GAIA Hackathon: When Artificial Intelligence Supports Agriculture
GAIA Hackathon: A Collaborative Approach to Driving Agricultural Innovation
In 2026, the Paris International Agricultural Show hosted the GAIA Hackathon (1) for the third year in a row. Created with La Ferme Digitale and OSFarm, this living lab brings together data, field expertise and artificial intelligence to support farmers.
The innovative prototypes — apps, websites, chatbots and more — developed in under 48 hours do not simply disappear once the hackathon is over. Quite the opposite. This “legacy” was the focus of a special conference held on 24 February, just a few steps away from the teams taking part in the 2026 session.
Concrete and Enthusiastic Testimonials
All the speakers highlighted the very tangible and valuable benefits of the hackathon format.
For Fanny Tenenhaus, Head of Data and Statistics at CNIEL (2), GAIA provides an opportunity to improve the structuring and sharing of data generated across the dairy sector:
“We are currently testing this approach for PDO cheeses,” she explains. “In the field, someone visits the farm, reviews the delivery notes related to animal feed, and checks compliance with the specifications. These inspections take time. What we have tested is the use of extracted data, its formatting, and its transmission to the certification body to make audits more efficient.”An experiment born from intense collective collaboration and shared expertise.
A Powerful Accelerator
At Ombrea, Digital Product Manager Léa Goullieux describes the hackathon as a “strategic accelerator” that helps teams refine ideas, bring together diverse yet complementary profiles, and turn concepts into actionable roadmaps. For Delphine Paul-Dauphin, Director of ABBA (3), it is “an important first step” and “a real boost for both energy and projects.”
Rémi Laurent, Deputy General Director of the Normandy Chamber of Agriculture, highlights the value of an exercise that enables participants to move from an initial idea to a visible proof of concept in just a few hours, fostering collaboration between digital and agricultural professions:
“At a time when agricultural advisors can sometimes feel overwhelmed by multiple transitions—agroecological, climate-related and digital—AI can create value without replacing people.”
International Momentum
The conference also highlighted the now international reach of the GAIA Hackathon, first launched at SIA in 2024. Albert Ouattara, Director of Statistics at Côte d’Ivoire’s Ministry of Agriculture, the 2026 country of honour, looked back on the African edition of the hackathon held at SARA (4) in Abidjan in 2025.
In Paris, “international partners are showing interest in our solutions” and “our young people can discover new horizons and share their experience with other teams and companies.” A win-win formula.
One word sums up the spirit of this “Legacy” conference: daring, taking action and building together. Over the years, GAIA has become a true institution. More than a highlight for innovation, it is a space for testing, collaboration and acceleration. See you in 2027 for an exceptional new edition!
(1) Generative Artificial Intelligence for Agriculture
(2) Dairy interbranch organisation
(3) Biocontrol and Biostimulation Association for Agroecology
(4) International Exhibition of Agriculture and Animal Resources
Watch the full conference
A recording of the GAIA conference is available on our YouTube channel, so you can revisit the discussion.