Session in Dutch
Imaging and Optical systems are the basis for fruit sorting, for instance, which involves looking inside the fruit, but also for selection of starting materials. Scouting as a basis for chemical-free growing is also unthinkable without Imaging. Just like the fact that imaging is the basis for the use of robotics.
A live-session podcast in Dutch.

NEXT level in Hortitech: Imaging & Optical Systems

Directeur Landbouw, Voeding & Milieu

Researcher Greenhouse Technology

Jan-Kees Goet (1962) is Vice Minister of the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality i from 15 June 2018. His previous positions include director of Police and director-general of Immigration Policy (Migration), as well as chairman of the board of the Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA).

Vice minister

Reinier Wolterbeek is the Chief Product Officer at ONNA Greens, Norway's largest commercial Indoor Vertical Farm. He is largely accountable for moving trial crops into commercial crops.
Before joining ONNA, Reinier was the co-founder and CTO of Sundrop Farms, developing, building and operating 6 medium & high-tech greenhouses in Australia, the Middle East, Europe and USA, growing tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, strawberries & raspberries. 
Reinier has over &gt;20 years of innovative CEA experience with MSc degree from Wageningen University & Research.

Chief Product Officer

We are engineering turnkey agri-tech solutions which enable you to grow products of constant quality and safeguard your food supply.

Head of Future Farming

Business Development manager

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

Technisch Onderzoeker Gewasgezondheid

Janneke Grit, MSc earned her MSc degree in Greenhouse Horticulture in 2015 at Wageningen University. Thereafter she was a lecturer at HAS Green Academy teaching in the Horticulture & Business Management program. She instructed students plant physiology courses, provided courses to professionals and conducted applied research mainly in the field of greenhouse horticulture and vertical farming. Since 2023, she has been working as scientist at the Business Unit Greenhouse Horticulture of Wageningen University and Research. Her main area of expertise is greenhouse crop physiology, with a current focus on the safe application of new CO2 sources for horticulture and transitions to new cultivation systems. Her research is carried out in close collaboration with growers, the supply industry and the government.

Scientist Greenhouse Crop Physiology

Aurélie Bovi is the Innovation Lead for the Controlled Environment Agriculture sector at the UK Agri-Tech Centre. A molecular biologist and geneticist by training, with 10 years’ experience in laboratories and a specialist technical knowledge in plant sciences, Aurélie has worked in business innovation facilitating roles for over 15 years, engaging and collaborating with UK and international organisations in cross-cutting industry sectors and disciplines to deliver solutions to the agri-food sector. She has built an enviable network of contacts across research, industry, policymakers and government bodies. Through her roles she has gained broad view on the innovation landscape (including funding) and cross-cutting R&D knowledge across an array of industry sectors and technologies relevant to the agrifood and broader bio (circular) economy - including agri-tech; biotechnologies (industrial; synthetic biology); (bio)renewables; big data/AI; indoor farming (horticulture; CEA). Over the past few years, Aurélie has expanded her knowledge and expertise of the horticulture and indoor farming, working closely with stakeholders on the development, delivery and adoption of novel/disruptive technologies, processes, and approaches in those sectors.

Innovation Lead, Control Environment Agriculture

VDE plant is a family owned nursery with several locations, in total we grow over 30 different types of tropical potted plants, in total over 10 milion pots a year.
With a team of 7 people we are responseble for growing on our main location of 8 hectares, partially equipped with dimmable LED growing Lights.
Our energy comes from a gas-fired CHP, supported by a heat pump, E- boiler and gas boiler.
In crop protection we mainly use beneficials for optimal results and a minimum impact on environment and footprint.
We started early with footprint calculation in 2015, which helps us to make sustainable choices to improve our poces.

Grower

Teeltmanager Greenbase + Greenside

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

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.

Diana Gibson was first elected as the MLA for Oak Bay-Gordon Head, British Columbia, Canada in 2024.
Diana was appointed the Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation in November 2024.
Diana is an award winning community leader and entrepreneur. Diana was the Executive Director of the Greater Victoria Community Social Planning Council, where she founded multiple regional services and programs including the Greater Victoria Rent Bank. She is also a successful entrepreneur and CEO who co-founded multiple businesses including one which is Canada’s largest Indigenous-owned consulting firm. Prior to that, she directed a University research institute.
Diana and her husband live in Oak Bay Gordon Head where they are raising their three children and where Diana has been an active volunteer in school, community and parent associations.

B.C. Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation

Prof Harrison is the Managing Director of the Plant Sciences Group, which comprises approximately 1400 staff across 20 chair groups in Wageningen University and the insitute Wageningen Plant Research. In the Netherlands he is a member of the Top Team “Tuinbouw en Uitgangsmaterialen/ Horticulture and Starting Materials”, 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, particularly in horticultural crops. 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

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

Director

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

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.

Owner

Jelmer, VP Product and co-founder of Digital Energy, leads a development platform that transforms data centers into energy producers, providing greenhouses with sustainable, carbon-free heat through high-performance computing.

As a cannabis cultivation consultant, Kjell is involved in multiple growing and research projects. Kjell oversees the daily operations at the “Cultivation for Compounds” consortium on behalf of Cultivators. Kjell is also one of the main teachers of the “Operational Excellence Training” project, hosting both lectures and practical sessions on the cultivation of medical cannabis. He can also be found advising growers around Europe.
Kjell holds a MSc in Plant sciences with a specialization in Greenhouse Horticulture from Wageningen University. Kjell’s research focused on the effects of light intensity and spectrum on the growth and development of medical cannabis.

Cultivation consultant - Project Manager

Rio Pals coordinates WUR Student Challenges at Wageningen University & Research, creating international, interdisciplinary competitions that encourage students to work on real-world sustainability issues through collaboration and innovation.

Manager WUR Student Challenges

Director of Business Development & Sustainability

chair of association "De Versnellers"

Henry Gordon-Smith is the Founder and CEO of Agritecture, a global consulting firm specializing in climate-smart agriculture and urban farming. Since founding Agritecture in 2014, Henry has led over 300 projects in 50+ countries, helping developers, entrepreneurs, and governments design resilient, profitable agricultural systems. His expertise spans controlled environment agriculture (CEA), regenerative farming, ag-tech integration, and food systems strategy.
A recognized thought leader, Henry frequently speaks at global events, including the UN Food Systems Summit and World Green Economy Summit. He also teaches at Columbia University on climate-smart agriculture and consults on food policy and sustainable land use planning. His work has been featured in The New York Times, AgFunder, and more. 
Henry holds a Master’s in Sustainability Management from Columbia University and a BA in Political Science from the University of British Columbia. A digital nomad and global citizen, he brings a multicultural, forward-thinking lens to agriculture.
Through Agritecture, Henry is building the world’s most accessible and data-driven platform for farm planning, with a vision to help global agriculture adapt to climate change. His mission is to make agriculture more resilient, transparent, and equitable through smart design, innovative policy, and responsible technology.

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

Jacob Boxhoorn is a seasoned Technical Sales Consultant at Bosman Van Zaal specializing in multidisciplinary projects with a special interest for optimal internal logistics. Jacob earned his BA in Mechanical Engineering and his MSc in Financial Management at Nyenrode University. 
After gaining experience since 2001 in the design and execution of multiple international projects Jacob took on his commercial role in 2018. 
Bosman Van Zaal is a leading specialist in horticultural technology, with more than 100 years of experience and currently 300 employees worldwide.
It offers a wide range of products and services for greenhouses and indoor farms. Whether it's cultivation systems, climate control, lighting, irrigation, construction, vertical farms or software: Bosman Van Zaal is your one-stop-shop partner for Turnkey projects, all in the field of Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA).
Jacob has a leading role in the design and installation of what is seen as one of the worlds most advanced vertical farms. This facility is designed for growing and packing salad leaves into retail-ready bags. It includes all farming and packhouse operations including logistics and robotics for the process of seeding, picking and placing, germination, harvesting, mixing and packing. As the product is grown ready-to-eat without washing meticulous attention was given to the hygienic design of all elements of the farm.

Technical Sales Consultant

A native of Santa Cruz Ca, James Cunningham has pursued his career in cannabis cultivation his entire professional life. He is the founder of Vertical Air Solutions and Fog City Farms, a leading-edge vertical cannabis farm located in Watsonville, CA. When not tending to Fog City Farms and Vertical Air Solutions, James enjoys surfing and snowboarding, and farming his family vineyard. James is married with three children, and lives in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Director Of Cultivation

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

Vakredacteur vakblad voor de bloemisterij

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.

Ernst van Bruggen is CPO and Co-Founder of Source.ag, where he leads product development and innovation. He focuses on building intuitive AI tools that help growers make smarter decisions every day, bridging the gap between plant science, data, and practical greenhouse operations.

CPO and Co-Founder

With a solid 28-year track record in the financial sector as a bank branch director, I have developed strong strategic capabilities in planning, investment analysis, human resources management, and customer loyalty. Now, as Manager of the INNOVACAL Cluster, I apply this experience to drive innovation and boost competitiveness in the Andalusian agri-food industry, fostering collaboration among companies and promoting sustainable, technology-driven solutions.
I hold a degree in Business Administration and Management from the University of Jaén, complemented by additional training in finance, taxation, and regulatory compliance. Recently, I earned SAP Financials certification, further strengthening my ability to optimize financial management and support strategic decision-making in digital environments. I also stay up to date through an Advanced Vocational Program in Web Application Development, expanding my competencies in digital transformation and process automation.
Passionate about continuous learning and the transformation of key sectors, I combine financial insight with technological innovation to create meaningful impact on business growth. With a practical and solution-oriented approach, I enjoy connecting talent, resources, and opportunities to add value to both the agri-food sector and the broader economy.

Cluster Manager

Country Director Morocco

Green architect, inspirator and strategist.

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

Dr. Hsin-Cheng Chen serves as the R&D Department Manager at Taiwan HiPoint. He holds Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Mechanical Engineering from National Cheng Kung University and is currently a PhD candidate in Biomechatronics Engineering at National Taiwan University.
His research interests include servo control, image system integration, and biological system simulation. Dr. Chen has developed HiPoint's phenotype equipment and smart agriculture cloud system, and leads the phenotype system for Taiwan's National Plant Phenomics System construction team.
With expertise in automation system design and image analysis, Dr. Chen has led several innovative projects, including the development of the PDS intelligent pest identification system—recipient of the 2022 Taiwan Excellence Award. This system enhances Integrated Pest Management by significantly reducing pesticide usage through precise pest identification, preventing crop yield losses while minimizing environmental impact.
Dr. Chen's work focuses on advancing agricultural sustainability through technology integration, particularly through applications of the HiPoint PDS system in modern IPM practices.

R&D Manager

Annie van de Riet is the President of AVAG, the association for the Dutch greenhouse technology sector. With a background in economic geography and extensive experience in both horticulture and advocacy, she is committed to driving the industry forward. AVAG represents 80 companies with a combined turnover of €3 billion, 80% of which comes from exports. These companies collaborate to develop quality standards, conduct research, and drive innovation in a pre-competitive environment. This collective effort has made the sector a global leader. A Dutch supplier is synonymous with state-of-the-art technology and top-quality solutions.

President

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

Dr.ir.ing. Sander Mertens holds a PhD in Aerospace Engineering, specializing in "Wind Energy in the Built Environment." He earned a Master's degree in Applied Physics from Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) and a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from Inholland University of Applied Sciences. During his PhD, he led the Wind Energy/Building Physics department at the engineering firm DHV. He later co-founded Ingreenious, an international consultancy firm, and also co-founded Windchallenge, where he spent nine years working on wind energy projects.
In 2018, he was appointed Professor of "Energy in Transition" at The Hague University of Applied Sciences. He is an expert in the integrated approach of the energy transition, with a focus on system integration of hydrogen, direct current, and low-temperature heat. In June 2020, he became the Director of the Centre of Expertise "Mission Zero" at The Hague University of Applied Sciences, where he developed a multidisciplinary approach to sustainability transitions and a large partner network.
Sander Mertens serves on the advisory boards of several companies and has contributed to numerous projects focused on the shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy.

Director Center of Expertice Mission Zero (THUAS)

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

Founder & Key Connector

My background in computer science has led me to see plant biology as the next big challenge.
At hexafarms, we've built an AI-powered, sensor-driven platform tailored for greenhouses and indoor farms. By blending computer vision with real-time sensor data, our system can forecast yields weeks in advance– and at impressive accuracy levels. This allows growers to optimize everything– from climate control to harvest planning– right from a single intuitive dashboard. 
I'm excited to connect with growers, partners, and fellow innovators to explore how we can further unlock efficiency, reduce waste, and build resilient food systems together.

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

I have been leading R&D efforts in light recipes and client support programs for the global Cannabis Segment for the past 6 years. I have expertise in plant biology and ecology, plant secondary compounds, spectroscopy and light. The last 10 years, I accumulated expertise in precision agriculture and indoor horticulture, specialized on Cannabis cultivation (optimizing yield and compounds for medicine) under LED lighting.

Cannabis Research & Plant Specialist

Kees Pruis is a passionate technologist and strategic innovator with a deep-rooted drive to make things better. With a career spanning the intersection of strategy, technology, and people, Kees brings a unique perspective to the evolving world of artificial intelligence. His ability to think outside the box and challenge conventional approaches has made him a trusted advisor and thought leader in digital transformation.
Kees thrives in environments where innovation is key and where human-centric design meets cutting-edge technology. He believes that the true power of AI lies not just in its algorithms, but in how it empowers people and organizations to grow, adapt, and lead in a rapidly changing world.
With a strong background in organizational development and a keen eye for emerging trends, Kees helps businesses navigate complexity and unlock new opportunities through smart, sustainable innovation. Whether he's shaping strategic roadmaps or facilitating cross-functional collaboration, his intrinsic motivation to improve and inspire is always at the forefront.
At this conference, Kees will share insights on how AI can be harnessed not just as a tool, but as a transformative force that aligns with human values and strategic goals.

Lead data science for robotics

I am Niels van der Geest, graduated in Biosystems Engineering from the University of Wageningen and currently working as a cultivation engineer at Delphy, the Netherlands, with the focus on Greenhouse Vegetables. As cultivation engineer, I develop data-driven cultivation management tools that support growers in making data driven decisions!

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

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

With over more then 40 years of experience in the field of Horticulture, always following the latest innovations and today inspiring and motivating many young and ambitious people within the GreenV group to deliver integrated solutions with cutting-edge technology for our customers.

Global Sales Director

Laura van de Kreeke is a passionate advocate for sustainable food systems and one of the original farmers at Growy, a vertical farming company changing the way food is grown. Committed to making tasty, healthy, and affordable food accessible to all, Laura plays a key role in Growy’s mission to help create a more sustainable and resilient food ecosystem.

Farmer

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

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

Suzanne Verboon studied Biotechnological Engineering at Wageningen University and worked for several years as a manager at the Dutch enterprice agency RVO. She is now Program leader Agriculture at <a href="https://www.fme.nl/marktsegmenten/landbouw-water-voedsel">FME</a>, the Dutch Industy organisation.  Suzanne has extensive experience with innovative projects and programs, both nationally and internationally.  As Program Manager for <a href="https://nxtgenhightech.nl/agrifood/">NXTGEN Hightech</a> she uses her passion for technology and agriculture to accelerate innovation for future proof sustainable food production.

Program Manager AgriFood

Cultivar was established with the goal of bringing an innovative agricultural technology to market, combining the expertise of Université Laval, Farm3, and Ulysse Biotech. The company aims to secure year-round strawberry production in controlled environments, while also ensuring a reliable supply of high-quality, pesticide-free, and insect-free transplants. These transplants serve as a critical input for Cultivar and its clients, enabling them to focus on the quality of their final products and to innovate in delivering healthy, high-standard produce to consumers. At the heart of this initiative is a commitment to sustainability, food autonomy, and cutting-edge collaboration between academic and industrial partners.
The company is led by Vincent Hall, Founder and CEO, who brings a strong background in international procurement and logistics. With experience in managing strategic, large-scale projects—ranging from infrastructure development to industrial partnerships—he plays a key role in aligning innovation with real-world market integration. Through Cultivar, Vincent applies his expertise in partnership development and agile project execution to create robust, scalable solutions tailored to market needs. His leadership ensures that Cultivar not only delivers technical excellence, but also fosters long-term value for clients and the broader agri-food ecosystem

Dr. Lesley Campbell is a Professor at Toronto Metropolitan University. Over 20 years studying pollination biology in agriculture, she trained over 75 students and secured $7.7 million in funding. Campbell’s expertise for creating tools for agriculture includes methods to clone Cannabis, extract cannabinoids, and assess risk of escape of genetically engineered genes. Drs. Bougherara and Campbell have developed a pollination tool for CEA raspberries that outperform outdoor farms by 350%.

Professor

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

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.

Quirine de Weerd has held various positions within Lidl Nederland in recent years. Since 2019, she has been working as head of corporate social responsibility & communications at the supermarket chain, where she is responsible for the sustainability strategy, among other things. She is committed to the mission of making a sustainable and healthy lifestyle affordable and accessible to everyone every day. "You don't always have to wait until something is imposed on you. Show what is possible," says Quirine de Weerd.

Head of Corporate Affairs

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

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.

Luuk Graamans is a researcher from Wageningen Research, where he researches high-tech greenhouses and vertical farms in the business unit Greenhouse Horticulture. Our recent research focuses on the effects of the Energy Transition on the technical design of greenhouses. We will present the KasEnergieWijzer, an intuitive tool to design and calculate the performance of the greenhouses of the future.

Edwin Kroon has a background in biology and dreams of copying nature’s nanostructures on everyday items. From bacteria-killing butterfly wings on a doorknob, to Namibian Desert Beetle to promote the foaming of beer, a laser can recreate functional 3D-nanostructures on any material. 
With EKYW Edwin Kroon wants to fully utilize the laser’s potential and demonstrate it as a viable alternative to chemicals such as: ink, glue (stickers), pesticides, herbicides and cleaning-products. Backed by academia, recyclers and producers alike it is safe to say that lasers are the future.

Laser Expert

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

Master in Sciences - Greenhouse Production and Agribussiness
Master in Sciences - Renewable Energy
Specialiazation in Climate controls
Specialization in Plant Nutrition
Agrilcutural Engineer

General Manager/Head Grower

Team Lead Intelligent Algorithms

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikclymans/

Research coordinator greenhouse vegetables

Rebecca joined Heliospectra in 2014 and is responsible for the company’s commercial sector, including marketing, sales, and technical support team. Her role involves providing strategic direction, contributing to Heliospectra's growing influence in intelligent LED grow lights for greenhouse and controlled environment horticulture. Rebecca actively participates in advancing LED lighting technology and control solutions for the horticultural and agricultural sectors, establishing Heliospectra as a key leader in these industries. Before joining Heliospectra, she gained valuable experience in white goods and LED lighting in Germany. Rebecca holds a Master's in Marketing and Consumption from the School of Business, Economics, and Law in Gothenburg, Sweden. With a strong dedication to innovation, she continues to guide Heliospectra toward a sustainable and prosperous future in global agriculture.

Within Delphy I am responsible for setting up and carrying out various studies at the research location in soft fruit: Delphy ISFC. This also includes spreading and transferring knowledge at meetings, events, etc. Working at Delphy and the Delphy ISFC offers me the opportunities to contribute to innovating and improving strawberry and soft fruit cultivation. By doing this, we not only contribute knowledge for growers, but also to the entire food chain. With the Delphy ISFC team we contribute to sustainable cultivation of strawberries and soft fruit for the future, with regard to people, planet & profit.

Manager ISFC

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

Mariana Larrea A.   Regulatory and Cannabis Attorney.
Mariana Larrea is a distinguished Mexican attorney with a specialization in Cultivation, Life Sciences, Cannabis, Pharmaceutical, Corporate/Contracts, and Consumer Protection. With a decade of professional experience, she has honed her skills at some of Mexico City's most influential law firms. Mariana earned her law degree and a diploma in business law from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (“UNAM”), solidifying her expertise in efficiently delivering results to her clients across various legal domains. As the founder of MLA Legal and Consulting Boutique, Mariana operates independently, running her own legal office and spearheading business development initiatives for the industries mentioned above. Her boutique firm offers personalized legal services tailored to the unique needs of each client, providing comprehensive support and strategic guidance throughout all stages of their ventures in México and LATAM. Due to her exceptional knowledge in the Cannabis Industry, Mariana has been a featured speaker at numerous national and international conferences. Speaking in past 2024, and 2023 Greentech events. Furthermore, she has contributed her insights to legislators in various international jurisdictions, aiding in the formulation of cannabis public policies and regulations, including Mexico's ongoing evolution of the Federal Adult Use Cannabis Law. Beyond her legal acumen, Mariana has played pivotal roles as an executive director in real estate development projects in Mexico. Currently, she leads a group of investors developing sustainable real estate projects, developing in Mérida, México. Additionally, she shares her expertise as a professor of life sciences, government regulations, consumer protection, and cannabis matters at esteemed institutions such as the Tecnológico de Monterrey University, Escuela Libre de Derecho, Instituto de Investigaciones Jurídicas de la UNAM, and in the sanitary law diploma program at UNAM's law school. Mariana is deeply committed to facilitating business ventures between Europe and Mexico in the dynamic fields of life sciences and cannabis, leveraging her legal expertise to navigate the intricacies of international commerce and regulatory frameworks.

Founding Partner

Shaun is the founder and CEO of COSMOS Ag, a global agtech company that provids various inteligence and IoT solutions.
Before founding COSMOS off from Bayer, Shaun served as Venture Founder and Head of China at Bayer’s Digital Incubator, a corporate venture studio that he also co-initiated. With over 15 years of academic and professional experience spanning Asia, the U.S., and Europe, Shaun has built a diverse career at the intersection of technology, business, and investment. His past roles include strategy consulting at Ernst & Young, venture capital investment at Samsung Next, and business development with AI startups in Silicon Valley.
A telecom engineer by training, Shaun also holds an MBA from the Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley.

Founder & CEO

Coert has been working at Wageningen Social & Economic research as social-economic researcher and has conducted research in the areas of crop protection, phytosanitary policy, PEF footrint calculations, economic horticulture income estimates research e and the designing of an economic model for feasibility studies in a vertical farm. Befor his position at WSER, Coert was projectmanager, auditor and certification manager at a certification body and greenhouse grower.

Eric Gerbrandt is a Plant Scientist with 18 years of experience in applied horticultural management of berry crops.  Based in British Columbia, Canada, he collaborates with a diversity of researchers across various scientific disciplines (e.g., breeding, entomology, pathology, virology) to address practical challenges facing Canadian berry growers.  Currently, his research focus is on developing economically viable indoor systems for year-round berry production in Canada.

Co-Founder and Chief Science Officer

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

Founder of Learning Academy Worldwide, Theophilus van Rensburg Lindzter's blend of practical agricultural education experience, focus on relevant technology solutions, expertise in modern agricultural practices like CEA, strong project management and communication skills, and his ability to facilitate engaging dialogue will moderate this session on new CO₂ sources that are essential for optimal plant production.

Founder

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

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.

Selwin is a researcher in the Greenhouse Horticulture Business Unit of Wageningen Research, where he is part of the Greenhouse Automation & Robotics team. His research focuses on the use of computer vision and spectral imaging for the detection of pests and diseases, plant phenotyping and the non-invasive measurement of chemical compounds.

Researcher Sensors & Data Science

Tenair

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