Category: News

Posted on

Roadshow 4: Bulduri Field Day

Precision Horticulture, Automation & CEA Demonstrations at the Latvian Digi-Garden Testbed

Time: 2-3 Oct, 2026
Place: Bulduri Technical School, Viestura iela 6, Jūrmala, LV-2010, Latvia

Sign up
Deadline Sept 10

The event is free of charge!

Bulduri Biotechnology Center invites you to a Field Day at Latvia’s Digi-Garden testbed, hosted at Bulduri Technical School in Jūrmala. The purpose is to showcase how precision agriculture and controlled-environment agriculture (CEA) are integrated with horticulture, nursery production, education and R&I, and to connect Nordic-Baltic testbed members, startups, end-users and advisors for joint testing and matchmaking. This is the first Nordic Testbed Network Field Day hosted in the Baltic region.

What to expect: hands-on demonstrations of sensing, automation, robotics and data-driven crop management; a startup corner with short pitches; a co-creation lab for joint test campaigns; and direct networking with growers and producers. An optional second day offers the Bulduri plant and crafts fair in the school park, with time to explore the seaside resort city of Jūrmala.

Target group: agri-/food-tech and bioeconomy startups (automation, sensors, robotics, lighting, decision support); end-users such as horticulture farms, nurseries, greenhouse and CEA operators; researchers and testbed managers (Nordic Testbed Network members); advisors and public-sector innovation intermediaries; and VET teachers, trainers and students in digital horticulture and STEM.

Practical information
Nordic Testbed Network members can apply for travel grants.
How to get there: about 15 minutes from Riga International Airport (RIX), ~30 minutes from central Riga, and a 20-minute walk from the Baltic Sea. MAP
Accommodation: we recommend the on-campus Hotel Ozols (favourable rates; indicate your needs when registering) or Semarah Hotel Lielupe.

Program

2 October, 2026

9:00 Welcome and coffee
9:30 Opening keynote, Testbeds introduction and networking coffee
10:30 Demo 1: Precision irrigation and fertigation: automatic irrigation and lighting control, subsurface capillary fertigation, monitoring and data logging
11:30 Demo 2: Field/lab phenotyping: phenotyping robot (navigation, imaging, trait extraction); data quality and interoperability
12:30 Lunch, startup corner (5-minute pitches / posters)
13:30 Project’s presentations, startup corner (5-minute pitches / posters)
14:00 Demo 3: CEA systems: aeroponics and hydroponics/NFT, environmental control and crop monitoring
15:00 Demo 4: Plant biotech: micropropagation and Temporary Immersion Bioreactors (TIB) for scalable propagation; quality control
16:00 Demo 5: Agrochemistry in Action: soil and plant-tissue analysis and ion chromatography to guide precision fertilization.
16:45 Wrap-up: next steps, joint call opportunities and evaluation
18:00-21.30 Transfer to Networking dinner at restaurant “Kūriņš”, Kauguri, Jurmala

3 October, 2026

Plant and crafts fair in the Bulduri Technical School park, networking with local growers and producers, and time to explore Jūrmala on the Baltic coast and Kemeri Mire


Contact
Anta Sparinska, Bulduri Biotechnology Center
anta.sparinska@bulduri.lv

 

The Nordic Testbed Network Roadshow
The Roadshow is a series of events held at various testbeds, aimed at engaging a target audience through presentations, demonstrations, and networking opportunities. The purpose is to connect the testbed members with relevant startups, end-users, other testbeds and other important stakeholders focusing on digitalisation in the bioeconomy sectors throughout the Nordic and Baltic region.

Posted on

Roadshow 2, 2026: Field Trial Data Collection and Plant Phenotyping in Norway

Join the Nordic Testbed Network Roadshow 2026 in Norway and explore how data are collected, managed and applied in modern field trials. Through presentations, site visits and dialogue with experts, participants will gain first-hand insight into Norwegian research infrastructures, plant phenotyping environments and practical approaches to field-based data collection.

Sign up here!

The event is free of charge!
Deadline: June 6

 

The roadshow offers participants an opportunity to:
• learn from Norwegian facilities and field trial environments
• explore methods and technologies for data collection and -phenotyping
• exchange experiences with researchers, testbeds and innovation actors from across the Nordic-Baltic region, and
• strengthen collaboration around digitalisation in agricultural -research and development.

The event is relevant for:
• researchers and students working with agriculture, field trials and plant phenotyping,
• testbed organisations and research infrastructures,
• technology providers developing sensing, monitoring and data solutions,
• advisors and innovation actors in the agri-food sector,
• public and private stakeholders interested in digitalisation in -agricultural research and production.

 

Program
11 June 2026 (NIBIO)
• Arrival at Oslo Airport (OSL) before 11:30
• Bus transport from airport to the venue
• Lunch
• At 13:30 Welcome and introduction to NTN and the roadshow
• Presentations by hosts and organisers
• Visit to NIBIO facilities and field-related activities
• Professional discussions and networking
• Bus transport to Ås
• Joint dinner

12 June 2026 (NMBU)
• At 8:30 Morning programme at NMBU
• Presentations and technical visits
• Exchange of experiences and discussion
• Lunch
• Return transport to Oslo Airport. Arrival at the airport before 13:30

Sign up here!

The event is free of charge!
Deadline: June 6

 

Practical information

Accommodation
Participants are expected to book and cover their own accommodation. A discounted booking option has been arranged with Thon Hotel Ski for participants in the roadshow.

Click to bookThon Hotel Ski | Thon Hotels

If the link above does not work, please use the booking code THC3018. Rooms are subject to availability, and we recommend booking as early as possible.

Transport
Participants are expected to arrange their own travel to and from Oslo.
Organised bus transport will be arranged as part of the programme. On Day 1, the bus will pick up participants at Oslo Airport and bring us all to the first venue at NIBIO. Participants should arrive at Oslo Airport no later than 11:30 on 11 June. After the programme at NIBIO, bus transport will be arranged to Ås/Ski. On Day 2, return transport will be arranged from NMBU to Oslo Airport, with expected arrival at the airport before 13:30 on 12 June.
It is also possible to arrange your own transport, for example if you travel by car or have other travel plans. If you arrange your own transport, please make sure to arrive at the relevant venues in time for the programme.

Place
• NIBIO Apelsvoll Senter for Presisjonsjordbruk, Nylinna 226, 2849 Kapp, Norge
• NMBU Universitetet for miljø- og biovitenskap, Elizabeth Stephansens v. 15, 1433 Ås, Norge

Please note
The number of participants is limited, places will be allocated on a ”first come, first served” basis.

More information

Contact:
Nicolai Fog Hansen
Danish Technological Institute
nfh@teknologisk.dk
+45 72201533

Organisers
• Nordic-Baltic Plant Phenotyping Network (NB-PPN)
• Nordic Field Trial Network (NFTN)
All catering during the event and transportation from/to the airport is sponsored by the Nordic Testbed Network

Posted on

Exciting demos at Roadshow 4 in Umeå

Roadshow 4 in Umeå was a unique event that highlighted the latest advancements in digitalisation and next-generation technologies shaping the future of forestry. The participants got an inside look at the Arctic Off-Road Robotics Laboratory (AORO) and its state-of-the-art field test infrastructure, purpose-built for research on autonomous off-road vehicles. They also got live, full-scale demonstrations of autonomous forestry technologies in action.

The technical excursion showcased several examples of how digital tools in practice can enhance resource efficiency, enable more informed and easier to use planning systems. It really gave an inspiring outlook to future forest management. It gathered a variety of stakeholders, from researchers, companies and end-users for these solutions. The dialogues and exchange between these sectors are necessary to guide future research and business developments towards applicable solutions for a sustainable bioeconomy.

Did you miss out of the event? At least, you can get a brief feeling of it from the photos and videos:

maskin
previous arrow
next arrow

Roadshow 4 was a key part of a cutting-edge excursion organized by the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), the Swedish cluster of forest technology, and Luleå University of Technology (LTU).

Posted on

CANCELLED Roadshow event 3: Semi-Autonomy in field applied science

Introduction of the first self-propelled seeding platform for variety- and fertilizer testing integrating autonomy against scarcity of labour and at the same time removing static work and hereby improving working environment significantly

Time: 27 August, 2025 (9.30-14.00)
Place: Hushållningssällskapet Östergötland, Vreta Kloster Klostergården,
585 76 Vreta Kloster, Sweden

We warmly invite you to a hands-on field demonstration, showcasing how technology can pave the way for a more efficient, attractive, and sustainable working environment in applied agricultural research.

We want to demonstrate how reducing labour per task – driven by resource scarcity and the need for efficiency – can go hand in hand with scientific progress. We cannot work faster, but we can work smarter through technology. Improved working conditions through automation can help attract and retain skilled field scientists over the long term. We will also present a tool designed to deliver a reliable and efficient platform for variety and fertilizer testing.

What to expect:

• Live field demonstration of the PrecisionPlot Seeder – designed for -accurate, efficient and repeatable plot establishment

• Introduction of the next step in the platform: the PrecisionPlot Sprayer
– a fully autonomous plot sprayer for testing both synthetic and -non-synthetic plant protection products

The future of fieldwork lies in intelligent tools and better conditions. Join us to see how we can move forward – not by running faster, but by working smarter.

Practical information:

  • Deadline for sign up: 20/8
  • How to get there: The easiest way to get to Klostergården is by car, but there are also local buses going to Klostergården from Linköping.
  • The Nordic Testbed Network is offering travel grants for actors in the Nordic and Baltic region. If you are in need of travel support contact sns@slu.se

Preliminary program:

9:30 Coffee
• Presentation of HS Östergötland by -Agnes Hellgren
• Presentation of PrecisionPlot Seeder, from idea to PoC and what is next
• Field -demonstration of PrecisionPlot seeder

12:00 Lunch

12:30 Fully autonomous plot sprayer – the next-generation in field-applied science – post seeding crops

 

Organizers:
HS Östergötland
TS Agro

Posted on

Roadshow event 2: Field excursion in southern Sweden

Join us for a network excursion full of knowledge, innovation, and inspiration!

Date and place: June 18th 2025, from Skejby around Skåne in southern Sweden

 

We warmly invite you to an exciting network excursion that combines site visits with hands-on learning and knowledge exchange! Throughout the day, you’ll experience presentations, trial equipment, statistical methods, and software – all in practical application.

We’ll visit some of southern Sweden’s most interesting organisations in agriculture and plant breeding:

• Hushållningssällskapet Skåne (HS)

• Nordic Beet Research in Borgeby

• Lantmännen Lantbruk in Svalöv

• NordGen in Alnarp

Take the opportunity to meet colleagues, exchange experiences, and gain insights into how different actors are working with research, development, and genetic resources. Don’t miss out on the lunch at Borgeby!

Sign up here!

 

Preliminary program

6:30 Departure/Skejby

9:10 Stop Highway Exit 39, Slagelse

9:20 Stop Copenhagen Airport (CPH)

11:50 Lunch in Borgeby

12:30 Hushållningssällskapet and Nordic Beet Research

14:25 Coffee

14:35 Lantmännen, Svalöv

15:20 Nordgen, Alnarp

17:00 Departure/Copenhagen

22:00 Arrival/Skejby

 

Practical information

Time: 18.6.2025
Place: Southern Sweden

• Additional bus stops can be arranged as indicated in the programme.

• Exit 39 will be at the car park in front of the Circle K petrol station Slagelse.

• The Copenhagen stop will be at the bus stop behind P8, near Terminal 2 (see map).

• A bus can be organised on the Swedish side to Borgeby.

 

Contact
Bo J M Secher bjms@teknologisk.dk

 

Organizers:
Nordic Field Trial Network
Nordic-Baltic Plant Phenotyping Network

 

About the Nordic Testbed Network Startup Roadshow 2025:
This is a series of events held on various testbeds, aimed at engaging startups, end-users and others through activities such as presentations, demonstrations, and networking opportunities. The purpose is to increase the interaction among network members with startups, industry players and end-users, ultimately working towards the NTN Vision 2030: Co-creating sustainable solutions for a digital bioeconomy.
Posted on

Roadshow event 1: Remote control demo

Welcome to the first event of the Nordic Testbed Network Startup Roadshow 2025: Remote control demo for forest forwarder – from Oulozone to SkogForsk Uppsala!

Time: 9.5.2025
Place: Ouluzone, Kuusamontie 3250, 91310 Arkala, Finland

Sign up  at the latest May 3th.

Cutting-edge technology: Come and see – and try! – the far remote controlled forest machine and other demos!

Participants can look forward to a thought-provoking demonstration, fresh inspiration, and the rare chance to try remote control of forestry machines from Finland to Sweden.

By highlighting the potential for research collaboration also for technology companies and machine manufacturers, the event also aims to strengthen and expand international partnerships within the Nordic Testbed Network.

Preliminary program
9:00 Coffee at Ouluzone
9:30 Welcome and short introduction to collaboration work between University of Oulu and Skogforsk
10:00 Demos and introductions
     • Remote Control for forwarder
     • Possible other activities
11:00 Lunch in Ouluzone
12:00 End of the event

The first Roadshow event is organised by both SkogForsk and Ouluzone+.

About the Nordic Testbed Network Startup Roadshow 2025:
This is a series of events held on various testbeds, aimed at engaging startups, end-users and others through activities such as presentations, demonstrations, and networking opportunities. The purpose is to increase the interaction among network members with startups, industry players and end-users, ultimately working towards the NTN Vision 2030: Co-creating sustainable solutions for a digital bioeconomy.
 
Posted on

OPEN CALL for NTN members

SNS and NKJ invite all testbed members to provide ideas for relevant activities which the network may fund.

Photo: Chrissy H/Pixabay

Total available funding is approximately 100.000 SEK. Co-funding is considered to strengthening the application. Project completion is expected by July 31st 2025.

Deadline for application is Oct 25th 2024.

We are looking for activities in line with the core of the network:
• Unite and strengthen testbeds aimed at supporting the digital transformation of the bioeconomy
• Vision 2030: Co-creating sustainable solutions for the digital bioeconomy
• Milestone 1: Increased knowledge sharing within the network and between members and other experts
• Milestone 2: Increased interaction among network members with startups, industry players and end-users
• Milestone 3: Placing sustainability at the centre of the Nordic Testbed Network’s activities

If you are interested, please send the following to tatiana.proisy@analysysmason.com :
• A short description of your idea
• A motivation to why this activity should receive funding
• A budget for the activity

Based on your input, the Nordic Testbed Network steering committee will decide how to allocate the funding. Decision is expected in November 2024.
We look forward to receiving your ideas!

Posted on

Physical event: Agtech Sweden and Knowledge hub for the digitization of agriculture

Nordic Testbed Network organises a physical event September 2nd, and UAS Forum Sweden September 3rd and 4th September.

 

2nd will be the occasion to meet again in person and attend to a fascinating study visit at Agtech Sweden and Knowledge hub for the digitization of agriculture. Save the date and prepare to travel to Linköping, Sweden on the 2nd of September for a full day of learning and collaborating!

How about combining NTN study visit with UAS Forum Sweden? Our member Drone Center Sweden is organizing their annual UAS Forum in Västervik on September 3rd and 4th. NTN will book a shuttle from Linköping to UAS Forum for members wishing to participate!  More information and the invitation will be sent before the summer break.

Register here

 

Agenda

10:00
Meeting up at Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
(exact address will be communicated next week)
 
12:00
Lunch
Linköping University
13:00
Transport to the testbed Klostergården
Presentation of the Autonomous Plot Seeder project, Morten Nygaard, TS-Agro (Denmark)
15:00
Transport to Vågerstad Farm, innovation and testfarm part of Agtech Sweden
Presentation of Vågerstad Farm (John Deere)
16:00
Transport back to Linköping University
Nordic Testbed Network meet up – all participants are welcome to share information about what is happening at your testbed 
17:30
Networking dinner in Linköping city centre
(exact address will be communicated next week)
Posted on

Webinar May 24th: Digital twins – use cases, challenges, opportunities

Download invitation by clicking the picture.

You are warmly invited to the Nordic Testbed Network webinar on the topic of digital twins! Join our testbed members to explore use cases, opportunities, and challenges linked to digital twins in the bioeconomy.

We’ll meet online in a Teams meeting May 24th at 9.00-11.00.

Register by sending an email to tatiana.proisy@analysysmason.com

Agenda:
• Inspiring initiatives
– Tomas Klingström, Gigacow (SLU)
– Finn Olav Bjørnson, SINTEF ACE (SINTEF)
– Erik Källman, Digital Earth Sweden (RISE)

• Panel discussion: Digital twins, applications and challenges
– Natalija Suhareva, Latvian Institute of Aquatic Ecology (LIAE)
– Maria Nordström, SkogForsk
– Hannu Haapala, Smart Bioeconomy Testbed

 

We hope to see you online on the 24th of May!

Posted on

Study visit and networking at physical event in Uppsala

The Nordic Testbed Network organised a full day event for the network participants November 14th. The hosts at Troëdsson Forestry Teleoperation Lab and Testbed for Digitalized Agriculture presented their work.

 

The members of the Nordic Testbed Network met in Uppsala (Sweden) on November 14th. Members were invited to participate in two study visits hosted by Troëdsson Forestry Teleoperation Lab and Testbed for Digitalized Agriculture. Hosts presented their work with automation, remote-controlled machinery and digitalisation in agriculture and forestry.

A guest presentation was provided by Sean Barrett from ITG studio. Sean presented ITG’s project Kelpwood & Bioplastic from Nordic Ocean Biomass, supported by Nordic Innovation. Parts of the project are focused on exploring and demonstrating how the construction industry and construction material can be more sustainable.

The Nordic Testbed Network members are more numerous every year, the event therefore included members’ presentations. Inspired by the study visits and Sean’s presentation, an open conversation on cross sectorial collaboration took place. Conversation held during the event and members’ feedback fed into NTN’s 2024 activity plan.