Innovation meets network - GANS25

The Growth Alliance Networking Summit 2025, short GANS25, has once again impressively demonstrated how vibrant, innovative, and interconnected the green startup scene in the AgriFood sector is. Over 280 participants came together on May 8 at the event organized by Rentenbank and TechQuartier in Frankfurt am Main to hear inspiring presentations, make connections, and discuss practical solutions for a future-oriented agricultural and food economy – the suitable live catering was provided by startups from the ecosystem such as Neggst, Verrano, and Ebb & Flow Keg in cooperation with the local catering.

Strong Impulses

There was no shortage of innovative ideas and presentations: The first impulse was delivered by Paul Plötner and Dr. Christian Bock with their presentation of a joint study by BCG and Rentenbank. This shows: Agri-Tech can be a key to tackling climate change, resource scarcity, and skilled labor shortages. Despite high relevance, investments are declining – many VCs are risk-averse. At the same time, farmers desire practical solutions that combine economic viability and sustainability. The study calls for reducing barriers to innovation and showing more courage to invest in forward-looking technologies.

On the topic of Alternative Protein, which Ivo Rzegotta introduced, Jonathan Roberz provided exciting insights into his start-up MicroHarvest. A panel talk with him, Clément Tischer (REWE Group), Albert Hortmann-Scholten (Chamber of Agriculture Lower Saxony), and Dr. Alexander Molitor (KWS SAAT) explored the possibilities and influences of protein plants on local agriculture. No less exciting was the second topic block, which Jacob van den Borne (Van den Borne Aardappelen) led the listeners through: Efficient water use and technological options. A startup insight was provided by Thilo von Freier from AGVOLUTION. Together with Brice Lemarechal (irriport GmbH), the two speakers intensely explored the topic in the subsequent panel talk.

Time for the Pitch

The VC Reversed Pitch, where investors or VCs such as World Fund, AENU, ZINTINUS, or HTGF introduced themselves to the startups and participants and kept an eye out for new investment opportunities in the burgeoning AgriFood ecosystem of the Growth Alliance, could not be missed. The participants of this year's start-up boot camp proved that there are new ideas. The finalists of the 4-day boot camp for early-stage startups presented their projects – KAREVO was honored in the evening during a festive awards ceremony for the idea of an optical sorting system with AI for potatoes and can look forward to the prize money of €5,000.

At the startup fair, the following innovative AgriFood start-ups presented their latest products and prototypes in the areas of AgTech, FoodTech, and Nature Based Solutions:

• Calabaza

• Fermeta

• JUSTAKE

• Karevo

• morgenmaterials

• NutriSen

• Opterra

• Plantilizer

• Prefiro

• REVOJA

Sustainability and Economic Viability

"Climate change, rising costs, and the shortage of labor are just some of the many challenges facing the green sector. To continue to be successful, it must find solutions. Innovative startups play a central role in this. They work on concepts that offer answers to current and future challenges. At the same time, their developments lead to increases in efficiency and productivity, enhancing the competitiveness of businesses. Thus, regarding topics such as efficient water use and alternative proteins, it is not only about adapting to climate changes and contributing to environmental protection and biodiversity, but also about using resources more efficiently, lowering costs, and opening up new economic sectors. In this way, innovative startups connect sustainability and economic viability," says Nikola Steinbock, spokesperson for the executive board of Rentenbank. "As a strong partner of the sector, we support startups with subordinated loans and our commitment in the venture capital sector. At the same time, with GANS we provide an innovative platform for industry actors to exchange ideas and develop solutions for the diverse challenges."

Nikola Steinbock, spokesperson for the executive board of the Agricultural Rentenbank

Until Next Year

GANS25 clearly shows: To meet the challenges of the future concerning food, climate, and agriculture, a good interplay between startups, investors, society, and agriculture is becoming increasingly important. With the Growth Alliance, young ideas are given precisely the platform they need – thanks to fruitful exchanges, new ideas, and the right support.

"Our role as an innovation ecosystem is to build bridges: between startups and corporates, between research and application, between today and tomorrow. TechQuartier stands for collaboration and progress. Therefore, we are proud to be together with the Landwirtschaftliche Rentenbank, the initiators of the Growth Alliance Networking Summit and the Growth Alliance that shapes the future - concretely, solution-oriented, and interconnected."

Alice Rettig, Managing Director of TechQuartier

About the Growth Alliance
The Growth Alliance is an initiative of the Agricultural Rentenbank and TechQuartier on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture. Through specialized programs and partnerships with industry, science, and politics, we support founders from idea generation to scaling in the development of sustainable solutions for the agricultural and food sectors. 

About the Landwirtschaftliche Rentenbank
The Landwirtschaftliche Rentenbank is the German promotional bank for the agricultural sector and rural areas. The bank is a federal-independent institution under public law based in Frankfurt am Main. The promotional mandate of Rentenbank is comprehensive: in addition to promoting agriculture and forestry as well as the entire food value chain, the Rentenbank also supports renewable energies and bioeconomy initiatives. Rentenbank is the third-largest promotional bank in Germany.

About TechQuartier
TechQuartier, based in Frankfurt am Main, develops ecosystems for startups in the technology and digital sectors. As an innovation center, it supports and connects startups, companies, and investors with trend-oriented programs and events.

Media Contact

TechQuartier:
My-Linh Pham
E-Mail: pham@techquartier.com
Website: www.techquartier.com

Rentenbank:
Christian Pohl
E-Mail: pohl@rentenbank.de
Website: www.rentenbank.de