The AIVA Network hosted its first Demo Day at EMILI Innovation Farms, where nearly 70 attendees had a firsthand look at demonstrations of agricultural technologies and learned how AIVA validates early-stage and market-ready agtech. 

Demonstrations of cutting-edge technologies

Four innovators collaborating with AIVA showcased their technologies and shared insights from field trials taking place across Canada.

• AgExpert Sustainability: Janel Fazakas shared how AgExpert’s agronomic intelligence framework can improve decision making to enhance crop and soil health.
• Corteva Agriscience: Kevin Falk shared research on spray drone trials, evaluating the efficacy of applying fungicides with spray drones compared to ground-based applications.   
• Geco Strategic Weed Management: Greg Stewart demonstrated how Geco’s weed mapping technology can predict weed zones and enable farmers to more accurately target inputs. 
• Picketa Systems: Zachary Andersen demonstrated how Picketa’s portable LENS can deliver in-field plant nutrient analysis to help farmers make faster fertilizer decisions. 

There was also a presentation from AgZen on their AI-powered technology to optimize spray applications. AgZen has been extensively vetted by WHIN, one of AIVA’s founding partners, and is garnering interest from AIVA Farmer Alliance Members for farm adoption. 

Industry leaders and updates

AIVA was pleased to hear remarks from Manitoba’s Minister of Innovation and New Technology, Mike Moroz, who spoke to his own upbringing on a farm and the agricultural innovation taking place in the province. 

John Cassidy, Managing Director of SVG Ventures THRIVE, also announced the launch of Spade Technology’s Canadian headquarters in Manitoba, following investment from SVG Ventures.

Future events

This event was the first of many for AIVA! We hope to connect with you at future events taking place in Ontario, Manitoba, and Alberta. Learn more and register:

• August 18: Bothwell, ON – Innovation Farms Ontario x AIVA Network Demo Day
• September 28: Ottawa, ON – AIVA Network at GCXpo
• November 5: Winnipeg, MB – Agriculture Enlightened
• November 18: Olds, AB – AIVA Network Demo Day at Olds College