Early Career Innovators’ Forum builds networks for agri-tech enthusiasts

Agriculture is a close-knit industry founded on personal connections and relationships, so developing a network early in a career can significantly boost an individual’s prospects. Agri-TechE ’s Early Career Innovators’ Forum (ECIF) aims to do just that.

ECIF is a platform that unites early-career individuals interested in agri-tech through a diverse programme of free activities sponsored by the Morley Agricultural Foundation and delivered by Agri-TechE .

A mix of dedicated ECIF events allows participants to get to know each other in small groups, and some Agri-TechE events are also free for ECIF members, which exposes them to industry leaders and debates about the future of agriculture, says Dr Laura Bouvet, Knowledge Exchange Manager at Agri-TechE .

Young farmers generally possess strong practical agricultural knowledge but often have limited connections in the research and technology sectors. Conversely, Laura notes that many researchers and technology developers come from outside the agricultural sphere and seek to enhance their understanding of the farming industry.

This is the situation Elin Falla found herself in when she came across ECIF at a careers event. An interest in plant science led Elin to do a PhD at Cambridge University, studying mathematical models of the spread of aphid-transmitted viruses through crops.

“One of the reasons I was so keen to join ECIF is because my PhD is quite theoretical and I don’t get an overview of what the agricultural industry looks like,” explains Elin. “It can seem a bit mystifying at first. Academic papers aren’t the same as hearing about the industry and what other people involved do.”

Once she has completed her PhD, Elin wants to explore opportunities to work for an agri-tech company or pursue further research in the industry. She sees the connections she makes at ECIF as helping her achieve that ambition.

“I still haven’t decided what direction I might take. Either way, it’s important to me that my research is valuable and talking to the people involved daily is really helpful for that,” adds Elin.

Laura is busy preparing for the annual ECIF conference on April 30th. This year’s event is called ‘Innovating from Seed to Field, through Space’ and is open to new and existing ECIF members.

“For this year’s ECIF Conference, I want to challenge participants to think about what it takes to bring innovations to commercial reality, by considering the different scales at which innovation happens. The ECIF Conference also gives attendees an overview of the technologies they wouldn’t know about. It’s an opportunity for them to get excited and inspired about the sector.”

“We would love to see some new young farmers at this year’s conference.” says Laura.

Find out more about the ECIF Conference, and book your ticket!

The Early-Career Innovators’ Forum (ECIF) is a platform uniting early career individuals passionate about agricultural innovation. The programme is kindly sponsored by the Morley Agricultural Foundation.

Join the ECIF Programme to enhance your knowledge and network in agriculture, and to attend free activities, including research, farm and industry visits, an annual conference, and professional skills webinars. Explore more about ECIF and how to join here.