Moderator Tom Braekeleirs about the Brightlands AgriTech Event - “We all have a piece of the puzzle in our hands”

At the Brightlands AgriTech Event, the latest technologies in the field of AgriTech will be given a stage: from the use of drones and sensors in relation to the latest robotics techniques to the data science analyzes of the future and the use of artificial intelligence.

According to Tom Braekeleirs, advisor, speaker, lecturer and columnist in the field of innovation, digital technology and entrepreneurship, innovation is the way to tackle major challenges such as climate change, the growing world population and the labor shortage. “These global transitions force the agricultural and food sector to become smarter, more sustainable and efficient. Collaboration between the different sectors and domains is crucial, because it is not clear who has the solution for all these challenges. Every stakeholder - entrepreneurs, education and government - has a piece of that big puzzle to tackle the challenges.” During the Brightlands AgriTech Event, the meeting between entrepreneurs, policy makers, researchers and students is central. “The event not only offers valuable insights and knowledge, but also the opportunity to network with like-minded professionals and pioneers from within and outside agrifood. It is about making smart connections so that innovative techniques can be widely used.”

Recipes

The driving force behind this innovation, according to Tom, is that things have to be different than before. “We can no longer use the recipes from the past. We have to do things differently or do different things and actually implement this. There's a lot of things bubbling underneath. Look at the nitrogen debate: we have long had the attitude that change is a matter of wanting, not having to. But that time is over: we have to change now and can no longer wait.”

Looking differently

A good example of this, according to Tom, is tractor and agricultural machine manufacturer John Deere, one of the innovators at the Brightlands AgriTech Event. This company has developed special nozzles that make it possible to only use fertilization and/or crop protection where it is really necessary. “This is not only interesting for agriculture, horticulture can also benefit from this in the future. It is precisely by looking at how things can be done differently, and not based on how we have always done it, that the most beautiful innovations are created.” Tom clearly sees a role for every individual in this. “We can look at the big industries and say: take your social responsibility. But by looking at what you can do yourself, you also initiate changes. There are no such things as small innovations: a very small change in your business process, for example, can have major consequences.”

People and machines

In addition to innovation and collaboration, digital innovation is also crucial, according to Tom. “Digital innovation is essential to meet the challenges and move along in the rapidly changing world. Current problems cry out for solutions and smart technological innovations come in handy. This is not about replacing humans, but rather about collaboration between humans and machines. That will really make the difference. For example, a drone can be used to detect a diseased plant in a field of strawberries. But it is quite difficult for a machine to remove that one plant. You need a person for that. The two will definitely strengthen each other in the future.”

Open innovation

Tom acts as moderator during the Brightlands AgriTech Event. “I am really looking forward to bringing the different parties together during this event and seeing the latest innovations in the field of AgriTech. Personally, I am also very much looking forward to the hackathon in which students from different studies work on concrete issues from the business community. The past has already proven that open innovation really produces concrete results that everyone can benefit from.”