From Automation to Sustainability: Rethinking Agriculture with Artificial Intelligence

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October 2025 Events

FROM AUTOMATION TO SUSTAINABILITY: RETHINKING AGRICULTURE WITH AI 458

At the RIO+AGRO 2025 conference in Rio de Janeiro, Dr. Florian Kongoli, President of FLOGEN Stars Outreach and a renowned scientist in the field of sustainability, delivered the keynote lecture titled “The Revolutionary Role of Artificial Intelligence and Automation in Sustainable Agroeconomy.” Addressing an audience of experts and policymakers, he argued that artificial intelligence (AI) and automation—often viewed with suspicion as threats to employment or economic balance—are, in fact, powerful tools to positively transform global agriculture. According to Kongoli, these technologies enable the optimization of water, soil, and fertilizer use, the reduction of production costs, the increase of crop yields, and the improvement of human well-being by freeing people from repetitive tasks to focus on innovation and creativity.

To assess their true sustainability, Dr. Kongoli relies on his FLOGEN Sustainability Framework, a model he developed in 2015 based on three core criteria — economic development, environmental protection, and social progress — which must be fulfilled simultaneously, supported by three pillars: science and technology, governance and law, and civil society and industrial practice. This framework was officially adopted in 2024 as a constitutional law by the municipality of Nova Friburgo, Brazil, making it the first city in the world to legally require that every strategic or operational project be evaluated according to these sustainability criteria before approval.

Using historical and empirical evidence, including the example of the Green Revolution, Kongoli demonstrated that scientific and technological progress—particularly automation—has consistently allowed global food production to grow faster than the human population, disproving long-standing predictions of mass famine since Malthus. He concluded that the future of agriculture depends on the wise integration of AI as a tool capable of measuring, predicting, and optimizing every process, thus creating a sustainable, efficient, and human-centered agriculture built on knowledge, balance, and responsibility.

Palestra Principal : Florian Kongoli - Presidente da Flogen Stars Outreach.

October 2025 Events

FLORIAN KONGOLI INTERVIEWED AT RIO+AGRO 2025: SCIENCE, SUSTAINABILITY, AND THE FUTURE OF AI IN AGRICULTURE 459

Dr. Florian Kongoli, President of FLOGEN Stars Outreach and CEO of FLOGEN Technologies, was interviewed by journalist Mario Linhares at the Rio+Agro Podcast following his plenary lecture at Rio+Agro 2025, the major agro-industrial and sustainability event held at RioCentro, the largest exhibition center in Latin America.

In his discussion, Dr. Kongoli reflected on his long relationship with Rio de Janeiro — the city of his honorary citizenship — and praised the rapid growth of the Rio+Agro forum, now recognized as one of Latin America’s premier platforms for innovation in agriculture and sustainability.

During the interview, Dr. Kongoli highlighted the importance of integrating science and technology into sustainability, a principle he has championed for over two decades. He explained how his FLOGEN Sustainability Framework, first introduced in 2015 and later adopted as a municipal law in Nova Friburgo (Brazil), provides a universal model for evaluating whether any activity — industrial or agricultural — meets the three essential pillars of sustainability: environmental protection, economic development, and social progress.

He also discussed the key themes from his lecture, focusing on the revolutionary role of artificial intelligence and automation in agriculture, where technology can reduce environmental impact, increase productivity, and enhance quality of life when applied responsibly.

The conversation, recorded as part of the Rio+Agro Podcast series, celebrated Dr. Kongoli’s global leadership in promoting sustainability through science and technology. His ongoing commitment to bridging research, policy, and industry continues to inspire initiatives worldwide — from the SIPS Summits he organizes each year to his collaborations with governments, academia, and private enterprises.

Watch the full interview here:

PODCAST RIO+AGRO - Dia 3 - Florian Kongoli

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Artists of Science is a flagship series developed by Dr. Florian Kongoli, Chairman of FLOGEN Stars Outreach. This distinguished program highlights prominent figures in science and technology, offering a unique perspective that goes beyond their professional accomplishments. Through in-depth interviews, Artists of Science explores the personal stories, values, and life experiences that have shaped their careers and contributed to their success.

Filmed at locations around the world, including various FLOGEN SIPS events, the series provides a rare glimpse into the human side of science. It is continuously updated with new episodes, each one offering inspiration and insight into the minds of today’s leading innovators.

Artists of Science: Dr. Florian Kongoli, President of SIPS and Chairman of FLOGEN, sits down with Dr. Manfred Mauntz, CEO of cmc Instruments GmbH (Germany), to explore his remarkable journey as an entrepreneur. In this insightful conversation, Dr. Mauntz shares the unique experiences, challenges, and inspirations that have shaped his path to success in the scientific and industrial world.

Artists of Science: Dr. Florian Kongoli, President of SIPS and Chairman of FLOGEN, engages in a compelling conversation with Bernardo Gontijo, CEO of AVG Group, based in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. This exclusive interview delves into Mr. Gontijo’s professional journey, entrepreneurial vision, and the values that drive his leadership in the Brazilian business landscape.

Artists of Science: Dr. Florian Kongoli, President of SIPS and Chairman of FLOGEN, sits down with Prof. Sokrates Pantelides of Vanderbilt University, USA, for an inspiring discussion. This exclusive interview offers a glimpse into Prof. Pantelides’ distinguished academic journey, his groundbreaking research, and the personal insights that have shaped his contributions to science and education.

Artists of Science: Dr. Florian Kongoli, President of SIPS and Chairman of FLOGEN, engages in an insightful conversation with Dr. Athan Fox, CEO of Ever Resource Ltd, UK. Together, they explore Dr. Fox’s inspiring life story, innovative work in sustainable technology, and the driving forces behind his entrepreneurial journey.

Artists of Science: Dr. Florian Kongoli, President of SIPS and Chairman of FLOGEN, sits down with Tamer Turna, CEO of TES Energy Ltd., for a compelling discussion on his life, career, and contributions to the energy sector. This inspiring conversation delves into the experiences, values, and vision that have shaped his journey as a leader in sustainable energy.

Artists of Science: Dr. Florian Kongoli, President of SIPS and Chairman of FLOGEN, converses with Professor Constantinos G. Vayenas from the University of Patras, Greece. In this fascinating discussion, Prof. Vayenas reflects on his early life in sports, his journey to a degree in chemical engineering, and his groundbreaking work in reinterpreting Einstein's theories.

Artists of Science: Dr. Florian Kongoli, President of SIPS and Chairman of FLOGEN, engages in an insightful conversation with Professor Bobby L. Wilson from Texas Southern University. They discuss Prof. Wilson’s inspiring journey, his contributions to science, leadership roles, personal interests, and the driving forces behind his work and success.

Artists of Science: Dr. Florian Kongoli, President of SIPS and Chairman of FLOGEN, sits down with Professor Fernand Marquis from San Diego State University to discuss his early life in Portugal, his groundbreaking research in the United States, and his collaborative efforts with scientific communities worldwide.

Artists of Science: Dr. Florian Kongoli, President of SIPS and Chairman of FLOGEN, engages in a captivating conversation with Romero Machado Correa, engineer and CEO of Grupo Vetorial. They explore Correa’s journey through engineering and entrepreneurship, his family influences, and the diverse scientific and non-scientific hobbies that have shaped both his personal and professional life.

Artists of Science: Dr. Florian Kongoli, President of SIPS and Chairman of FLOGEN, in conversation with Professor Luis A. Echegoyen, 2020 President of the American Chemical Society. They discuss Prof. Echegoyen’s early life, his academic journey across various institutions, and the experiences that shaped his distinguished career in chemistry.

Artists of Science: Dr. Florian Kongoli, President of SIPS and Chairman of FLOGEN, sits down with Professor Subra Suresh, President of Nanyang Technological University, for an insightful discussion on the intersection of science and leadership. They explore the balance between hard work and luck, the importance of taking risks, and delve into a wide range of thought-provoking topics that have shaped his career and leadership philosophy.

Artists of Science: Dr. Florian Kongoli, President of SIPS and Chairman of FLOGEN, engages in a compelling conversation with Professor Nektarios Tavernarakis, Vice-President of the European Research Council. They discuss his groundbreaking research on aging and longevity, as well as his personal interests and hobbies beyond the world of science.

Artists of Science: Dr. Florian Kongoli, President of SIPS and Chairman of FLOGEN, in conversation with Dr. Katerina Aifantis, Associate Professor at the University of Florida. They explore Dr. Aifantis' unwavering dedication to her scientific career, tracing her passion and commitment from a young age to her current accomplishments.

Artists of Science: Dr. Florian Kongoli, President of SIPS and Chairman of FLOGEN, engages in a fascinating conversation with Engineer Paulo Afonso Gomes. They discuss his personal journey, professional achievements, and the impactful work that defines his career.

Artists of Science: Dr. Florian Kongoli, President of SIPS and Chairman of FLOGEN, sits down with Rodrigo Valladares for an insightful discussion about his life, career, and the work that has shaped his journey.

Artists of Science: Dr. Florian Kongoli, President of SIPS and Chairman of FLOGEN, engages in a fascinating conversation with Bernhard A. Schrefler from the University of Padua, Italy. They explore his personal journey, groundbreaking work, and contributions to the field of science and engineering.

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