Preparing the Ground for Innovation In Mexico AgTech

Launch Event held for the LEON AGTECH SUMMIT 2024

Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico – The Kirchner Impact Foundation, in collaboration with the Innovation Directorship of Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico, proudly kicked off the LEON AGTECH SUMMIT 2024 with a special launch event held on March 16, 2024 at the Luciernaga Science Museum.

2024 marks the fifth year of the Summit, which has been hosted annually in the city of Leon. Over the years, the Summit has attracted more than 500 attendees, featuring over 20 international speakers and 60 finalist teams competing in the prestigious AgTech Pitch Competition, which has distributed over $500,000 USD in cash and in-kind prizes.

The launch event not only set the stage for the main event, which will be held on July 27, 2024, but also showcased four illuminating talks and a panel discussion with former winners of the AgTech Pitch Competition. These sessions highlighted the Summit’s role as an important contribution to the entrepreneurship ecosystem of Central Mexico, offering insights into the intersection of agriculture, technology and entrepreneurship.

Highlights from the LEON AGTECH SUMMIT 2024 Launch Event included presentations on:

• “Genómica como impulsor del desarrollo de SOLENA” by Dr. Manuel Victor Higareda from SOLENA AG, where he detailed how artificial intelligence and technological advancements have propelled SOLENA AG to the forefront of soil health innovation.
• “Emprendimiento, Campo y AgTech” by Hector Martinez from Loom Capital, discussing the nuances of entrepreneurial ventures in the agricultural sector in Mexico and strategies for success.
• “Stage Pitch 2 Street Pitch” by Luis Rodrigo Gonzalez from Verde Compacto, providing insights into adapting pitches for various audiences and purposes to maximize impact and engagement.

The Kirchner Fellows also provided insights on the judging criteria for this year’s AgTech Pitch Competition, leveraging the Kirchner Fellowship’s assessment model to evaluate early-stage company investments.

The panel discussion with past AgTechPitch Competition winners offered a reflective look at the challenges and opportunities faced by their projects, providing attendees with real-world experiences and learnings.

Looking ahead, the LEON AGTECH SUMMIT 2024 promises to bring international perspectives, a dynamic edition of the AgTech Pitch Competition, and many surprises during the main event on July 27, 2024. This event continues to be an important element for fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the Central Mexico region’s agricultural sector.

The call for companies and projects wishing to participate in the AgTech Pitch Competition remains open until April 15, 2024.

For more information or to submit your project, please contact agtechsummit@kirchnerimpact.com.

Special Announcement: Alongside the call for project submissions for the AgTech Pitch Competition, we’re excited to announce that applications for the Kirchner Fellowship Program are still open until April 30th. This unique program seeks driven undergrad or graduate students of any field from any Mexican institution eager to delve into the world of investment and capital allocation. It’s an unparalleled opportunity for those looking to make a significant impact in the AgTech sector and beyond. For more information and to apply, visit kirchnerfellowship.com.

Kirchner Fellowship
The mission of the Kirchner Fellowship is to strengthen impact investing ecosystems in areas underserved by capital markets through training and empowering a diverse next generation of investors to allocate equity investments into early-stage companies. Through the use of a “real world, real time, real money” model, the Program has proven that it is possible for newly-formed investment teams to become effective capital allocators in a matter of months. www.kirchnerfellowship.com

The Kirchner Fellowship is an initiative of The Kirchner Impact Foundation (501 (c) (3)) one of the “returning arms” of Kirchner Group, that focuses on harnessing the positive power of enterprise to make a difference in addressing some of the most important issues of today. www.kirchnerimpact.com

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.

Adrian Garcia | Kirchner Impact Foundation | 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