Nina Bażela
Nina Bażela is an entrepreneur and co-founder of Agrobotyka, a startup developing an AI-based crop-protection system that detects birds in camera feeds and deters them using harmless laser light. With a background in psychology, cognitive science, and IT, she brings a user-centric perspective to building technologies that address real needs in agriculture and robotics. Nina has several years of experience in fundraising for R&D projects, helping secure public funding and supporting innovation. She has previously worked as a Marketing Manager at a robotics company, where she managed customer relations and promoted products at international conferences. She is also the co-founder of CleverHive Space, a startup developing software that supports human experts in managing complex robotic missions.
Ana Vilas-Boas
Ana Martins Vilas-Boas is a biotechnology PhD candidate at Universidade Católica Portuguesa, specializing in green valorization of pineapple by-products for gut health applications, particularly bromelain-based hydrogels for inflammatory bowel disease. She combines experience in biochemistry, biophysics and biorefinery of carob and pineapple residues with a strong focus on sustainable innovation and entrepreneurship in the agri-food sector. BioUpCycle, the venture she represents, transforms fruit and vegetable waste into natural biostimulants and microbial inocula that regenerate soils, enhance crop performance and support circular farming systems. Together, Ana and BioUpCycle bridge advanced research and real-world impact, turning underused biomass into high-value bio-based solutions for a more resilient and sustainable food system.
Thea Gherdan
Thea Gherdan is the Co-Founder & CEO of Proon-Tech, a green-tech company helping landowners unlock revenue through regenerative innovation. Her flagship product, the Proon.ing app, is an AI-driven land-management tool that empowers orchard and forest owners with precision digital guidance to boost productivity, reduce labour costs, and monetize biomass — while creating opportunities for women and youth across agri-food supply and value chains.
At the heart of her work lies a triple mission:
- strengthen food securit
- enhance ecosystem resilience
- empower women & youth in agricultural STEM
Drawing on her extensive experience scaling agri-tech startups and leading successful go-to-market strategies, Thea brings intentional, high-level leadership to the core of the EU’s agri-food transformation — where tech, regenerative practices, and real circular economy converge to shape the future of food with precision, profit, and prosperity.
Jelisaveta Ilic
Jelisaveta Ilić is an engineer with two master’s degrees: an MSc in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Belgrade and an MSc in Bioscience Entrepreneurship from University College London, where she studied as a Chevening Scholar. She has extensive experience developing bioinformatics and data-driven projects, particularly in genomics, and has collaborated with pharma, agri-tech, and biotech companies across the world.
She is the co-founder of Tisalytics Bio, a company specializing in data analytics and bioinformatics services. The team is currently developing RelyOnMi, an AI-powered platform that predicts the risk of Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) occurrence by analyzing microbial interactions and environmental signatures within water samples.
In addition to her technical work, Jelisaveta is also a Startup Advisor, supporting early-stage teams in health, agriculture, and biotechnology. She enjoys mentoring founders, helping them refine their ideas, strengthen their investment narratives, and build impactful, science-driven products.