New ventures in agricultural biotechnology are present in virtually all high technology agricultural activities and are key solutions for the changes that the agribusiness faces in terms of productivity and sustainability. Innovation in this sector involves a broad category of technology and science, including breeding, genetics, microbiome research, synthetic chemistry, crop protection and animal health. New technologies aim to create more sustainable input products to disrupt the status quo. The recent changes in the industry landscape resulting from the merger of ‘big players’, such as Dow and DuPont, ChemChina and Syngenta, and Bayer and Monsanto, may create an interesting opportunity for startup companies in agriculture biotechnology. In this panel, we will look into current trends in technological change in the agribusiness sector and innovation’s impact on the production chain and rural development. In particular, we will discuss the status of biotech innovation in Latin America, its main drivers and challenges. Session Co-Chairs Mercedes Rodriguez Giavarini, Mitrani Caballero & Ruiz Moreno, Buenos Aires Luciana Tornovsky, Demarest Advogados, São Paulo; Special Projects Offi cer, IBA Closely Held and Growing Business Enterprises Committee Speakers Juan Carlos Castilla-Rubio, Chairman, SpaceTime Ventures, São Paulo Francesca Odell, Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton, New York Rodrigo Pricoli, Legal Director, Indigo Ag, São Paulo Bernardo Silva CEO, Brazilian Association of Fertilizer Raw Materials (Sinprifert), São Paulo