A Tradition of Fostering Innovation, Impact, and Collaboration in AgTech

Published: July 12, 2023

Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico – July 12, 2023: The Kirchner Impact Foundation, one of the returning arms of boutique merchant bank Kirchner Group, hosted the Mexico AgTech Summit 2023 at the beautiful Japanese Garden of Parque Metropolitano de Leon on June 10, 2023. In its fourth year, the event continues to bring together and showcase the immense potential of agricultural technology in the country. With the participation of 280 enthusiastic attendees, the Summit was made possible through a partnership with the Innovation Directorship of the Municipality of Leon and support from local companies including Solena, Bukero, and Hipernova.

The event featured presentations covering topics such as the importance of measuring impact in early-stage projects presented by Hattie Brown, Co-Manager of the Kirchner Impact Foundation. Eli Davidson discussed Velocity Factor, where she explored strategies for adapting value propositions and scaling faster, empowering entrepreneurs to pursue their goals with renewed determination.

There was an insightful conversation between investor Dave Dutch and entrepreneur Diego Borrego who discussed their experience and perspectives of the investor and entrepreneur relationship and the challenges faced by both sides.

An international panel comprised of Carolina Arango from Orchestra Global (Colombia), Gabriela Lopez from CRUSA (Costa Rica), and Hector Martinez from Loom Capital (Mexico) discussed the vast potential of cross-border collaboration and gave specific tools to early-stage entrepreneurs.

The Summit reached its peak with the highly anticipated “pitch competition”, where 15 exceptional teams, selected from more than 90 applicant teams from all over Mexico, unveiled their groundbreaking companies and projects. The winners received recognition for their outstanding contributions and more than $100k USD in cash and in-kind prizes awarded by the 2022-23 Kirchner Fellows:

  • CIATEC won the Innovation Award and the prestigious Champion of Champions Award for their revolutionary work in early detection of plant diseases using aroma sensors.
  • Apical won the Social Impact Award and emerged as the runner-up to the Champion of Champions, showcasing their transformative offering dedicated to helping farmers produce their own biofertilizers and biopesticides.
  • UPB won the Environmental Impact Award for their pioneering efforts in producing edible mushrooms from agricultural waste, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to sustainability.
  • Origeen won the Investment Readiness Award, affirming their growth potential and scalability focused on urban green spaces and vertical food production.

The event also featured surprises, guest appearances, and performances by local music legend Blues Demon, creating an atmosphere of excitement and celebration. The event was emceed by Kirchner Impact Foundation’s Abigail Napsuciale and Eduardo Garay.

Kirchner Impact Foundation

The Kirchner Impact Foundation (KIF) is a non-profit organization that serves as one of the “returning” arms of Kirchner Group. KIF harnesses the positive power of enterprise to make a difference in addressing some of the most important issues of today and reflects our belief that all businesses should contribute to a positive human future. The primary activities of KIF include the Kirchner Fellowship and Kirchner Investment Academy as well as other initiatives primarily across three sectors: Agriculture/Food, Health/Life Science, and Education. Through the Kirchner Impact Model (“returning” with head, hip and heart), the Foundation promotes capital efficiency and sustainable enterprises, while aiming to generate measurable, social and environmental benefits.

The Foundation is always looking forlike-minded organizations and individuals to help it continue to expand its training programs and impact. Contact us to learn more or click here to donate now.

Hattie Brown | Co-Manager, Kirchner Impact Foundation | hbrown@kirchnergroup.com

Adrian Garcia-Casarrubias | Lead Director, Kirchner Fellowship Mexico | adrian@kirchnerfellowship.com

Kirchner Group

Kirchner Group was founded in 1985 as a boutique firm and today operates various subsidiaries, providing advisory services (M&A, assessments, diligence) and operational support (interim management, workouts, turnarounds) as well as asset management (dedicated, portfolio optimization) – all leveraging a proprietary approach that dovetails domain and process expertise.

Throughout the decades Kirchner Group has been internationally recognized for its unique business model centered around creating value while promoting values: “earning while returning”. The firm has also established a reputation for building and rebuilding important business and social paradigms based on its deep entrepreneurial orientation.

Kirchner Group’s clients and partners include early stage to mid-market companies, venture capital and private equity firms as well as family offices and some of the world’s largest insurance companies, commercial banks and institutional investors. www.kirchnergroup.com

Blair Kirchner | Managing Director | bgkirchner@kirchnergroup.com