AVF Asia Forum 2026

Tradition Meets Innovation: Elevating Medicinal & Aromatic Plants through Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA)

The 1st AVF Asia Forum is a landmark international conference uniting the worlds of traditional herbal medicine and cutting-edge agricultural technology. Organized by the Association for Vertical Farming (AVF) e.V., Germany in collaboration with Christ University, Bangalore, this 3-day event explores how Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) can sustainably grow Medicinal & Aromatic Plants (MAPs) like Tulsi, Aloe Vera, Ashwagandha, and more.

🌟 Conference Highlights

• 🌱 Core Theme:
  Sustainable cultivation of medicinal plants via CEA, merging Ayurvedic wisdom with modern agri-tech

• 🌐 International Delegates:
  Experts from India, Europe, USA, and MENA regions in research, vertical farming, policy, and health sectors

• 🧪 Workshops & Field Trips:
  Visit local CEA demo farms near Bangalore
  Hands-on sessions with pharma, agri-tech & wellness industries

• 🔁 Roundtables & Table Talks:
  Direct networking with researchers, companies & investors
  15-min rapid meetups to foster partnerships

🗓️ Agenda Sneak Peek

Day 1 – March 9

🧭 Theme: Integrating Ancient Knowledge with Modern Cultivation

• Keynotes from AVF leadership and AYUSH Ministry

• Sessions on plant physiology, phytochemical optimization, and medicinal plant research

• Panel: “Bridging Ayurveda and AgriTech”

• Workshop: Designing CEA Systems for MAPs

• Poster presentations & innovation exhibits

Day 2 – March 10

🔬 Theme: Science & Tech for Phytochemical Innovation

• Keynotes by Prof. Joel Cuello (Arizona), Prof. Silvana Nicola (Italy)

• Sessions on light spectrum, hydroponics, microbiomes

• Roundtables with pharma & agri-startups

• Field trip to CEA farms growing Ashwagandha, Lemongrass, Tulsi

• Workshop: Pharma-CEA Collaboration Models

Day 3 – March 11

🌍 Theme: Globalization, Policy & Market Access

• Panels on export strategy, policy frameworks

• Q&A with government bodies (e.g., AYUSH, Agri ministries)

• Pitch sessions with startups

• Closing address by AVF leadership

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Who Should Attend?

• CEA & Vertical Farming Innovators

• Ayurveda & Herbal Medicine Industry Leaders

• AgriTech & Pharma Startups

• Researchers, Universities, and Agronomists

• Policymakers in Health & Agriculture

• Sustainable Export/Trade Experts

💡 Why This Forum Matters

• Leverages India’s traditional plant knowledge

• Fosters global cooperation in medicinal farming tech

• Opens export channels for quality-controlled MAPs

• Empowers climate-resilient agri-health solutions

• Bridges pharma, agri, and wellness sectors

🏫 Location

Christ University, Bangalore
One of India’s leading research and academic hubs, located in the thriving tech/agri ecosystem of Bengaluru.

📩 Want to Attend or Exhibit?
Reach out via the official AVF Asia Forum site or email the organizers for speaker slots, sponsorship, or exhibit space.