The 6th edition of the BioAgTech World Congress and Expo 2025 brought together global leaders, innovators, and practitioners dedicated to transforming agriculture through sustainable and biological solutions. At the heart of this gathering was a moment of deep reflection and recognition – the presentation of the Global BioAgTech Awards 2025.
These prestigious awards were established to honour individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the advancement of sustainable agriculture and the global BioAgTech industry. The awardees represent a diverse range of disciplines and backgrounds, yet they are united by a shared commitment to improving farming practices, advancing research, and enabling long term environmental and economic resilience.
Global BioAgTech Sustainable Grower Award
Dr Howard Yana Shapiro
Chief Agricultural Officer Emeritus, Mars Inc. | Senior Fellow, University of California, Davis
Dr Shapiro is a globally recognised figure in plant sciences and sustainable food systems. Throughout his distinguished career, he has worked across continents to champion biodiversity, develop climate resilient crop systems, and improve livelihoods for smallholder farmers. His leadership in genome mapping and agricultural innovation has significantly influenced both public and private sector approaches to regenerative agriculture.
Mr Sartaj Khan
Progressive Farmer, Uttar Pradesh, India
Sartaj Khan has become a symbol of grassroots transformation in Indian agriculture. A dedicated farmer from Uttar Pradesh, he has successfully transitioned to biological and sustainable farming practices, improving soil health, crop productivity, and environmental balance. His commitment to adopting innovative technologies and engaging with fellow farmers has created a ripple effect of change within his region.
Global Transformative Legend Award
Dr Suresh Prabhu
Former Union Minister of Agriculture, Railways, Commerce and Industry, Government of India
Dr Prabhu has held several key ministerial portfolios in the Government of India and is widely regarded as a visionary in public policy and sustainable development. His consistent advocacy for climate responsive agricultural strategies, international cooperation, and rural empowerment has influenced national frameworks and global dialogues alike. He continues to be an influential voice for inclusive and sustainable growth in the agricultural sector.
Global BioAgTech Lifetime Pioneering Achievement Award
Mr Augusto Rodríguez Villa Matons
President, Futureco Bioscience, Spain
Mr Rodríguez Villa has played a pivotal role in the global advancement of biological crop protection. Under his leadership, Futureco Bioscience has grown into a leading biotechnology company, recognised for its strong research foundation and commitment to ecological sustainability. His forward thinking strategies and dedication to environmentally responsible agriculture have influenced markets and institutions around the world.
Global Pathbreaker The Indian Legend Award
Mr Rajju Shroff
Founder and Chairman Emeritus, UPL Limited
Mr Rajju Shroff is a pioneer in India’s agricultural sector and a key architect of the country’s modern crop protection industry. His leadership at UPL Limited has driven innovation, accessibility, and scale, helping millions of farmers adopt advanced yet affordable agri solutions. His legacy includes decades of contribution to national self reliance, technological innovation, and farmer welfare.
Global BioAgTech Lifetime Achievement Award
Dr Martin Andermatt
Founder and President, Andermatt Group, Switzerland
Dr Martin Andermatt is a distinguished scientist and entrepreneur who has dedicated over three decades to advancing biological plant protection. As the founder of the Andermatt Group, he has built a global organisation that offers integrated pest management solutions rooted in ecological science. His lifetime of work has significantly shaped regulatory approaches, product development, and awareness around sustainable farming practices.
Global BioAgTech Pioneering Innovation Award
Dr Rahul Jog
Chief Technology Officer, Kan Biosys, India
Dr Rahul Jog has made significant scientific and technological contributions to the BioAgTech sector through his expertise in microbial fermentation, formulation technology, and precision delivery systems. His efforts have led to the creation of next generation products that are effective, scalable, and suited to diverse agronomic conditions. His work bridges research excellence with commercial applicability and long term farmer benefit.
Global BioAgTech Innovation Poster Award
Dr Vinod Gaur
Senior Scientist, Krishi Vigyan Kendra
Ms Sandeepa Kanitkar
Founder and Managing Director, Kan Biosys
This award recognises exceptional scientific communication and its role in knowledge dissemination. Dr Vinod Gaur’s poster reflected a deep understanding of soil microbiomes and their impact on regional crop challenges, while Ms Sandeepa Kanitkar’s presentation demonstrated how biostimulants can be adopted at scale with measurable results. Both contributions underscored the value of visual storytelling in scientific outreach and stakeholder engagement.
A Tribute to Vision, Action and Impact
The Global BioAgTech Awards 2025 are more than a recognition of individual accomplishments. They are a tribute to a global community of leaders and practitioners who believe that agriculture must be equitable, science based, and environmentally sound.
Each awardee exemplifies the highest standards of excellence in their respective fields, offering solutions that are both visionary and practical. Their achievements inspire a collective commitment to accelerating sustainable transformation in agriculture, for the benefit of people, planet, and future generations.
We extend our deepest congratulations to all the award recipients and thank them for their enduring contributions to global food systems and ecological stewardship.