Business Daily

We're in Chile, where it’s grape harvesting time and vineyard workers are busy cleaning their barrels to make way for new batches.The South American country has more than a thousand different varieties of grapes, but it’s proving hard to reach a new generation of wine drinkers.It’s not just young people drinking less. Around the world wine production is in decline. This is often due climate change causing extreme droughts which affects harvests.How do wine-producing countries like Chile respond - and keep the industry thriving?Presented and produced by Jane Chambers(Image: Friends having fun and relaxing together drinking red wine during a rooftop party in New York East Village. New York is one of the key markets for new-style Chilean wine. Credit: Getty Images)

The podcast dives deep into West Africa's smuggling crisis, particularly focusing on the illegal movement of gold. It discusses how smuggling has become a vital livelihood for many while costing governments billions in lost revenues. Insights reveal the role of corruption among officials in perpetuating this trade. Suggestions for downgrading smuggling include promoting a well-functioning free trade area and enhancing governance. Additionally, the informal economy's impact on local communities is explored alongside the economic incentives behind smuggling.

The podcast delves into the hidden world of smuggling across the Ghana-Burkina Faso border. Personal stories reveal the perils and motivations behind the illicit trade of cocoa, fuel, and gold. Corruption among border security forces presents a significant obstacle to stopping these operations. Escalating violence linked to ethnic disputes adds another layer of complexity. Additionally, the impact of high consumption taxes drives citizens toward tax evasion, affecting the economy and small-scale mining.

Argentina is emerging as a leader in agricultural biotechnology, showcasing startups like Unibaio that use shrimp shells for sustainable farming. The biotech sector is flourishing, driven by innovative practices and supportive public policy. Collaborations among scientists and entrepreneurs are crucial in transforming the agri-tech landscape. Loki Labs, a unique hub for biotech startups, fosters collaboration and innovation. Despite economic challenges, local startups are successfully commercializing breakthroughs, signaling a bright future for Argentina's agri-tech revolution.

Armenia is striving to become the Silicon Valley of the Caucasus, with a burgeoning tech sector fueled by a mix of local innovation and an influx of Russian IT specialists. The country's educational initiatives, like ARMAT, are equipping young minds with engineering skills to drive future success. Startups, such as the healthcare app Dr. Yan, highlight Armenia's commitment to technological advancement. With significant investments and a supportive diaspora, Armenia is steadily positioning itself as a key player in the global tech arena.

Anil Gupta, a professor and head of the Honeybee Network, discusses grassroots innovation in rural India. He shares inspiring stories of ordinary individuals creating extraordinary solutions, like a clay fridge enabling food preservation without electricity. The conversation highlights how these frugal innovations spark job creation and support underserved communities. Gupta emphasizes the need for collaboration between entrepreneurs, local businesses, and the scientific community to foster sustainable growth and nurture creativity among rural innovators.

Sarita Runenberg, CEO of Maria01 and a champion of the Nordic startup scene, discusses Helsinki's ambitious efforts to emerge as Europe’s startup capital. She highlights the vibrant community forming at the continent's largest startup campus and shares insights on its potential advantages and challenges. The conversation also covers Finland's competition with Sweden, the impact of geopolitical factors on investments, and the essential collaboration needed to attract global tech talent in this burgeoning ecosystem.

The discussion dives into the remarkable success of university spin-outs, particularly in the U.S., showcasing iconic companies like Dropbox and iRobot. It examines the UK's ambition to follow suit by boosting investment in institutions like Oxford and Cambridge. The podcast explores the evolution of academic projects into thriving ventures, highlighting innovation ecosystems such as those around MIT. Additionally, it looks at the unique challenges faced by Italian startups and emphasizes the need for global collaboration in nurturing entrepreneurial talent.

Julia Hartz, Co-founder and CEO of Eventbrite, shares her journey from television to transforming the ticketing industry. She discusses her vision behind launching a platform that has sold 272 million tickets to over 1.7 million events. Julia highlights the challenges of automated bots and dynamic pricing, and how Eventbrite fosters direct connections between creators and audiences. She also addresses the company’s navigation through economic changes and the importance of adapting to new ways of bringing people together.

Augusto Solano, the Head of the National Flower Exporters Association, sheds light on Colombia's rise as a top flower exporter. He discusses the recent tariffs scare from the U.S. and its swift resolution, revealing the industry's ongoing sustainability challenges. The podcast explores the vibrant cultivation practices and local community impacts while highlighting the logistics of flower exportation. Solano also touches on the shifting focus towards local flower production amidst environmental concerns, reflecting the industry's dynamic evolution.