The CSIC-EMPRESAS Conference was successfully held: technology at the service of agriculture

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

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

Aware of the importance of linking the practical needs of companies with the lines of work of agricultural technology research centers, the CSIC, the Technological Platform for Plant Biotechnology (BIOVEGEN) and the CEOE came together to celebrate this day, which allowed the interaction and generation of synergies between researchers, companies, innovation agencies, investment funds and managers of R&D financing programs. The day included the presentation of Jesús Marco, vice president of Scientific and Technical Research of the CSIC; Francisco Marín, vice president of the R&D&i Commission of the CEOE, and José Pellicer, president of BIOVEGEN. Likewise, Ángela Ribeiro, deputy vice president of Knowledge Transfer at the CSIC, showed the opportunities that the institution offers for collaboration with the private sector.

During the day, representatives of the companies as well as several directors of CSIC centers participated. Thus, the CSIC highlighted its interest in solving problems by incorporating companies and sectors into the research structure, and the importance of its centers as an economic engine that contributes to the competitiveness of the sector in areas of emptied Spain.

For his part, José Pellicer, President of BIOVEGEN, highlighted ““the great strength that we have in Spain to promote collaborative research, both from the point of view of the generation of knowledge (science) and the demanders and applicators of said knowledge and technology (the company)”, for what is essential “provide work and business tools that provide greater added value and effectiveness to technological development as an engine of economic and social progress. BIOVEGEN has been committed since its creation to promoting Science and Business through technology; "That is the lighthouse that guides us and what gives meaning not only to this Conference, but to all our activity as facilitators and R&D managers in plant production."

During the day they celebrated more than 100 bilateral meetings among 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.

Gallery

Images: CSIC Communication Office

Program and presentations of the day

09:30 a.m. Reception of attendees

10:00 a.m. Welcome and Introduction of the Day

Francisco Marin. Vice President R&D&i Commission. CEOE
Jesus Marco. Vice President of Scientific and Technical Research. CSIC
José Pellicer. President BIOVEGEN

10:15 a.m. CSIC corporate presentation

Angela Ribeiro. Deputy Vice President Knowledge Transfer. CSIC