A SERIES of innovative programs, designed to get start-up ideas off the ground and into the paddocks of Australian grain growers, is underway.
In partnership with Cicada Innovations, the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) has launched a new Grains Challenge, which aims to address key industry challenges, such as productivity, yield, efficiencies, costs, and market volatility, through the development of new technologies and innovative solutions.
GRDC said Australia is well recognised as a global leader in grains production, with the quality and unique varieties of Australian grains celebrated internationally. However, it said to maintain and enhance this global leadership, there is a pressing need for innovation in technology.
GRDC business development manager, Tim Spencer, said the new program is part of a series of GRDC investments aimed at supporting novel and innovative technology and business concepts, particularly those arising directly from non-traditional sources such as innovative growers and entrepreneurs.
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"We recognise that growers and agricultural professionals often devise novel solutions out of necessity. Our aim is to empower these individuals to see themselves as agtech pioneers, providing them with the tools and support to elevate their ideas from the field to the forefront of the industry," he said.
Cicada Innovations has been nurturing innovative startups into global businesses for over 20 years, with a portfolio that includes revolutionary agtech ventures like Regrow, Azaneo and Platypus Vision.
The new program will launch with Grains Elevate and be spearheaded by Cicada head of technology, Hebbat Manhy. It aims to enrol up to 80 participants over two years, with a focus on advancing the grains industry through innovative deep tech solutions and enhanced farming practices.
"Our goal is to nurture the development of groundbreaking solutions that address the unique challenges faced by the Australian grains industry," Manhy said.
"AgTech Elevate offers a rapid, immersive course to hone innovations with potential to impact the ag market, providing teams with the industry-specific insights, network connections, and the strategic plan necessary to confidently advance their venture within the grains sector."
Participants who demonstrate exceptional potential will advance to the Grains Fast Start coaching program.
"Fast Start is about giving those promising business ideas the final nudge they need," Manhy said.
All innovators, especially those in the agriculture sector looking to venture into agtech development, are invited to apply.
"We're keen to collaborate with individuals who have a deep understanding of agriculture but may be new to agtech product development," Manhy said.
"Nevertheless, we encourage anyone with a groundbreaking agtech solution to apply."
More information can be found here.
