Successfully held the CSIC-ENTERPRISES Conference: technology in the service of agriculture

More than 190 professionals from the agri-food business sector, researchers from CSIC, and experts in R&D management from public and private entities gathered last Tuesday, November 26, in Madrid to share the main advancements in biotechnology and its application possibilities to maximize production and enhance the quality of agri-food products. The “CSIC-EMPRESAS: technology at the service of agriculture” conference, held in the José María Cuevas room of the CEOE, was organized by the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), the Spanish Confederation of Business Organizations (CEOE), and the Plant Biotechnology Technological Platform (BIOVEGEN).

During the event, over 30 research centers met with more than 60 companies and funding managers to seek solutions to the challenges facing the agricultural sector. Among others, research lines were presented on the recovery and creation of new plant varieties, development of methods to detect and combat pests affecting crops, protection against soil erosion, and genetic improvements of plant species to obtain varieties that can be achieved more sustainably.

Aware of the importance of linking the practical needs of companies with the lines of work of agricultural technology research centers, CSIC, the Plant Biotechnology Technological Platform (BIOVEGEN), and the CEOE joined forces to hold this event, which allowed for interaction and the generation of synergies among researchers, companies, innovation agencies, investment funds, and managers of R&D funding programs. The event featured presentations by Jesús Marco, Vice President of Scientific and Technical Research at CSIC; Francisco Marín, Vice President of the R&D+i Commission of the CEOE; and José Pellicer, President of BIOVEGEN. Additionally, Ángela Ribeiro, Deputy Vice President of Knowledge Transfer at CSIC, showcased the opportunities the institution offers for collaboration with the private sector.

During the event, representatives from various companies, as well as several directors from CSIC centers, participated. From CSIC, the interest in solving problems by incorporating companies and sectors into the research structure was emphasized, along with the importance of its centers as an economic engine that contributes to the competitiveness of the sector in areas of ’empty Spain.’

For his part, José Pellicer, President of BIOVEGEN, highlighted “the great resources we have in Spain to promote collaborative research, both from the standpoint of generating knowledge (science) and the requesters and applicators of that knowledge and technology (the business), for which it is essential to provide tools for work and business that add greater value and effectiveness to technological development as a driver of economic and social progress. BIOVEGEN has been committed since its creation to the promotion of Science and Business through technology; that is the beacon that guides us and what gives meaning not only to this Conference but to all our activity as facilitators and managers of R&D in plant production.

During the conference, more than 100 bilateral meetings were held between the attendees and there was also a space for networking on financing opportunities and strategies to stimulate innovation in the agricultural sector. Thus, possibilities for public financing (CDTI, state research agency…) and private financing (investment funds specialized in agriculture) were presented.