International collaboration brings innovation to the field
On day 3 the focus shifted from promise to proof. Germany, France and the Netherlands worked together to bring robotics and AI to farmers faster with clear agreements on validation, production and payment. In three concise rounds Dutch companies showed how non chemical weed control, smart vision technology and joint product development now come together in real applications. At the same time Australia expressed strong interest in collaboration. For NXTGEN this is exactly the movement the ecosystem aims to strengthen, broaden, improve and accelerate so that innovations land reliably in the field.
Shared challenges and shared approaches in France Germany and the Netherlands
By working alongside French and German delegations and attending their sessions it became clear that we face the same challenges. The need is for proof in practice, production capacity and a fair cost structure. We also see the same approach, validating together in the field, engaging producers early and organising financing around use. This creates a shared work plan that enables scale without compromising quality.
Pitches Dutch robotics and AI in practice make progress tangible
In three rounds three Dutch companies each had one minute to present their innovation followed by sharp questions and reactions that clarified the path to application. The emphasis was on accelerating proof, scaling production and sharing costs with immediate lessons for the coming season. This made visible what is already possible and where collaboration is needed for the next steps.
Round 1
Sustainable weed control
Odd.Bot with Martijn Lukaart, Pixelfarming Robotics with Arend Koekoek and Trabotyx with Tim Kreukniet showed that mechanical and vision driven weeding is becoming a mature alternative to chemical control. The sector now wants robust evidence at farm scale and clarity on series production and costs. Sustainability through simplicity was a recognisable theme. Learning with farmers was central so that robots build practical intelligence. The question of how to start next season received a concrete answer, validating together and operating directly in the field.
Round 2
AI for healthy soil and higher yield
Soil Data with Tamme van der Wal, Rapagra with Ronald de Bruin and Flikweert Vision with Thijs van der Torre demonstrated how vision and smart image processing reveal quality differences early. This helps reduce waste and increase quality at a time when labour is scarce. By linking cameras to crop knowledge a chain wide picture emerges that speeds up decisions and prevents mistakes. This is how the impact of AI grows from detection to demonstrable improvement.
Round 3
Round 3 Netherlands and Germany joining forces
AVL Motion with Sander Wientjes showed how automated selective harvesting bridges sustainability goals and economic feasibility with lessons from scaling pilots to the German market. Track32 with Joris IJsselmuiden is working with Lemken on precision weeding with AI and computer vision and looked across the entire chain from machine building and breeding to yield forecasting and sorting. Aurea Imaging with Bert Rijk discussed who pays for innovation and which approaches work in Germany, a large market that is cautious with digitalisation but moves when the value is clear. Together a route emerges in which investment follows proven use in the field.
Australia sees opportunities for shared growth
The Agrifutures Grow AG delegation explored collaboration with NXTGEN and identified clear parallels in farming practice and market demand. They mentioned the Netherlands and Israel as frontrunners in agrifood innovation with the United States as a strong player and want to initiate explorations toward concrete projects. This opens doors for mutual learning, market access and a faster path to impact in varied climates. The conversations were action oriented with follow up steps for knowledge sharing and pilots.
Additional expertise in the chain accelerates international application
For NXTGEN broadening means connecting new disciplines to the traditional agrifood chain and doing so internationally. This is the strength of the Handsfree Agrifood ecosystem where farmers, machine builders and breeders work alongside AI and vision specialists, robotics engineers and data experts from Germany, France and Australia. This accelerates validation in the field, makes series production feasible and aligns with rules and market conditions in multiple countries. Those who join gain access to open testing environments, cross border pilots and a team that brings demand and technology together so that you work faster with proven solutions.
This week on stage and at the pavilion
Anyone who wants to look beyond the stand will find NXTGEN on stage as well this week. Multiple moments bring context and contact together which is helpful if you want to follow how collaboration and application are evolving.
Panel on reducing crop protection inputs
On Thursday 13 November at 14.00 NXTGEN partners will discuss innovations that reduce the use of crop protection products. In line with European goals to reduce the use and risk of chemical inputs by 50 percent by 2030 the panel will address feasibility, technological solutions, economic effects and the future of European agriculture. With Will Kroot from VAA data works, Jurian Ham from Aurea Imaging, Maikel van Essen from Koppert and moderator Josephine van Eggelen from FME.
Visit the NL pavilion in hall 25 stand 25A13 before or after the sessions. We are happy to schedule a short follow up to explore what fits your company or project.