The Future of Agriculture and Technology: A Discussion with Aidan Connolly
On Saturday, November 9, President of Agritech Capital Aidan Connolly drew from his global insights and 30-plus years of experience to take attendees through the challenges, opportunities, and transformations shaping the agriculture sector today.
Connolly began by sharing the evolution of his career and the driving force behind his passion for agritech. “Agriculture wasn’t my initial focus — it was international business,” he admitted. “But over time, agriculture became sexier, more exciting, because we’ve realized the fragile nature of our world. If we don’t produce food effectively, sustainably, and safely, we face bigger issues.”
This realization shaped Connolly’s focus on innovation. As president of Agritech Capital, he works to bridge the gap between agriculture and technology, supporting both startups and established companies. “I meet as many startups as possible because those people are usually much smarter than me,” he said with a laugh. “If I can learn from them, I can help them pivot, refine, or apply their technologies in meaningful ways.”
Connolly noted that while agriculture has seen advancements, its pace of change lags behind other industries. “Most of the practices we developed 10,000 years ago — domesticating animals, growing plants — are still in use today. In the last 100 years, we’ve seen bigger innovations, but not as many as you’d expect.” This slow pace, however, presents a paradox: agriculture remains one of the least digitized sectors, yet it offers immense potential for disruption. “McKinsey reported agriculture as the least digitized industry, alongside hunting,” he joked. “That feels good, doesn’t it?”
His presentation spotlighted transformative technologies that could redefine farming, from robotics and AI to CRISPR and blockchain. Connolly described how AI and robotics are already changing dairy farming: “A robot milks cows whenever they want to be milked. The cow decides, not the farmer. This reduces stress, improves productivity, and is better for animal welfare.” He also discussed CRISPR, a groundbreaking gene-editing technology. “CRISPR acts like biological scissors, allowing us to edit DNA naturally and precisely,” he explained. While praising its potential, he acknowledged consumer hesitancy toward such technologies. “We need to frame these innovations in ways that resonate with consumers.”
Connolly, who has traveled to over 200 countries for work, believes his global exposure has been instrumental in shaping his insights. “When I travel, I go to grocery stores to see how food is labeled, priced, and presented,” he shared. “I’ve seen innovations in one country spark interest in another. My role is to act as a conduit, sharing ideas across borders.”
He highlighted the stark contrasts in agricultural priorities worldwide. “In Europe, the conversation is about reducing methane emissions. In Kenya, it’s about basic food accessibility. The challenges are vastly different, but the potential for technology to address them is universal.”
Connolly also addressed the barriers faced by agritech startups. “Most startups run out of cash, but another big challenge is a lack of understanding of farming. Innovators in Silicon Valley or Paris might not grasp what farmers need. That’s where expertise and connections come in.” To address this, he called for greater government involvement but stressed the need for thoughtful policies. “Governments often support innovation in universities or large organizations, but that’s not where most ideas come from today. Connectivity on farms, incentives for sustainable practices—these are the carrots that work better than sticks.”
Connolly closed the seminar with advice for both farmers and innovators. “The future of farming isn’t just about the next 10 years. It’s about what changes in the next 24 months,” he said, urging a sense of urgency in adopting technologies like sensors, robotics, and AI. For startups, he emphasized the importance of collaboration and adaptability. “The best ideas come from those willing to listen, learn, and refine. I have no tolerance for egos—I work with people who are passionate and respectful.”
Connolly’s seminar was more than a discussion of agritech — it was a call to action for everyone involved in the food system. By combining global insights, cutting-edge technology, and practical advice, Connolly offered a roadmap for a future where agriculture can be both sustainable and innovative. His closing words summed it up best: “Agriculture is the foundation of everything we do. If we get this right, the possibilities are endless.”