Driving autonomy in agriculture.

September 11th, 2025 | 8 am - 4 pm
Grand Farm Innovation Campus

ABOUT

Autonomous Nation 2025 brings together global leaders in autonomy to explore the latest advances in autonomous systems, with a special focus on agricultural applications. The event serves as a platform to showcase new technologies, foster collaboration between public and private sectors, and support the transition from research to real-world use.

The conference focuses on some of the most pressing challenges in agriculture, including workforce shortages, technology gaps, and policy barriers. Through live demonstrations, interactive sessions, and focused networking, attendees will connect with peers and experts who are actively working to advance autonomous solutions across industries.

Conference Goals

  1. Showcase Latest Technologies: Serve as a platform to feature cutting-edge advancements in autonomous agriculture and related industries.
  2. Bridge Technology Gaps: Facilitate discussion and collaboration among industry leaders to address technological barriers.
  3. Address Workforce Shortages: Explore how autonomy can help mitigate labor challenges in agriculture and beyond.
  4. Real-Time Demonstrations: Highlight autonomous technologies through real-world applications and live demonstrations.
  5. Engage Policymakers: Connect industry leaders with policymakers to discuss regulatory hurdles, policy frameworks, and future opportunities.

Experience Highlights

  • Live Autonomous Demonstrations: See autonomous tractors, drones, and robotics in action during exclusive field demos, with possible on-site access to the teams behind the tech.
  • VIP Networking: Make connections across sectors and roles in an intimate setting.
  • Startup Showcase: Discover emerging companies pitching next-generation autonomous solutions in a fast-paced spotlight session.
  • Expert-Led Content: Hear from top voices throughout the AgTech industry on the future of autonomous systems.

Who Should Attend Autonomous Nation?

  • Agribusinesses and Industry Leaders: Explore integration opportunities and engage with breakthrough technologies.
  • Government and Policymakers: Learn from on-the-ground examples to inform legislation and policy.
  • Startups: Test and validate solutions, connect with potential partners, and gain exposure.
  • Investors: Discover promising companies addressing real-world autonomy challenges.
  • Growers: See autonomy at work in agriculture and provide direct feedback.

2025 SPEAKERS

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

Dr. Robert Ambrose

Professor,

Texas A&M University;

Retired NASA Senior Executive Service

Jahmy Hindman

Chief Technology Officer,

John Deere

Praveen Penmetsa

MAINSTAGE SPEAKERS + PANELISTS

Noel Anderson

Technical Advisor,

Grand Farm

Grant Baker

Senior Manager, Government Affairs,

AUVSI

Travis Frey

Chief Technology Officer,

Pivot Bio

Ron Holliday

Farmer

 

Joel Honeyman

Vice President of Global Innovation,

Bobcat Company

Colin Hurd

CEO,

Mach

Dr. Georg Kormann

Technical Product Manager,

John Deere

John Mann

Program Manager of Startups,

Grand Farm

Prashant Mishra

Founder,

AgriPilot

Mike Nathe

State Representative,

ND House of Representatives

Andrew Nelson

Farmer and Software Engineer,

Nelson Farms INC. and Silver Creek Farms Inc.

Rhett Schildroth

CTO,

Mach

STARTUP PITCHES

Matias G Nardi

US Country Manager,

DeepAgro

Scott Niewohner
Craig Rupp

Founder, CEO, and Farmer,

Sabanto Inc.

Arun Seelam

Cofounder and CEO,

Boson Motors

Jana Tian

Cofounder and CEO,

Upside Robotics

AGENDA

8:00 am | Coffee and Registration, sponsored by KWS

9:00 am | Welcome and Opening Remarks

9:05 am | Keynote Speaker – Jahmy Hindman, CTO of John Deere

9:25 am | Representative Mike Nathe

9:35 am | Grand Farm Announcement

9:45 am | Panel: Solving the Labor Crisis through Autonomy

10:10 am | Mainstage Speaker: John Olhoft, Lulzbot

10:15 am | Mel Torrie, Autonomous Systems Inc.

10:30 am | Break

10:40 am | Keynote Speaker: Praveen Penmetsa, Cofounder and CEO of Monarch Tractors

11:00 am | Lightning Announcement – Danny Bernstein, Reservoir

11:05 am | Panel: The Evolving Regulatory Landscape for Autonomy in Agriculture

11:25 am | Startup Pitches

11:50 am | Panel: How Startups and Corporates Can Build Meaningful Partnerships in Ag Autonomy

12:15 pm | Lunch, sponsored by TÜV Rheinland

1:15 pm | Mainstage Speakers: Andrew Nelson and Prashant Mishra, Agripilot

1:25 pm | Startup Pitches

1:45 pm | Mainstage Speaker: Travis Frey, Pivot Bio

1:50 pm | Panel: The Future of On-the-Go Soil Intelligence

2:15 pm | Keynote Speaker: Robert Ambrose, Texas A&M University and retired NASA executive

2:30 pm | Live Flight with Pyka, facilitated by Kelly Hills Unmanned Systems

2:45 pm – 4:30 pm | Live Autonomous Demonstrations from Greenline Autonomy, Boson Motors, Bobcat Company, Poultry Patrol, Greenfield Robotics, and NDSU 

3:00 pm – 5:00 pm | Happy Hour, sponsored by Anheuser-Busch

ADDITIONAL EVENTS

StartupBREW Fargo: Autonomous Nation Takeover Day

Host: Emerging Prairie

Wednesday, September 10th, 2025

8:00 am – 9:30 am

Broadway Square

Tech Challenges Facing the Ag Industry: Autonomy, AI, Cybersecurity and Functional Safety

Host: TUV Rheinland

Wednesday, September 10th, 2025

10:00 am – 12:30 pm

Grand Farm Innovation Campus

From Idea to Impact: Pitching for Up to $2M in NSF Seed Funding

Host: UND Center for Innovation

Wednesday, September 10th, 2025

3:00 – 5:00 pm

Grand Farm Innovation Campus

2025 Grand Farm Neighborhood Block Party

Host: Grand Farm

Wednesday, September 10th, 2025

5:00 am – 8:00 pm

Grand Farm Innovation Campus

IEEE-USA IWRC AI & Autonomy Conference

Host: IEEE-USA

Wednesday, September 10th, 2025

8:30 am – 4:00 pm

University of North Dakota Memorial Union

Next 5 Years Conference

Host: Steve Olson Consulting

Wednesday, September 10th, 2025

8:30 am – 5:00 pm

Sanctuary Events Center

RDO Equipment Co. at Big Iron Farm Show

Host: Big Iron Farm Show

September 9-11, 2025

Red River Valley Fairgrounds

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

HOTEL + TRAVEL

Nearby Airports

Casselton Hotels

Downtown Fargo Hotels

West Fargo Hotels