IFA Innovation Hub
The IFA Innovation Hub.
An initiative to boost the development of the plant nutrition innovation ecosystem.
In order to accelerate research and development and innovation within the plant nutrition space, IFA has established an ambitious, broad-scope program – the IFA Innovation Hub – involving member corporates, startup businesses, and innovation ecosystem partners from across the fertilizer value chain.
The Innovation Hub brings together different collaborative approaches and initiatives under one umbrella – all aligned with IFA’s mission of promoting the efficient and responsible production, distribution, and use of plant nutrients, which contributes to helping to feed the world sustainably.
If you work in innovation in the plant nutrition space in a corporate, startup or academic environment, we want to hear from you and encourage you to get involved and take part in this exciting new program.
Read on for further details of the available opportunities.
Through the new IFA Innovation Hub,
the Association aims to:
Create a space for increased external innovation by learning from others, primarily through working with startups.
Facilitate knowledge-sharing, provide access to innovation, and connect fertilizer corporates and startups.
Read more.
Startups across the world are invited to apply for the challenge and every business that successfully proceeds through pre-screening receives a novel support package. The finalist cohort is rewarded with the opportunity to:
- Present at one of four regional showcase events hosted across the globe;
- Participate in networking and education sessions with plant nutrition experts, industry specialists, and international corporates;
- Upon selection, compete in the finalist showcase for a grand prize at the IFA Cultivating Tomorrow Conference.
Applications accepted from pre-seed to series B, on pre-selected themes.
A unique international event bringing leading-edge content and global experts together from the fields of sustainability and innovation in plant nutrition.
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A unique international event bringing leading-edge content and global experts together from the fields of sustainability and innovation in plant nutrition. This exciting new annual offering in the IFA event calendar includes keynote speeches, panel presentations, interactive workshops, startup showcases and the opportunity to network across the event.
Opportunities available for sponsorship, presentations, and networking in addition to discounted registration fees for startups. The first edition of Cultivating Tomorrow will be held on 1-3 April 2025 in Barcelona.
Connection and collaboration are crucial for delivering impact. The IFA Innovation Platform provides a database of plant nutrition startups, increasing the visibility of the sector’s entrepreneurs.
Read more.
Searchable by maturity, nutrient, technology and geography, startup profiles include detail on each business’ unique solutions, areas in which they are seeking collaboration, and showcase presentation content.
The IFA Innovation Hub also offers:
The IFA Science Innovation Award
recognizing science implementation and impact on the industry. Winner of the 2025 Award in the field of Novel Fertilizers to be announced in the second half of March.
Thought leadership webinars
providing insight into topics of importance for the future of fertilizers. Episodes of the first series The journey to a green ammonia future in collaboration with Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) are available here.
Discounted membership
The IFA Innovation Hub team:
Patrick Heffer
IFA Deputy Director General
Jack Keeys
IFA Innovation Hub Program Manager
To schedule an introductory call and learn more about the IFA Innovation Hub and opportunities to engage, contact Jack Keeys, IFA Innovation Hub Program Manager.