BRDG Park to Host Ag Innovation Showcase: Bringing Together Leading Investors and Top Science-Based Entrepreneurs
Leading biotech companies and VC’s to discuss deals, Commercializing scientific advances and more
St. Louis, February 12, 2009 – Two simultaneous events of interest and importance to the nation’s top venture capitalists and emerging companies in plant science and ag-tech are taking place mid-May in St. Louis. In addition to the 2009 Congress of the World Agricultural Forum, the first Ag Innovation Showcase will be held May 18 and 19 at the new Bio-Research and Development Growth (BRDG) Park at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center. More information is available at www.agshowcase.com.
The Ag Innovation Showcase is a joint enterprise between BRDG Park, Nidus Center for Scientific Enterprise, Missouri Biotechnology Association and Missouri Technology Corporation. It will be produced by Larta Institute, a Los Angeles-based innovation hub that also manages the national commercialization programs of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and National Institutes of Health.
Leading agribusinesses and institutional investors from the following companies serve as members of the Showcase Advisory Committee:
- Monsanto
- Bunge North America
- Cargill
- Sigma-Aldrich
- Dow AgroServices
- Finistere Ventures, Ltd.
- Prolog Ventures
- T2 Venture Capital
- GTL Resources
- Heliose, Inc.
- Sylphium, LLC
As the host sponsor, BRDG Park will preview the first of three buildings opening in June 2009 for fledgling plant and life sciences companies. Located on the campus of the Danforth Plant Science Center, the world’s largest independent plant science research institute, BRDG Park is across the street from Monsanto’s world headquarters and in the agribusiness heart of America.
“The Ag Innovation Showcase will help facilitate interactions between investors, corporate executives, entrepreneurs and leading scientists in the plant science and agriculture markets,” said Sam Fiorello, President of BRDG Park. “Participants will see St. Louis’ world-class resources and facilities that have been designed specifically for plant science and agriculture-based companies.”
Ag Innovation Showcase
Harvesting Innovation & Commercial Breakthroughs
The two-day program will spotlight cutting-edge entrepreneurs from around the world who are driving exciting innovation in agricultural technology across various sectors – crops, agbio, sustainable materials, biofuels and more. Entrepreneurs will be joined by an exceptional group of the nation’s leading investors/capital providers, industry partners and USDA representatives.
Investors and early stage entrepreneurs at the multi-faceted Ag Innovation Showcase will have numerous opportunities to learn what big agriculture is looking for in early stage partners and co-investing, meet potential future syndication partners, gain insight on the future of agriculture trends and deals, and stimulate new deal flow.
Prominent guest speakers will include Monsanto’s Executive Vice President of Strategy and Operations, Carl Casale, one of the leaders in understanding the shifting agricultural landscape created by a demand-driven environment, as well as the impact of technology on developing solutions.
In addition to keynote addresses, presentations and opportunities for private meetings, there will be a full schedule of expert panel sessions on Ag Bio Trends and Issues, Bio-fuels and Energy, and New Frontiers and Solutions.
With two leading events in St. Louis this May, agriculture leaders in business, science, government and investment communities will be provided a unique opportunity to develop synergies, establish partnerships and originate deals.
2009 World Agricultural Congress
International Forum on Global Economies, Food & Water Supplies
Coinciding with and following the Ag Innovation Showcase, the 2009 World Agricultural Congress will convene May 18-20. The agenda will focus on seeking solutions to the issue of food supply and rising costs, impacts on global economies and the crucial resource of water. New approaches will be explored by finding ways to leverage innovation and technology, create incentives for production, the impact of input costs to farmers, and the social and environmental effects of increased production.
During the World Congress, strategies and solutions will be examined in the context of revealing the driving forces behind increasing food prices and the role of global agriculture to provide affordable, reliable and safe supplies of food, fuel, fiber and water. Key topics also will include issues in Africa and the important role of education to drive successes in agriculture, using lessons learned in Latin America. Each sector – government, private and private-public partnerships, civil society (NGOs) will be challenged to help develop a road map to success in addressing the crucial issues of safe, affordable and reliable supplies for food, fuel, fiber and water.
About BRDG Park at the Danforth Center
Bio-Research & Development Growth (BRDG) Park at the Danforth Plant Science Center helps life sciences companies bridge research, resources and relationships to achieve commercial success. In addition to providing world-class wet laboratories, office space and a prominent incubator, BRDG Park’s location on the Danforth Center’s campus facilitates access to the intellectual capital of top scientists, as well as to greenhouse, growth chambers, microscopy and proteomics facilities and other vital resources. Located in suburban St. Louis County, Missouri, BRDG Park is being developed by Wexford Science+Technology LLC.