse horticulture. As a Data-Driven Growing Consultant, he supports growers worldwide by explaining  and implementing the principles of Plant Empowerment—a holistic approach to optimizing plant growth through data, climate control, and collaboration.
With a strong focus on innovation, Beerkens has witnessed and contributed to the rapid evolution of horticultural technology, from advanced climate computers to precision sensors. 
Beerkens was also a key member of Team AuTomatoes, the winning team of the prestigious Autonomous Greenhouse Challenge organized by Wageningen University. He helped to design the algorithms that led the team to victory by optimizing crop yield, quality and Nett-profit using data-driven algorithms
 His collaborative 'down to earth' -mindset and dedication to continuous learning have made him a respected figure in the international horticultural community.

Senior Data Driven Growing Specialist

Elise Wieringa, Sustainability Manager, inspired by nature 
I work as Sustainability Manager by Intratuin large Garden centre Retail chain in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. 
Being a source of inspiration, information and support to colleagues and partners in the supply chain to achieve a better and greener world with trees, plants and flowers.  
I apply my (cultural) knowledge and experience specifically to find solutions to a chemical free plant assortment with an ambition of 70% in 2030.

Sustainability Manager

Frans-Peter loves commercial agribusiness especially marketing&technology. Huge start-up experience, allmost serial entrepreneur. Co-founded Corvus Drones in 2019. Customer driven and getting things done together is his attitude. Curious about new markets and people. Making impact is my drive. Give me a call: +31 624 431639

CCO | Founder

Directeur Landbouw, Voeding & Milieu

Ruud Schulte, as the Manager of Innovation, Sales & Technology for the Filtration Division at Van der Ende Group, brings extensive expertise to his role. He leads the development and implementation of innovative filtration solutions while driving sales growth and technological advancements. Ruud's leadership ensures the division remains at the forefront of industry innovation and market competitiveness.

Manager Innovation, Sales & Technology

General Director of the Agriculture and Food Industries Sector at the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia (MISA)

Joep Van Den Bosch is as Director Business Development responsible for all future-oriented product and market development for the Ridder Group.
Born as son of a Dutch greenhouse grower and educated in horticulture, Joep has been active in greenhouse technology for over 35 years. He worked for several horticultural technology companies before joining the Ridder Group in 2012. “It has been my personal passion and ambition to improve the lives and businesses of growers and farmers, like my own family, by sharing knowledge and developing new technology”. 
Ridder, a Dutch family-owned business, has been a household name in greenhouse technology for over 70 years with activities on all continents and offices in 7 countries. Today Ridder is a global leading manufacturer in intelligent greenhouse technology for climate, water, and energy solutions in hig- and midtech controlled environment agriculture with a focus on improving the efficiency and sustainability of the global food and flower production.

Director Business Development

Alberto is an experienced plant scientist. His Ph.D. (Durham University) investigated molecular responses underpinning plant immune responses. Prior to Zayndu, he held post-doctoral research roles at Durham, investigating the molecular interactions regulating the growth-immunity balance in plants in collaboration with Agritech leaders such as KWS, ADAS, BASF; his role is to co-ordinate the plant science team and lead the development of the seed treatment protocols.

Head of Plant Science

Export Manager

Manager Delphy Digital

Country Director Morocco

Erik is an entrepreneur at heart and one of the founders of Ljusgårda. He started his first business at 19 and has since led several ventures before initiating what is now Ljusgårda. Innovation and development have always been at the core of his work—today, he leads research and future-driven initiatives aimed at building a new innovative, regenerative and climate-resilient food system. As Head of Research, Erik is deeply engaged in exploring new technologies, biological breakthroughs, and scalable models to unlock the full potential of plants for both human health and planetary balance. His work spans national innovation platforms and global networks, bridging science with ancestral knowledge and plant wisdom. Beyond his professional work, Erik holds the traditional role of a chief in his village in Samoa—an honor that deeply shapes his perspective on leadership, responsibility, and the long-term stewardship of natural systems. He is a natural speaker and always keen to challenge the broken systems of today—accelerating the change needed to build a truly sustainable tomorrow. He finds his energy in doing what he believes in and is actively involved in charitable initiatives around the world.

Co-founder & Chief Research & Development Officer

Rodolfo Groenewoud - van Vliet is co-founder and director of In4Art, a company focused on experimental innovation through multi-disciplinary collaborations throughout Europe. Over the last ten years, In4Art has worked with numerous artists, researchers and companies in over twenty European countries on technological innovation as well as material innovation. Prior to In4Art, he worked as a business developer and innovation manager at various corporations, including Dura Vermeer and Shell. Rodolfo can best be described as an entrepreneurial, business-minded person with a passion for advancing mind-blowing concepts that are ahead of their time.

Director

Karma Genetics is a respected name in the cannabis industry, recognized for its deep expertise in cannabis breeding and genetic development. Founded in the Netherlands in the early 2000s, the company has built a strong reputation for preserving classic genetics and applying natural, stable breeding methods. Karma Genetics focuses on creating resilient, high-quality cultivars known for their unique terpene profiles and consistent performance. In addition to breeding, Edward is also active as a genetic consultant, offering expert advice to licensed producers, breeders, and cannabis companies worldwide. His consultancy work includes genetic stabilization, selection strategies, and the development of custom cultivars tailored to specific market needs. With over two decades of hands-on experience, Karma Genetics plays a key role in advancing the standards of cannabis genetics. Through collaborations and knowledge sharing, Karma continues to shape the future of the cannabis industry with integrity and innovation.

Jason Killing is the founder of Canaru and a seasoned professional with deep roots in the cannabis industry, beginning at the age of 16. His passion for cannabis cultivation led him to train as an electrician, a skill set he honed specifically for cannabis facilities. Due to the legal landscape in Germany at the time, Jason gained significant experience working in the Netherlands and later in Spain.
To establish a stable foundation in Germany, Jason entered the construction industry early in his career. In 2018, he founded his own construction company specializing in electrical systems. As a certified expert for electrical installations, Jason began channeling his expertise into the upcoming cannabis market in 2020. He has since consulted on and built facilities or parts of it for the CBD and medical cannabis sectors across numerous European countries.
With the renewed discussions around cannabis legalization in Germany in 2023, Jason and his team fully committed to the industry. Canaru now boasts 10 full-time employees dedicated to the cannabis sector, complemented by twice that number in their construction division, which is progressively transitioning its focus entirely to cannabis projects.
Canaru's impact is already significant, having contributed to or fully supported nearly a quarter of the approved cultivation associations in Germany. They have secured the first cultivation permits in Baden-Württemberg, Hesse, and Bavaria, and are leaders in navigating change-of-use permits for cultivation associations. Currently, two of Canaru's cultivation association facilities are actively producing cannabis, with several more under construction and in advanced planning stages.

After twenty years I stopped as an orthopedic surgeon to start the Caring Doctors Foundation. A fast-growing organization by and for healthcare professionals, working on the health of the planet and humans with a mainly plant based food system.
In a mainly plant-based food system (Planetary Health Diet) there is less health damage from welfare diseases, less environmental damage and more food security. We provide training, education and guidance within care and cure institutions and beyond to first accelerate all institutional kitchens towards a (mainly) plant-based food supply (80% plant based).
We do this together with many partners (leaders in agriculture and horticulture, dietitians, teachers and chefs).
As a concerned father, I hope to contribute a little to a livable planet for future generations.

Chairman Caring Doctors

Ramin Ebrahimnejad is a Business Development Manager at the James Hutton Institute (JHI), a leading centre for agricultural, environmental, and food systems research in the UK. He plays a key role in connecting science with industry, enabling the delivery of impactful research and scientific services that support innovation across the agri-food sector.
Ramin leads commercial engagement for the Advanced Plant Growth Centre (APGC) and the National Alternative Protein Innovation Centre (NAPIC)—two major initiatives based at JHI. The APGC is a cutting-edge facility driving innovation in controlled environment agriculture (CEA), crop phenotyping, and vertical farming, supporting the development of resilient and sustainable food production systems. NAPIC acts as a national hub for the alternative protein sector, fostering collaboration between academia, startups, and global food companies to accelerate the transition toward sustainable proteins.
With a background in data science and sustainable agriculture, Ramin is focused on advancing partnerships that combine research excellence with real-world application—delivering solutions that improve productivity, climate resilience, and nutritional outcomes in modern food systems.

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