08:30

Registration desk open

09:00

Beyond the Genome: From Data to Decisions

This plenary keynote opening presentation highlights how AI and data science are transforming plant breeding from deeper biological insight to faster, smarter decision-making. It offers an inspiring look at the breakthroughs reshaping the field today and what comes next for data-driven crop innovation.

09:45

Break

10:30

Parallel sessions part 1

• 1A. Engineering Plants of Tomorrow
  

  This session explores how next-generation crops are being shaped through improved photosynthesis, optimized plant architecture, and advanced metabolic design to boost efficiency, resilience, and biobased production. It also highlights emerging consumer-focused traits - such as enhanced nutrition, taste, and shelf life - that will drive the value and acceptance of future crops across food, feed, and biobased markets.

• 1B. Domestication Reimagined: Speed Breeding and Novel Crops
  

  During this session we will examine how speed breeding, pan-genomics, and genomic prediction are accelerating domestication and expanding opportunities for novel crops. We highlight advances in understanding genetic variation, the use of new genotyping technologies, and the evolving future of marker-assisted breeding in delivering resilient, diverse, and high-value crops.

12:30

Lunch, networking and exhibition

13:30

Parallel sessions part 2

• 2A. Crops and Systems: Closing the Gap between Engineering and Breeding
  

  Discover how speed breeding, pan-genomics, and genomic prediction are accelerating domestication and enabling the development of new crops. It highlights advances in understanding genetic variation, emerging genotyping technologies, and the evolving role of marker-assisted breeding in creating resilient, diverse, and high-value crops.

• 2B. Disruptive Technologies I: Next-Gen Breeding Tools
  

  In this session, we will highlight emerging breakthroughs - such as single-cell breeding, 2S1Graft hybrid technology, apomixis, and advanced doubled haploids - that are transforming the speed and precision of variety development. These tools accelerate trait fixation, broaden hybridization options, and streamline breeding pipelines, enabling faster innovation cycles and new opportunities in competitive crop markets.

15:30

Break

16:15

Plenary pitch program

Academic institutes and startups will get the possibility to pitch their innovative technology, -service or -product to the audience from the international agri-food industry.

Pitching companies - curated by StartLife, the leading AgriFoodTech accelerator in Europe:

• to be announced

The pitch program is supported by biotope ^{by VIB} , CEPLAS and StartLife.

17:45

Reception

19:15

Conference dinner

Venue to be announced in the Networkapp and during the plenary closing program part on Monday.

08:30

Registration desk open

09:00

Start plenary program

Keynote presentation to be announced

09:45

Break

10:30

Parallel sessions part 3

• 3A. Disruptive Technologies II: Protein and Allele Design
  

  Join this session to explore how advances in protein and allele design are enabling precise, molecular-level improvements in plant performance. By shaping enzyme activity and key regulatory pathways, these approaches support crops with greater efficiency, resilience, and product quality - streamlining breeding strategies and opening new high-value opportunities across food and biobased markets.

• 3B. Novel Disease Resistance Strategies
  

  This session explores new approaches to disease resistance that enhance crop protection and production reliability. By leveraging deeper insights into plant–pathogen interactions and expanding available resistance mechanisms, breeders can develop varieties with more durable performance and reduced dependence on crop protection inputs - lowering risk, strengthening supply chains, and creating opportunities for differentiated products.

12:30

Lunch, networking and exhibition

13:30

Parallel sessions part 4

• 4A. Partnering for AgTech Innovation
  

  Explore how startups and corporates can collaborate effectively despite differences in culture, pace, and priorities. This session highlights best practices for structuring partnerships, aligning expectations, and accelerating joint development to turn technological potential into shared commercial success.

• 4B. AI and Machine Learning in Plant Breeding
  

  How AI, machine learning, and deep learning are accelerating breeding pipelines through faster predictions, smarter selection, and improved control of complex traits. These data-driven tools shorten development cycles, cut costs, and strengthen variety success rates - helping companies integrate advanced analytics for competitive advantage and new market opportunities.

15:30

Break

16:15

Closing conference program

with keynote presentation (to be announced)

17:00

Closing conference reception

18:30

End of conference