From Test to Field: Connecting AI, Robotics and Digital Services for Agri-Food SMEs

    In this webinar Raffaele Giaffreda, FBK and agrifoodTEF Project Lead, will present how TEFs help technology providers prove value before scale-up, thus reducing risks for innovators, and the concrete services available through agrifoodTEF.
    15/04/2026 | 14:30 — 17:00
    Virtual

    From innovation to adoption: why this event matters

    Across Europe, agriculture and food systems are undergoing rapid digital transformation. Artificial intelligence, robotics, and data-driven solutions are increasingly within reach, backed by major investments through the Digital Europe Programme.

    Yet for many SMEs, technology providers, and public actors, the real challenge is not whether solutions exist, but how to access them, test them, and turn experimentation into operational deployment.

    TEFs, EDIHs, data spaces, and advanced digital skills initiatives each support this journey. Too often, however, they are experienced as separate entry points rather than a single pathway, leaving potential users unsure where to start, which services are relevant, and how initiatives connect.

    The event is organised by DEDEP.eu and CoordinaTEF in collaboration with DTA Phase II supporting the European Digital Innovation Hubs Network.

    Agenda:

    14:30 – 14:35

    Welcome and introduction
    Nicholas Ferguson, DEDEP.eu, Trust-IT Services

    14:35 – 15:45

    From Test to Field: DIGITAL Services you can use

    This discussion will bring together user and infrastructure perspectives to explore:

    1. The innovation priorities and needs emerging in the agri-food sector.
    2. Key opportunities, barriers and challenges organisations face when adopting AI and digital technologies.
    3. The role of TEFs and EDIHs in supporting experimentation, validation, and deployment of AI solutions.
    4. How the Digital Europe Programme actions could better support organisations in accessing services and accelerating innovation. uptake

     

    Speakers:

    Alessio Bolognesi, Digital Agriculture Technical Officer/FederUnacoma
    Hazel Peavoy, ENTIRE EDIH /Walton Institute
    Juho Pirttilahti, Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences (SEAMK)
    Paola Scarpellini, AGRITECH EU/University of Pisa
    Raffaele Bini, EDIH Datalife
    Raffaele Giaffreda, agrifoodTEF/Fondazione Bruno Kessler

    Moderators:
    Nicholas Ferguson, DEDEP.eu/ Trust-IT Services

     

    Related Media
    • Webinar website https://dedep.eu/events/test-field-connecting-ai-robotics-and-digital-services-agri-food-smes?utm_source=LinkedIn&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=From%20Test%20to%20Field%3A%20Connecting%20AI%2C%20Robotics%20and%20Digital%20Services%20for%20Agri-Food%20SMEs%20webinar
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