By Helen Woodland, AgriBusiness Connect Program Manager
Australian farmers are known to be amongst the most innovative producers in the world. The adoption and collaboration between growers and new technologies continues to drive productivity. Just some of these advancements include artificial intelligence for decision-making, grain grading transformation and alternatives to traditional synthetic inputs.
This is only a sample of the incredible innovations set to be fast-tracked through the 2024 Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) GroundUp program, focused on advancing solutions for three commodities: grains, pulses and oilseeds.
I’m excited to finally reveal the 10 innovators who have been selected to take part from the large number of quality applications lodged across Australia and abroad. They are:
- Bio10: Compelling alternative to traditional synthetic chemicals
- BirdSol: Integrated AI as an effective and permanent bird-deterrent solution
- Croppaco: One-stop platform for managing farm operations, compliance, staff and assets
- InFarm: Advancing global agriculture through state-of-the-art agricultural AI
- MADE: Tailored biofertilisers and biofuels to help farmers thrive
- Messium: Hyperspectral remote sensing nitrogen concentration estimation system
- Metagen: Soil health biostimulants for nitrogen efficiency and disease suppression
- Seed 2 Diesel: Supporting growers to become fuel self-sufficient
- SKAN Farming Logistics: Taking the guesswork out of paddock planning
- Walco Seed Cleaning: AI-powered tech transforming of grain grading
The applications from these founders were comprehensive and met our challenge statement. This accelerator sought technologies underpinned by biotech or decision support to innovate productivity, decision-making, and/or operations within the supply chain. The technologies also needed to complement Australian grain growers and their commitment to sustainable, responsible farming.
I congratulate the 10 innovators selected to take part in this industry-leading program, delivered by the Agtech Logistics Hub and AgriBusiness Connect and sponsored by Grains and Research Development Corporation.
The 12-week program covers everything from business basics and pitching to marketing and legal requirements.
Through GroundUp, the Agtech and Logistics Hub and AgriBusiness Connect facilitate field demonstrations, as well as access to mentors, investment funds, global networks and coworking spaces.
Innovators will also benefit from sessions with key players in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, including UQ Ventures.
This all culminates to the Demonstration Day in Toowoomba on August 29, where innovators will showcase their solutions for the grains sector to potential investors and end-users. We can’t wait to see you there.