BioSTL Global AgriFood Innovation Summit

Join industry-leading organizations and cutting-edge innovators as we tackle the most pressing challenges in regenerative ag. Together, we’ll elevate the St. Louis region into a globally recognized Regen AgriFood Hub—powered by groundbreaking solutions and partnerships.

What is the BioSTL Global AgriFood Innovation Summit?

Where Ideas Take Root & Innovation Flourishes

The BioSTL Global AgriFood Innovation Summit is a premier event in St. Louis bringing together global startups, farmers, and agrifood leaders to advance regenerative agriculture. Hosted by BioSTL, the Summit showcases breakthrough technologies, fosters collaboration, and sparks real-world solutions for a more sustainable food system.

What is ReACH?

ReACH, Regen AgriFood Coalition in the Heartland, is a coalition sponsored by BioSTL where farmers, innovators, and industry experts come together to explore cutting-edge technologies that have the potential to transform and accelerate regenerative agriculture. ReACH's member organizations represent the St. Louis region’s grower organizations, agrifood companies, non-profit research organizations, and others, all collaborating to build a better, more sustainable agrifood system

Producing More with Less

Our goals include:

Highlighting the St Louis region’s robust Agrifood ecosystem and making the Midwest a magnet for regenerative ag innovation
Creating initiatives centered on the pre-competitive regenerative ag space
Cultivating an innovation test bed in the Midwest to accelerate regenerative ag innovation, evaluation, and adoption by leveraging our member assets

Through our collaborative approach, ReACH will deliver innovative regenerative technologies across the agrifood value chain.

Main Event Highlights:

Visionary speakers and panels
Dolphin Tank pitch presentations — bold ideas, real-time feedback
Meet the ReACH Coalition members
Explore the St. Louis AgTech ecosystem
Learn about agriculture locally, regionally, and globally
Continental breakfast, lunch, and celebration reception included

Agenda

Tuesday, February 3, 2026

Location: Donald Danforth Plant Science Center

9:00 AM - 6:30 PM - Innovator Welcome & Workshop

Wednesday, February 4, 2026

Location: Donald Danforth Plant Science Center

7:00 AM - 8:00 AM - Summit Kickoff: Breakfast & Networking

8:00 AM - 8:30 AM - Opening Remarks

8:30 AM - 10:00 AM - Patient Risk Capital Enabling Farmer Transition to Regen Ag

Speakers: Myriah Johnson, VP Corporate. Sustainability, FCS America | Anil Kumar, Founder & CEO, Samunnati

10:00 AM - 10:30 AM - Break

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM - Dolphin Tank 1

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM - Lunch & Keynote Speaker - Regen Ag - Untapped Levers for Greater Farmer Profitability and Industry Collaboration

Speakers: Giles Oldroyd, PhD, President, Danforth Plant Science Center | Dan Smith, EVP, Nestlé Purina

1:30 PM - 1:45 PM - Break & Announcements

1:45 PM - 3:15 PM - Dolphin Tank 2

3:15 PM - 4:30 PM - Alumni Innovators: Where Are They Now? & Closing Remarks

4:30 PM - 6:30 PM - Closing Reception

Speaker: Garrett Hawkins, President of the Missouri Farm Bureau

Thursday, February 5, 2026

Location: Bayer

8:00 AM - 2:15 PM - *By invitation only

Check out the video below for insights into the 2025 BioSTL Global AgriFood Innovation Summit:

BioSTL Global AgriFood Innovation Summit

February 3-5, 2026
In-Person | St. Louis, MO, USA

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Alumni Innovators

2025 Alumni

2024 Alumni

2025 Alumni

2024 Alumni

2025 Alumni

Testimonials

Matias Nardi

US Country Manager, DeepAgro

“Working with the ReACH Coalition has been instrumental in DeepAgro’s U.S. expansion. From funding our first Iowa trial to connecting us with progressive farmers, BioSTL and ReACH have been there at every step. They advise us, challenge us, and open doors. The peer-to-peer learning with other startups in the ecosystem has been invaluable. The ecosystem, the trials, the introductions with VCs – there’s so much to gain. In St. Louis, everybody knows everybody, and it’s all there for you through BioSTL and ReACH.”

Jackson Stansell

Founder & CEO, Sentinel

“What I found most interesting about the ReACH Coalition and St. Louis AgTech ecosystem is that they are simultaneously proud of St. Louis and place significant value on other ecosystems. With that welcoming nature, they’ve opened doors for us from the Corn Belt to Brazil. ReACH is providing one of the only trial facilitation programs for American companies in Brazil. I encourage other AgTech founders to get to know individuals in St. Louis, let them expose you to the connective tissue of the ecosystem, and identify how ReACH can contribute to building your business globally.”

Matt Kirkpatrick

Senior Director of Marketing, PhycoTerra

“The ReACH Coalition has been instrumental in building PhycoTerra’s brand awareness and opening doors we couldn’t have accessed on our own. From connections with universities and potential collaborators to new tech showcase events, farmers, and retailers – the support system is incredible. Thanks to ReACH, a door to a new retailer partnership has been opened for us. If you are a new ag tech company looking to make an impact, ReACH will no doubt open doors for you too.”

Dan Schulz

Vice President East Region Sales, Ostara

“The ReACH Coalition and BioSTL ecosystem have connected Ostara with passionate advocates that have opened doors and facilitated collaborations that have dramatically increased the success rates for all parties involved. If you’re looking for a ‘doing’ coalition that actively scouts the world for relevant innovations and brings together the end-to-end agriculture value chain, ReACH is exactly where you need to be.”

Andrew Duff

North America General Manager, Groundwork BioAg

“ReACH provides the perfect environment to test and refine your messaging while creating awareness with coalition members. It's a place to convene, exchange ideas, and build credibility. Its members listen more intently because you've passed scrutiny to be there. Combined with St. Louis's unique position at the intersection of rural farming and cutting-edge innovation, ReACH has been instrumental in opening doors to connect with potential strategic partnerships we wouldn't have accessed otherwise.”