Demo Day at CPSBB Brings Science and Industry Together to Advance Innovative Technologies for Sustainable Agriculture

CPSBB and AgroHub.BG brought together representatives of science, business and the technology sector in Plovdiv for a Demo Day organized within the framework of the European project AgroDigiRise 2.0.

The main objective of the event was to demonstrate in practice how science and modern technologies can be combined to create effective innovative solutions for sustainable agriculture. The key focus was on precision agriculture, automation and digital technologies, as well as their potential applications for more efficient and sustainable agricultural production and enhanced food security.

The Demo Day brought together more than 40 participants, including representatives of SMEs, agribusinesses and technology companies, non-governmental organizations working in the fields of agriculture and innovation, as well as representatives of the agricultural research community, including scientists and experts from the Bulgarian Agricultural Academy.

Special guests at the event were representatives of the international MESITA project (Master of Science in Smart Farming and IoT in Agriculture), co-funded by the Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Higher Education programme. Coordinated by Universität Siegen, Germany, the project aims to develop an innovative Master’s programme combining precision agriculture, biotechnology and the Internet of Things (IoT), to be introduced at four universities in Nigeria. The international delegation included lecturers, researchers and agri-tech experts from universities in Germany, Poland and Nigeria. The visit provided an opportunity to exchange experience and ideas on the application of digital technologies in agriculture and the role of science and education in preparing the next generation of specialists in the sector.

From the Research Laboratory to the Smart Greenhouse

CPSBB Director Prof. Dr. Tsanko Gechev presented the Center and some of the scientific approaches and technologies being developed by the research teams to improve the productivity, resilience and quality of agricultural crops.

At CPSBB greenhouse complex, participants had the opportunity to see the practical application of digital technologies in agriculture through a demonstration of a “smart greenhouse” – a high-tech system for automated irrigation, fertilization and climate control developed by the technology partner in the project ONDO Solutions.

The demonstration showcased the possibilities for automation and remote management of key processes in greenhouse production. Such solutions enable more precise use of water and nutrients while providing greater control over plant growing conditions.

The guests also visited CPSBB’s research complex, where they were introduced to its modern laboratory infrastructure and some of the advanced technologies and methods used by CPSBB scientists in plant research.

The Demo Day also provided a platform to discuss opportunities for closer collaboration between science and business, including the development and implementation of solutions for sustainable crop production, biological plant protection and improved crop yields.

AgroDigiRise 2.0 – Digital Solutions for Sustainable Agriculture

AgroDigiRise 2.0 represents the next stage in the development of AgroHub.BG, the European Digital Innovation Hub for Agriculture, and has been approved for funding under the Digital Europe Programme. The project brings together organizations with expertise in science, technology, agriculture, entrepreneurship and innovation, with the aim of accelerating the adoption of modern digital solutions across Bulgaria’s agricultural sector.

Particular emphasis is placed on the use of artificial intelligence, automation, robotics and data-driven decision-making technologies, as well as their practical application in agriculture.

Through the AgroDigiRise 2.0 demonstration sites, farmers and agribusinesses can explore and test innovative technologies before implementing them in their own farms and businesses. As a project partner, CPSBB provides access to specialized scientific infrastructure and expert services through demonstration days, training activities and consultations.

During the event, participants were also introduced to the services provided by CPSBB and the other partners in the AgroHub.BG consortium within the framework of AgroDigiRise 2.0. Representatives of the business and agricultural sectors expressed interest in opportunities for future collaboration and in making use of the expertise and technological infrastructure available across the project consortium.