AVF ASIA FORUM 2026 Bangalore, INDIA

  • 00Days TO GO

3

Exciting Days

Welcome to the first AVF Asia Forum 2026!!

Tradition Meets Innovation: Elevating Medicinal & Aromatic Plants through Controlled Environment Agriculture. In our conference, national and international leaders will build a roadmap of cooperation for growing MAPs in CEA.

When

Monday 9th – Wednesday 11th March 2026

Where

Christ University, Bangalore, India

Growing Medicinal Plants Sustainably – Where Ancient Knowledge Meets CEA Farming

Join national and international leaders, researchers, entrepreneurs, and policymakers as we co-create a roadmap for the future of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs) using the power of Controlled Environment Agriculture. This landmark event will bring together tradition and technology to unlock sustainable growth, export potential, and resilient cultivation practices for MAPs.

10+

Speakers

Highlights of conference

Growing Medicinal Plants Sustainably

Growing Wellness Sustainably – Where Ancient Knowledge Meets Smart Farming

Meet Your Partners Directly

Meet your partners directly for a 15-minute table talk at the conference venue Networking

Networking

Meet international and national experts at the 1st AVF Asia Forum

Technologies in CEA

Technologies in Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) focus on optimizing plant growth in indoor settings through climate control, lighting, and water management

Understand Market Opportunities

Insights into demand, supply chains, and consumer behavior for urban farming produce.

Q&A

After each session, we will have Q+A for an interactive involvement of the audience

3 Day Conference Includes

Field Trip

Visit to a local Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Plant

Field Trip

Visit to a local research center or CEA site near Bangalore (e.g., Ashwagandha, Tulsi, Aloe vera, Lemongrass). Includes on-site demo and networking lunch.

Roundtable

Discussions with researchers, startups, and partners.

Roundtable

Exhibits and discussions with researchers, startups, and partners.

Workshop

Practical examples of collaboration between CEA and pharma industries.

Workshop

Practical examples of collaboration between CEA and pharma industries.

AVF ASIA FORUM

Bengaluru, India

3-Day International Conference with
Discussions, Workshops, and Field Trip

Speakers

Christine Zimmermann-Loessl

Chairwoman AVF

Dr Mandar Godge

Applied Researcher & Entrepreneur Urban, GRAIN International

Prof. Joel Cuello

Arizona University, USA

Rev. Dr. Fr. Joseph C. C.,

Vice-Chancellor Christ University Bangalore

Dr. R H Dahiya

Educational Director of AVF India

Bhaskar Rao

AVF Dubai Head

Prof. Silvana Nicola

University of Turino, Italy

Conference Agenda

Tradition Meets Innovation

Theme: Integrating Ancient Knowledge with Modern Cultivation Systems

Time

Event

Details

Registration

Steering Committee

Opening

Inaugural remarks by the Ministry of AYUSH and AVF representatives.

Keynote 1
From Tradition to Technology – The Future of Medicinal & Aromatic Plants

Opening vision talk.

Keynote 2
Christine Zimmermann-Loessl
, Chairwoman AVF: Global Trends in Vertical Farming and Local Needs

Coffee Break Networking

How vertical farming innovations can be adapted to regional medicinal plant production.

Session I
Plant Physiology & Phytochemical Optimization under CEA Research presentations on optimizing plant compounds through environmental control.

Dr. Mandar Godge
Agritech flagship programme - Medicinal plant species conservation and phytobusiness optimization in CEA

Lunch

Dr. Mandar Godge
Agritech flagship programme - Medicinal plant species conservation and phytobusiness optimization in CEA

Panel: Bridging Ayurveda and AgriTech Presentation 1
Presentation 2

Integrating traditional plant wisdom with modern cultivation technologies.

Coffee Break

Integrating traditional plant wisdom with modern cultivation technologies.

Workshop I
Designing CEA Systems for Medicinal & Aromatic Plants

Practical design principles and system setup insights.

Poster & Innovation Session / Networking Reception

Exhibits and discussions with researchers, startups, and partners.

Technology, Quality & Market Development

Theme: Scaling Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Production Sustainably

Time

Events

Speakers

Morning Keynote: Global Market Outlook for CEA-Grown Medicinal Crops

Market trends and global trade perspectives.

Session II
AI, Sensors & Photonics in Controlled Growth

Emerging technologies in plant monitoring and photobiology.

Coffee Break

Session III
Quality Assurance, Traceability & Certification

Presentation I:Quality assurance, traceability & certification/Bhaskar Rao UAE

Ensuring consistency and efficacy in medicinal plant production.

Lunch

Panel: Investing in the Future – From Pilot to Scale

Financing models, startup pathways, and investment opportunities.

Coffee Break

Workshop II
Integrating CEA into Herbal & Pharmaceutical Supply Chains

Practical examples of collaboration between CEA and pharma industries.

Networking Dinner & Cultural Evening

Hosted by local partners, with Indian cuisine and performances.

Reflection & Field Visit

Theme: From Knowledge to Practice

Time

Events

Speakers

Morning Plenary & Summary: Key Takeaways and Roadmap for Action

Recap of conference highlights and future directions.

Coffee Break

Field Visit
CEA Facility & Research Center for Medicinal and Aromatic Plants

Visit to a local research center or production site near Bangalore (e.g., Ashwagandha, Tulsi, Aloe vera, Lemongrass). Includes on-site demo and networking lunch.

Return & Closing Reflections

Open discussion and closing remarks.

About AVF

About the Association

The Association for Vertical Farming e.V. (AVF) is an international non-profit organization promoting the development, integration, and global adoption of vertical farming and controlled-environment agriculture (CEA). 
 
AVF brings together technology developers, growers, researchers, universities, private companies, and policy leaders to advance sustainable and climate-resilient food production systems, particularly in urban and peri-urban regions.

Focus Areas

  • Controlled-environment agriculture research & innovation
  • Capacity-building and education programs in urban agriculture
  • Industry collaboration and technology development partnerships
  • Policy advocacy for sustainable, climate-smart food systems
  • Demonstration and pilot project support in major global cities

Registration Started

OFFER TILL JAN 26

Conference

Tickets

200/200

  • Book A Seat
  • Early Bird Offer 15% Off​

Book a

Stall

500/500

  • Space At Conference
  • Early Bird Offer 20% Off​

Event

Sponsor

500/500

  • Sponsor a Event
  • Early Bird Offer 15% Off​

Company

Branding

500/500

  • Online/ Offline Ad
  • Early Bird Offer 15% Off​

GOOD VIBES

Feel the spirit

The Association for Vertical Farming, a leading global non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the indoor and vertical farming industry.

The AVF acknowledges that vertical farming in its current state can provide access to fresh, safe, and sufficient food, independent of climate and location. In the decades to come, where overpopulation and severe planetary changes challenge our current way of life, vertical farming will become a necessary solution in global food production.

The Association for Vertical Farming is the leading, global non-profit organisation for raising awareness and connecting all stakeholders to advance the implementation of vertical farming

Association for Vertical Farming

Contact Us

The AVF welcomes companies, technologists, growers, retailers, city planners, research institutions, governmental bodies, and project planners from all parts of the world.

    Global Presence

    AVF ASIA FORUM 2026

    We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

    Select your currency
    EUR Euro