Ag Tech

AgFrontier Agtech Incubator to help northern start-ups

Grain Central, April 2, 2019

THE Central Highlands Development Corporation (CHDC) and X-Lab have initiated a program to nurture the growth of agtech start-ups operating from inland Queensland and northern New South Wales.

Andrew Bate of SwarmFarm Robotics.

Known as the AgFrontier Agtech Incubator, it will provide regionally based start-ups the opportunity to work and grow in a dedicated program designed specifically for rural businesses and individuals who have a practical understanding of agriculture.

“SwarmFarm Robotics is an innovative start-up based from Gindie, Central Highlands, and an excellent example of the solutions-based, innovative approach that producers and industry members can bring to agtech development,” CHDC agribusiness development coordinator Liz Alexander said.

“We want to connect, support and unlock opportunities for other innovative agricultural startups, scale-ups and spin-offs, who also have the potential to go global, while still operating a regionally based business.”

Ten individuals and/or businesses will be chosen to participate in the 16-month program, which will include a tailored curriculum of regular workshops, virtual coaching, and businesses fostered by X-Lab’s startup network and tech ecosystem.

The cohort will access national and international investor and peer networks, with a featured showcase at the Emerald AgTeCH19 and Mungindi AgTeCH20 events, a Global Linkages mission to the USA, and the opportunity to pitch to relevant investors at the Incubator’s conclusion.

Sonya Comiskey has been appointed as the Agtech community officer who will be supporting the incubator.

Sonya Comiskey and Liz Alexander. Photo: CHDC

Ms Comiskey is a Nuffield scholar and award-winning beef producer with extensive experience in project management, and an interest in innovation, problem-solving and technology through vehicles such as block-chain in agriculture.

AgFrontier has received funding from the Australian Government’s Incubator Support initiative, and is also partnered by the Local Buying Foundation and the Cotton Research and Development
Corporation.

The initiative builds on the success of the sold-out AgTeCH17 in the Central Highlands and AgTeCH18 events in Mungindi, NSW.

Pre-registration is open until Friday 21 April.

Source: CHDC

 

 

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