The fourth annual AgTech Connect Conference is set to take place on July 15-16 at the Nebraska Innovation Campus in Lincoln, promising to be a hub of innovation, collaboration, and insight for the agriculture industry. This year’s event is designed to bring together startup founders, investors, ag producers, professionals, and students interested in the burgeoning field of AgTech, offering a unique platform to explore the latest advances and pressing concerns in the sector both locally and globally.
The conference agenda is packed with expert speakers, networking opportunities, and technology demonstrations, all aimed at fostering connections and driving the AgTech ecosystem forward. Brennan Costello, the new director of The Combine, one of the event’s sponsors, emphasized the conference’s role as a connector within the AgTech community. “We really focused on a conference being, as much as we can, a connector into things that are happening in AgTech here and across the country,” Costello said.
The event is backed by a robust list of sponsors, including Invest Nebraska, Grit Road Partners, Nebraska Farm Bureau, Nebraska Department of Economic Development, and the University of Nebraska Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. This strong local support underscores the conference’s commitment to engaging regional stakeholders and integrating them into the broader AgTech ecosystem. Ben Williamson, principal and general counsel at Invest Nebraska, highlighted the importance of local involvement. “Go look at the sponsor list, and it’s a lot of local ag companies,” Williamson noted. “Which again, is kind of the whole point — get those people involved in the ecosystem, get them to show up, get them to participate, get them to care, all that stuff.”
The conference kicks off on July 15 with a pre-event networking opportunity at the Barred Owl on the Nebraska Innovation Campus. The following day will feature a series of sessions and keynote speakers. Eugene Kowel, special agent in charge in the FBI’s Omaha office, will open the day with insights into food and ag security, a topic of increasing importance in today’s global landscape. Later, Dan Kurdys, global business lead for GenAI at Bayer, will delve into the applications of generative AI in the ag industry, offering a glimpse into how cutting-edge technology is reshaping agriculture.
Attendees can also look forward to a panel discussion on international ag experiences, featuring representatives from companies Ag4UP, Cattler, and Zavia Bio. This session promises to provide diverse perspectives on the global ag landscape. Additionally, technology demonstrations from AgTech startups EZ Grazer and Kelly Hills Unmanned Systems will showcase innovative solutions that are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in agriculture.
A panel of producers will share their perspectives on what they want to see or learn before adopting new technologies, offering valuable insights into the practical considerations and challenges faced by those on the front lines of agriculture. Rotating roundtable discussions led by experts will encourage attendee participation, fostering a collaborative environment where ideas can be exchanged and relationships can be built.
Costello expressed his hope that the conference will promote Nebraska as a place where innovators can build meaningful relationships. “We want to create an environment where people can connect, learn, and grow together,” he said. “Nebraska has a rich agricultural heritage, and we believe it can also be a leader in AgTech innovation.”
For those interested in attending, registration and more information about AgTech Connect 2025 can be found on the conference’s website. This event promises to be a pivotal gathering for anyone involved or interested in the future of agriculture technology, offering a unique opportunity to engage with the latest trends, challenges, and innovations shaping the industry.