Inventures Conference 2025- Conference Report

Image courtesy of Alberta Innovates

May 21–23, 2025 | Calgary, Alberta

Turning Farm Problems into Real-World Solutions

The Agriculture Technology Panel kicked things off with a strong message: tech should solve problems on the farm, not create new ones. Panelists dove into everyday struggles like labor shortages and inefficient logistics—pain points that are ripe for fresh thinking.

But here’s the catch: even the most cutting-edge tools won’t matter if farmers can’t afford or easily use them. Adoption is the name of the game. That means designing tech that fits seamlessly into existing farm operations, delivers quick value, and doesn’t overwhelm already stretched producers. And when it comes to innovation- it’s time to stop going it alone. The panel encouraged more collaboration—shared APIs, flexible business models, and smarter funding approaches could help farmers everywhere access the tools they need.

Biological Inputs: Greener, Smarter Farming

In one of the most inspiring sessions, leaders from Livestock Water Recycling,

Advanced AG, and Cascadia Seaweed talked about the rising wave of biological

alternatives to traditional fertilizers. Think seaweed-based nutrients, beneficial microbes, and cutting-edge manure management.

These solutions don’t just help the planet—they’re helping farmers cut down on

synthetic fertilizers and reduce their carbon footprints. But let’s be honest: new solutions take time to catch on. Trust and education are key. That’s why these companies are investing in on-farm trials, farmer training, and transparent conversations.

Regulatory red tape—especially when comparing rules across Canada, the U.S., and Europe—is still a hurdle. But incentive programs like California’s Alternate Manure Management Program are paving the way forward. Bottom line: farmers don’t have to choose between sustainability and profitability anymore.

Canada’s Agri-Tech Moment Is Now

Another powerful panel zoomed out to look at the big picture: Canada’s growing role on the global agri-tech stage. With our vast farmland, innovative producers, and a fast-moving food tech sector, Canada has everything it needs to lead in areas like precision farming, carbon-smart ag, and sustainable proteins.

So what’s holding us back? Scaling. Too many startups get stuck between research and real-world adoption, and funding for growth-stage companies is still too thin. To really seize this $30 billion opportunity, we need stronger connections between farmers, innovators, investors, and regulators.

One speaker summed it up perfectly: “We’ve got the ingredients—now we need the recipe.”

The Future of Ag is All About Teamwork

If there was one takeaway from Inventures 2025, it was this: no one can transform agriculture alone. Whether it’s developing new tech, scaling green practices, or boosting Canada’s role on the world stage, it’s going to take openness, partnership, and a shared sense of purpose.

The agri-tech revolution isn’t just happening in labs and startups—it’s taking root in fields, barns, and boardrooms everywhere. And as the conference wrapped up, one thing was clear: the future of farming is collaborative, resilient, and full of possibility.