Mahendra Thimmanagari has wide experience in research, policy analysis and technology transfer. For over 11 years working with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), supporting agriculture producers industry stakeholders along the bioeconomy value chain. He is involved in applied research and commercialization projects in biomass and industrial crops for bioproducts sector development. His previous work experience includes 15 years’ service as Assistant Professor, A.P. Agriculture University and Asst. Director, Ministry of Agriculture, Andhra Pradesh, India. Mahendra has a Ph.D in Soil Science and Agriculture Chemistry.