AgTech Innovations Shine at the LEON AGTECH SUMMIT 2024
León, Guanajuato, Mexico, August 7, 2024 – The EXPLORA Science Center buzzed with excitement on July 27th for the LEON AGTECH SUMMIT 2024. Organized by the Kirchner Impact Foundation and the Innovation Directorship Municipality of León, the annual event gathered leading innovators, investors, and experts in the agtech sector for a day of inspiration and collaboration.
The event kicked off with Guillermo Romero Pacheco, Secretary of Economic Development for the Municipality of León, celebrating the six-year partnership between León and the Kirchner Impact Foundation. He passionately spoke about how entrepreneurship is key to advancing agriculture and agtech, setting the tone for an inspiring event.
The Summit highlighted the vibrant agtech ecosystem in Central Mexico and included the 5th iteration of its early-stage company Pitch Competition. Ten finalists presented their groundbreaking companies and projects, ranging from innovative production systems and IoT applications to nutritious food products. The winners were:
- Perseverance Award: Kulaiset, for their home system cultivating exotic mushrooms like shiitake.
- People’s Choice Award: Xigea, for their “cold plasma” technology that disinfects fruits and vegetables without chemicals.
- Champion: Mezquilate, for their technology converting mezquite pods into nutritious food, also praised for its social impact on mezquite-harvesting communities.
Prizes included $5,000 USD cash and in-kind advisory services from Kirchner Group and Loom Capital, as well as tickets to the World Agritech Innovation Summit 2024 in Mexico City.
Keynote speakers also shared their wisdom and experiences on topics such as investment strategies, measuring impact in early-stage projects, and the challenges and importance of agriculture. Adding a touch of local culture, Guanajuato’s own Blues Demon performed, infusing the event with energy and ending the day on a high note.
“I attend agtech events regularly and I can honestly say that this was a world class event that skillfully blended information and inspiration, commented Dr. Terry Hofecker, Chief Technology Officer of Soil1 LLC. “I’m leaving with new ideas and valuable connections that will help push our company forward.”
“It’s incredible to see so many innovative solutions tackling real-world problems in agriculture,” said Maria Sanchez, a participant at the Summit. “Events like this showcase the talent and creativity that can drive significant change.”
“As global challenges persist, events like this are crucial for fostering innovation and collaboration.” concluded Adrian Garcia, Lead Director, Kirchner Fellowship Mexico
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 for like-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