How one student found their future employer with the REAP Bursary

Biology graduate Reuben Langdon attended REAP 2023 with support from the REAP Bursary. He struck up a conversation with a presenter of the Start-Up Showcase in the networking session, and two months later, Reuben began his career in agri-tech.

The REAP Bursary is for UK farmers and those in full-time education in agriculture or an agriculture-related discipline such as plant science, agri-engineering, or environmental sciences. Kindly sponsored by the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association (RNAA), the Bursary discounts the ticket price to £65 for Agri-TechE ’s flagship REAP agri-tech conference on November 6^th at Newmarket Racecourse.

Ahead of the event, Reuben was unsure if he could participate in the networking sessions without industry contacts. However, he found the friendly atmosphere and diverse group encouraged him to contribute, which is where Reuben made the connection that began his career.

“I had hoped to meet a future employer but had no expectation to do so,” says Reuben. “I simply attended (REAP) to listen to those at the forefront of the industry to enjoy the range of speakers and panellists across policy, technology, farming and science.”

Reuben met Nima Eskandari, founder of Agtelligence, in the networking session at the end of the day.

“Nima had just presented in the Start-Up Showcase. I was keen to find out more about how he approached the problem of monitoring regenerative agriculture and what kind of interest he had gathered,” explains Reuben.

The connection made at REAP developed into an offer of a position at Agtelligence.

An important take-home message from REAP for Reuben was that there is a strong demand for new skill sets and opinions from young professionals within the agricultural technology industry.

“REAP is a fantastic opportunity to learn about ongoing innovation and meet the people behind it. I highly recommend attending to any student interested in the intersection between agricultural sciences, farming, technology and policy.

“The panel sessions are informative and engaging, and balance competing interests well. The networking sessions offer a relaxed environment in which to discuss interests further.

“Without the bursary from the RNAA, I would not have been able to attend,” adds Reuben.

The REAP Bursary is open to UK farmers and those in full-time education in agriculture or an agriculture-related discipline. Eligible applications to be considered for one of the bursary tickets can be made here, through the Agri-TechE website. It closes on October 25^th.