Driving the Future of Foodtech (STL TechWeek 2026)
Join us for the 4th Annual STL TechWeek with free events all across St. Louis on April 13th through the 17th
Driving the Future of Foodtech
STL TechWeek | Hosted at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center
The future of food is being built at the intersection of data, AI, and advanced agricultural innovation, and St. Louis is at the center of it.
Driving the Future of Foodtech brings together leaders across agriculture, crop science, food production, and consumer food systems to explore how emerging technologies are reshaping how we grow, produce, distribute, and experience food.
The program begins with an opening keynote on the power of data and artificial intelligence to transform agricultural systems and accelerate innovation across the global food supply chain. Join us at the Danforth Plant Science Center to explore how technology is driving the next era of food innovation.
Event Agenda
8:30 - 9:00 AM -- Doors Open
9:00 - 9:05 AM -- Welcome by John Chen, CEO & President of Urban Eats FoodHall & Kitchen Incubator
9:05 - 9:40 AM -- Opening Keynote on "The Next Ingredient: Why AI Will Define the Future of Foodtech" by Jo Otey, Chief Architect for AI at Sogeti
The next wave of foodtech innovation will not be driven by data alone, but by the ability to turn that data into faster, smarter action. Discussing how AI is transforming the sector, from research and product development to supply chain decisions and market responsiveness. Attendees will hear how to think strategically about AI as both an innovation enabler and a competitive advantage.
9:45 - 10:15 AM -- "Startup to Scale: Innovation at the Frontlines of Ag & Food" A Panel
- Moderated by Nick Reinke, Director of Commercialization, Taylor Geospatial
- Matt Plummer, President & CEO, Saluna, Inc.
- Tova Feinberg, Founder, VertiGreens
- Bryan Witherbee, CEO, Agragene
10:20 - 10:55 AM -- "AI in Action: How Industry Leaders Are Transforming Ag & Food Systems" A Panel
- Moderated by Stephanie Regagnon, Executive Director, Yield Lab Institute
- Mark Moran, Head (VP) of Data, Systems, & Intelligence for Plant Biotech, Bayer
- Stefan Pabst, Expert Product Owner, Nestle IT
- Luz Irina A. Calderón Villalobos, Scientific Affairs Manager for the America's, KWS Group
11:00 - 11:30 AM -- "Building the Pipeline: Powering the Next Generation of Food Innovators" A Panel
- Moderated by Ben Molina, Entrepreneurship Program Manager, Cortex Innovation District
- John Chen, CEO & President of Urban Eats FoodHall & Kitchen Incubator
- John Michel, Co-Founder of Soulcial Kitchen & Food Truck Incubator
- Adrian Moore, SR Director of Merchandising Enablement & Emerging Suppliers, Schnuck Markets, Inc.
11:30 - 12:15 PM -- Optional Tours of 39North & Danforth Plant Science Center (Separate onsite registration required)
Join us for the 4th Annual STL TechWeek with free events all across St. Louis on April 13th through the 17th
Driving the Future of Foodtech
STL TechWeek | Hosted at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center
The future of food is being built at the intersection of data, AI, and advanced agricultural innovation, and St. Louis is at the center of it.
Driving the Future of Foodtech brings together leaders across agriculture, crop science, food production, and consumer food systems to explore how emerging technologies are reshaping how we grow, produce, distribute, and experience food.
The program begins with an opening keynote on the power of data and artificial intelligence to transform agricultural systems and accelerate innovation across the global food supply chain. Join us at the Danforth Plant Science Center to explore how technology is driving the next era of food innovation.
Event Agenda
8:30 - 9:00 AM -- Doors Open
9:00 - 9:05 AM -- Welcome by John Chen, CEO & President of Urban Eats FoodHall & Kitchen Incubator
9:05 - 9:40 AM -- Opening Keynote on "The Next Ingredient: Why AI Will Define the Future of Foodtech" by Jo Otey, Chief Architect for AI at Sogeti
The next wave of foodtech innovation will not be driven by data alone, but by the ability to turn that data into faster, smarter action. Discussing how AI is transforming the sector, from research and product development to supply chain decisions and market responsiveness. Attendees will hear how to think strategically about AI as both an innovation enabler and a competitive advantage.
9:45 - 10:15 AM -- "Startup to Scale: Innovation at the Frontlines of Ag & Food" A Panel
- Moderated by Nick Reinke, Director of Commercialization, Taylor Geospatial
- Matt Plummer, President & CEO, Saluna, Inc.
- Tova Feinberg, Founder, VertiGreens
- Bryan Witherbee, CEO, Agragene
10:20 - 10:55 AM -- "AI in Action: How Industry Leaders Are Transforming Ag & Food Systems" A Panel
- Moderated by Stephanie Regagnon, Executive Director, Yield Lab Institute
- Mark Moran, Head (VP) of Data, Systems, & Intelligence for Plant Biotech, Bayer
- Stefan Pabst, Expert Product Owner, Nestle IT
- Luz Irina A. Calderón Villalobos, Scientific Affairs Manager for the America's, KWS Group
11:00 - 11:30 AM -- "Building the Pipeline: Powering the Next Generation of Food Innovators" A Panel
- Moderated by Ben Molina, Entrepreneurship Program Manager, Cortex Innovation District
- John Chen, CEO & President of Urban Eats FoodHall & Kitchen Incubator
- John Michel, Co-Founder of Soulcial Kitchen & Food Truck Incubator
- Adrian Moore, SR Director of Merchandising Enablement & Emerging Suppliers, Schnuck Markets, Inc.
11:30 - 12:15 PM -- Optional Tours of 39North & Danforth Plant Science Center (Separate onsite registration required)
Good to know
Highlights
- 2 hours 30 minutes
- all ages
- In person
- Free parking
Location
Donald Danforth Plant Science Center
975 North Warson Road
Olivette, MO 63132
How do you want to get there?
