10:00 am – 12:00 pm | Plenary Session I
Introductory session
The food value chain “from farm to fork” is facing a process of transformation and, with it, a host of new challenges. These include climate change, regulatory requirements, price pressure and societal expectations. What potential do these changes hold? Be inspired by the visions of future agri-food systems to bring your new business idea to life with Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA)!
1.00 pm – 2.30 pm
Vertical Farming – CEA
Salad crops and speciality crops grown indoors
Discover how modern cultivation methods such as hydroponics and high-tech greenhouses can be used to utilise light, water and nutrients efficiently - for higher yields on less space with a minimal ecological footprint. How can specialty crops such as strawberries and alternative protein products such as peas be grown in a resource-saving, space-saving and economical way all year round?
1.00 pm – 2.30 pm
Aquaculture – Growth in Water
Fish & Crustaceans Under One Roof
How does an indoor aquatic system work and what is different from keeping livestock on land? What different systems are available for indoor aquaculture - meet the operators. You will find out what requirements you and your location need to fulfil in order to set up a recirculation system for fish or crustaceans and why even salmon are now successfully growing and thriving in indoor systems. Meat from the printer is already available - what about cell-based seafood?
1.00 pm – 2.30 pm
Insect rearing
Basics
Insects as a source of protein and fat have long been more than just a trend. If utilised correctly, they can make a valuable contribution to sustainable agriculture and a circular economy. How do you get started - and which species are economically viable? Find out which technological, economic and legal requirements are important for successfully starting out in indoor insect farming.
1.00 pm – 2.30 pm
Cellular agriculture
Meat and milk without cows, fish without the sea, chocolate and coffee without plantations - that is the idea behind cellular agriculture. Food no longer grows in animals and plants. Instead, they are grown in-vitro from cells or produced by microorganisms. Does this contribute to solving the ethical and ecological challenges of agriculture? This session will show how large the areas of application of cellular agriculture could be in the future.
3.00 pm – 4.30 pm
Intelligent control
How AI is leading the CEA revolution
How can artificial intelligence (AI) revolutionise agricultural systems in controlled environments? In this session, you will learn how AI is transforming Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA). Modern system controls and advanced algorithms enable more precise and efficient control of cultivation processes, allowing climate conditions, nutrient supply and energy consumption to be optimised.
3.00 pm – 4.30 pm
Aquaculture – Growth in Water
Algae under cover
What does a site need for an algae farm and what is a photobioreactor? How do I market my aquaculture products and what legal regulations do I have to observe? Which aquatic products can be marketed, which can be fed and which can be offered as food? What is the market potential of aquatic food from closed systems and is the European market waiting for our aquatic indoor food?
3.00 pm – 4.30 pm
Insect farming
Successful approaches & innovations
Experts from science and practice will talk about successful examples of best practice as well as opportunities and challenges for farms. Find out how you can use insects to open up new sources of income and establish sustainable recycling systems.
3.00 pm – 4.30 pm
Mushrooms & Fermentation
Fungi-based foods are developing into a sustainable food source with immense potential. This session will explore the diverse world of mushrooms. We will look at cultivation, nutritional value and innovative applications in the food industry. In the session we want to stimulate innovation and encourage collaboration between different stakeholders to create a healthier and more sustainable food future with mushrooms.
How can in-house farming, modern food processing and data centres revitalise old sites with renewable energy microgrids? With practical examples, we will show you concrete solutions on how you can revitalise old sites with modern renewable energy technologies.
International speakers from various sectors share best practice stories and discuss the dos and don’ts of cross-sector collaboration. The panel will focus on how to successfully collaborate across industries, share real-world experiences, and explore how collaboration can be a powerful tool to drive sustainability and innovation in the Blue Economy.
Navigating the regulatory landscape: As the food industry embraces innovative products like algae, insects, and cultured meat, understanding the complex regulatory framework is crucial. This session will explore the legal and ethical challenges associated with developing and commercializing new foods.
In-house farming is seen as the future of modern agriculture. But how can innovative projects be financed and secured? Banks and insurers are often hesitant and the authorisation processes are complex. In this session, you will learn how to legally secure your project, utilise funding opportunities and gain the trust of investors and insurers.
11:00 am – 12:00 pm | Plenary session
Start-up Showcase
The Rapid Fire Start-up Pitch Competition brings the most exciting emerging start-ups from the fields of Controlled Environment Agriculture, alternative proteins and Future Food to the stage. Each start-up has just 3 minutes to make its case. Look forward to an inspiring keynote, a curated start-up showcase, lightning-fast pitches and live audience voting.
Energy availability and security are crucial for the success of in-house farming. Innovative approaches such as microgrids and the integration of renewable energies offer promising approaches for independent and sustainable energy systems. What are the advantages of combining in-house farming with biogas, small wind turbines, PV and heat centres? Many practical answers await you.
A closed network event hosted by Das Blaue Netzwerk. Exclusive event for all participants, partners, and supporters of Das Blaue Netzwerk. The session includes the presentation of our participants, advisors, and external experts, as well as a feedback round with all attendees, a summary of the first seminar series in Fisheries and Aquaculture, and an outlook on our future perspectives.
How can sustainable and resource-saving production methods be established in CEA systems? Best practice examples illustrate how circularity and the targeted utilisation of side streams can contribute to waste reduction. They also promote the closing of resource cycles and open up new potential for value creation.
In this session, we will shed light on sales and marketing strategies for products from inhouse farming. We will discuss distribution channels and best practices for direct marketing, cooperatives and distribution via food retailers. Find out how innovative approaches and cooperations can facilitate market access and ensure the success of your products.