Reflections on a successful A3 conference

Looking back on the A3 Conference 2024, I feel a huge sense of accomplishment.

The programme was interesting and pacy. The speakers were relevant and thought provoking. And delegates embraced the chance to meet each other and find new opportunities.

Inverness even put out the best sunshine of the whole summer! 

In their opening remarks, Dr Stuart Black and Professor Wayne Powell focused on the national ambition to progress our strengths in planetary health, aquaculture, animal and agriculture research and technology innovation.

They highlighted how collaboration can unlock opportunities that have a positive impact on businesses, communities, and the natural environment. This is critically important for sustainability and prosperity. 

This spirit carried through the conference. 

Our keynote speaker was Dennis Overton. He told delegates how during his career he had witnessed digital technologies transform aquaculture and agriculture in the Highlands and Islands. 

Dennis is now Chair of the west Highlands natural capital business Ardtornish. He shared insights into how digital technologies were creating sustainable nature-based opportunities in that rural community, reversing environmental impacts and creating economic prosperity.

Dennis’s narration of opportunity demonstrated why the AAA sectors, agriculture, aquaculture and agritech, are so complementary. 

Sheila Voas, Chief Veterinary Officer to the Scottish Government explained how the AAA sectors are aligned to the Government’s four stated priorities.  She concluded her presentation with the key messages that:

·         innovation is everyone's responsibility;

·         solutions are only possible when problems are described;

·         communication matters; and

·         partnerships between the public, private and academic sectors are vitally important.  

I couldn’t agree more.  

During the two-day conference, we heard from businesses about new digital technologies and how they are transforming primary sectors and improving our use of natural resources. 

We had presentations from new businesses and pitches from start-ups, where we learned about new innovative products and digital driven approaches.

We heard about the practical support available to businesses, and national and international funding opportunities, and there were one-to-one funding meetings. 

There is no shortage of support for ambitious entrepreneurs, and innovative and growing businesses.  I encourage anyone to speak to HIE; if we can’t help then we’ll direct you to someone who can.

Speaking of help, the A3 conference was a great time to launch the Life Sciences Capital Growth Fund. We created this fund to support investment in the sustainable growth of the sector over the next three years, providing up to 50% match funding grants of between £25,000 and £75,000 to help companies accelerate their growth plans.

I enjoyed chairing the lively session on international development, where we heard about how knowledge is being transferred between Scotland and Latin America.

I was humbled by a presentation from George Sarpong, an entrepreneur with the passion to grow, renew, and transform Africa with agriculture, in a sustainable manner. Based in Ghana, George believes that Africa can feed itself with structured support.

I was moved by his commitment to create and drive forward change, in the face of challenges much bigger than most of us have experienced. I hope he left the conference with new connections that will lead to transformational opportunities.

As SRUC’s Dr Mary Thomson said in her closing remarks, “you will only be remembered for what you do”. 

The sun has set in Inverness on the A3 Conference 2024.  We look forward to announcing the hosts for 2026 soon.