DLG AgriFood Innovation Hub – Agri-food start-ups are shaping the future

The DLG AgriFood Innovation Hub connects start-ups, technology and industry across the global agri-food sector – creating a trusted ecosystem where innovation can grow and scale. Through global events, expert networks, innovation platforms, and formats such as trade fairs, hackathons, and coaching programs, we enable start-ups to showcase their ideas, connect with industry leaders and investors, and bring solutions into practice.

Apply as start-up        Partner with us

Young green seedling growing from dark soil in sunlight.
200

+ start-ups in network

Robotic arm with gripper operating above a field of green crops.
50

+ industry partners

3D CAD visualization of an industrial mechanical assembly displayed on a computer screen.
25

+ global business platforms

Focus areas of innovation

Agtech

Digital 
Farming & 
Food Production

FoodTech

Sustainable Agriculture
& Food Industry

Food 
Processing

For start-ups

Grow your innovation with access to the agri-food industry

Visibility

  • Start-up areas
  • Pitch stages 
  • Industry exposure

Access to industry and food retail

  • Corporate matchmaking 
  • Pilot projects 
  • Partnerships

Expertise

  • Mentoring
  • Market insights
  • Investor access

Apply as start-up

For corporates and investors

Start-up scouting

Identify promising start-ups and emerging technologies

Connect companies with relevant innovators

Innovation partnerships 

Build collaborations between startups and industry

Develop new solutions and business models together

Pilot projects  

Test new technologies in real-world environments

Validate solutions before scaling

Technology insights

Access trends and emerging technologies

Gain insights from startups and industry experts

Become a partner

Where start-ups meet the industry

The world’s leading trade fair for agricultural machinery and innovative farming technologies

Logo of the EuroTier trade fair featuring a stylized animal outline in blue, white, and red on a green background, next to black and green lettering ‘EuroTier’ and the tagline ‘First in animal farming’.roTier‘ sowie der Zusatz ‚First in animal farming‘

The leading international trade fair for professional animal farming and livestock management

The leading global trade fair for food and beverage processing technologies and solutions

A trade fair and convention focused on innovative technologies and systems for sustainable and future-oriented food production

Logo of the Agritechnica Asia trade fair with green and blue lettering on a white background, red detail in the word ‘Technica’, and a round DLG logo on the right.

The leading regional platform for agricultural technology and machinery in Asia

Logo of the DLG-Feldtage featuring green lettering ‘DLG-Feldtage’ and a stylized ear motif on a white background.

DLG-Feldtage – the festival of modern crop production

Trade fair formats for start-ups and innovation

Open Innovation Showcase

  • Best-practice presentations
  • For companies and start-ups
  • Flexible duration
  • Real-world examples of successful open innovation collaboration
  • Focus on knowledge transfer and inspiration

Hackathon

  • Compact innovation format
  • For research teams, developer groups, and early-stage start-ups
  • 1–3 days
  • Development of initial solutions to specific challenges
  • Focus on creativity and rapid idea generation

DLG.Prototype.Club

  • Rapid prototyping competition
  • For software developers and established start-ups
  • Approx. 14 days
  • Development of a functional prototype
  • Focus on implementation and market readiness

DLG Rapid Fire Start-up Pitches

  • Short start-up presentations
  • In front of companies, investors, and expert audiences
  • A few minutes per pitch
  • Presentation of innovations and business models
  • Focus on visibility, feedback, and networking

Innovation in action – success stories

DLG-Feldtage 2026

AGRITECHNICA ASIA 2026

“MicroHarvest was excited to be part of the launch edition of the Inhouse Farming Convention, a format that plays a vital role in advancing dialogue around sustainable food production and the future of protein. We look forward to returning to the 2027 edition as the industry continues to accelerate its shift toward innovative, climate‑resilient solutions.

We are excited to share our journey of building our first large‑scale production facility with an investment of mid-double-digit millions in Leuna. This investment enables us to scale our fermentation technology and contribute to a more resilient European protein supply.

Thought‑leadership platforms like the Inhouse Farming Convention are essential to keep momentum, inspire collaboration, and drive the impact needed for planetary and human health — and we are excited to be part of that journey once again.”

Jonathan Roberz, Co-Founder, COO & Managing Director, MicroHarvest

Innovations in pictures

(Click image to open the gallery)

Join the ecosystem

For start-ups

Gain visibility and connect with industry leaders.
 

Apply as start-up

For companies

Discover innovative technologies and collaborate with start-ups.
 

Partner with us 

Contact

DLG Innovation Hub Team



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