DAY ONE: Innovation & Science
Explore the evolution from high-growth excitement to strategic differentiation, examining pricing pressures and competitive dynamics reshaping the sector
Analyse recent M&A activity, investment patterns, and what it takes for biocontrol companies to stand out in an increasingly crowded marketplace
- Mark Trimmer, PhD - Co Founder, Dunham Trimmer
Examine the true cost of bringing biocontrol products to market, from R&D investment to regulatory expenses and market entry strategies
Discuss pricing strategies, farmer ROI expectations, and how to compete when differentiation isn't clear
- Amit Vasavada - Chief Scientific Officer, Invasive Species Corporation
- Sarah Mills - Global Biologics Product Support Lead, Bayer Crop Science
Explore breakthrough innovations in peptide-based biopesticides and RNA interference technology for targeted pest management
Discuss the science behind these next-generation tools and their potential to revolutionise crop protection
- Jiarui Li - CEO, Innatrix Inc
From Empirical Discovery to Predictive, Programmable Biology: How Invaio's Performance by Design™ platform combines generative AI, machine learning, computational biology, and experimental validation within a fully integrated Design–Build–Test–Learn framework to accelerate the discovery and optimization of peptide-based crop protection solutions.
Building a Commercial Innovation Engine for Sustainable Crop Protection: Case studies demonstrating the progression of peptide-based antifungal programs from field validation toward commercial readiness, alongside the expansion of a diversified pipeline targeting fungal pathogens. The platform enables simultaneous optimization of efficacy, selectivity, safety, and manufacturability, reducing development timelines while improving the probability of success.
Scalable Peptide Discovery for Climate-Smart Agriculture: How a continuously learning, data-generating platform can rapidly respond to emerging agricultural challenges by designing targeted biological solutions in dramatically shorter timeframes, providing highly efficacious, reliable, and affordable alternatives that contribute to more resilient and sustainable food production systems
Investigate the complex interactions within the plant microbiome and how beneficial microbes enhance crop resilience
Present research on commercialising microbiome-based products and overcoming formulation challenges
Examine the critical link between soil microbiome health and effective biocontrol strategies
Showcase research on how biocontrol agents improve nutrient cycling, soil structure, and long-term agricultural sustainability
Present comprehensive field trial results from California's major crops: almonds, grapes, strawberries, and vegetables
Discuss challenges in translating controlled environment success to field conditions and strategies for improvement
Examine novel delivery methods including drone application, precision agriculture integration, and timing optimisation
Discuss how application technology impacts biocontrol efficacy in California's varied microclimates
Address practical formulation obstacles: storage stability, compatibility with tank mixes, and environmental stress tolerance
Share solutions from industry leaders on extending product viability and farmer confidence