Global Entrepreneurs Take the Stage at the Seventh Annual Ag Innovation Showcase

    ST. LOUIS, MO, September 16, 2015 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The Ag Innovation Showcase, the signature event for "who's who" in worldwide agriculture kicks off today with attendees from 21 countries. The three day event, held at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, is designed to address critical issues and global policies impacting ag science and the industry. Ag Showcase is a joint effort between the Bio Research Development Growth (BRDG) Park, the Danforth Center and the Larta Institute with support from a steady group of sponsors. The event has an unprecedented reputation for fostering robust interactions among conference attendees representing corporate, early stage entrepreneurs, investors and venture capitalists, professional services, nonprofit organizations and universities who are working to bring the industry to the next level of productivity and sustainability.

The Showcase is comprised of engaging panel discussions and special content sessions as well as designated time for networking among the attendees. This year, the opening keynote will be a shared-stage panel discussion on sequencing the food supply chain featuring leaders from UC Davis, IBM Research and Mars Incorporated. Jim Budzynski, managing principal of MacroGain Partners, an Indiana firm focused on structuring venture and private equity investments in companies in the agricultural, food and green energy industries and providing related strategic planning and management consulting services, will conclude the event as the closing keynote speaker.

"Non-traditional innovations advancing solutions in renewable and sustainable agricultural technology are highlighted throughout the conference and building momentum with investors," said Sam Fiorello, chief operating officer, Danforth Center and president, BRDG Park. "This year, the conference is proud to highlight four women-owned start-ups focused on commercializing solutions to address resource constraints, crop and food shortages brought about by droughts, environmental degradation, pest and pathogens."

The women-owned firms, chosen by a committee from over 150 submissions, are among 19 companies from Canada, India, Israel, Netherlands and the U.S. The emerging enterprises are presenting some of the most promising innovations in renewables and sustainables, biological solutions, farming innovations and precision agriculture.

Since 2009, the Danforth Center has engaged the most influential ag industry executives, investors, innovators and policy makers from more than 21 countries to explore discussions and presentations at the Showcase. Emerging and established companies and social entrepreneurs working to develop innovative solutions to pressing global challenges in the region's thriving plant science ecosystem are highlighted throughout the event.

Since year one, four out of five presenting companies have found new investor leads and 97 percent of presenters were introduced to new partnership opportunities after taking the stage. Six have been acquired by larger agribusiness and ag technology firms.

"A significant reason for our success is what happens the rest of the year as innovators and investors continue conversations identifying the target rich environment," stated Fiorello. "Following the Ag Innovation Showcase many BRDG Park tenants advance their strategic goals with support from new investors from coast to coast."

"Ag Innovation Showcase is a global platform for encouraging the creative thinking and innovation we need to address the profound challenges facing global agriculture while realizing its great opportunities," said Rohit Shukla, chief executive officer of Larta Institute. "If we are to achieve both, we must accelerate the commercialization of technology as it applies to agriculture and promote adoption of that technology worldwide."

About The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center
Founded in 1998, the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center is a not-for-profit research institute with a mission to improve the human condition through plant science. Research aims to feed the hungry and improve human health, preserve and renew the environment and position the St. Louis region as a world center for plant science. The Center's work is funded through competitive grants and contract revenue from many sources, including the National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Energy, National Science Foundation, U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Agency for International Development, the Bill & Melinda Gates and Howard G. Buffett Foundations. Follow us on Twitter at @DanforthCenter.

About BRDG Park at the Danforth Center
Bio Research & Development Growth (BRDG) Park at the Danforth Plant Science Center helps life science 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 greenhouses, 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, a BioMed Realty Company, a development company led by a seasoned team of real estate, finance and engineering experts specializing in major university facilities and science research parks nationwide. More information is available at http://www.BRDG-Park.com.

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