A NEW Agtech and Logistics Hub (ATLH) at Toowoomba in southern Queensland is preparing to scour Australia for innovative minds ready to solve real-world challenges in the agricultural industry.

The hub, which opened in May, has been developing a ‘wicked wall’ of challenges to help bridge the gap between research and industry adoption.

Hub manager Owen Williams said identifying issues within the sector gave a clearer picture of what problems needed solving.

“Using this as inspiration, we’re able to be on the lookout for teams and individuals who will collaborate, interact with industry, then develop, test and grow new business ideas, products and services,” he said.

“This open innovation concept is a major focus of the hub to allow us to further grow the industry.”

The ATLH will deliver a series of open innovation and acceleration programs that will fast-track the development of agriculture technology.

To help deliver these programs, the Hub has announced a new partnership with ‘Innovation Architects’ which is a Queensland based Advisory Group.

Innovation Architects managing director Mark Gustowski said he was excited about working with the ATLH and partners.

“We recognise the importance for industry groups to actively participate in our innovation ecosystem and collaborate with universities, government, and startups to increase commercial opportunities and outcomes to focus our innovation efforts on areas of competitive advantage such as agriculture.

“Unlike traditional accelerators, this forward-thinking program will seek to match innovative solutions to industry challenges that we’ve identified in the agriculture business community, and then drive those solutions in markets nationally and internationally.

“Agriculture represents a significant part of the Australian economy with farm gate output to exceed $100 billion by 2030, and programs supporting new technologies in the sector will go a long way towards achieving that goal.”

Mr Williams agreed that collaboration was key in developing a stronger sector for the future.

“Solving industry challenges through innovation and technology is very exciting and we are confident that working with Innovation Architects framework and experience that we will be able to fast track and deliver on validated solutions for the industry,” he said.

The hub is jointly funded by the Queensland Government in association with the FKG Group, Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise (TSBE), University of Southern Queensland and the University of Queensland.

Source: TSBE

Anyone interested in connecting with the Open Innovation and Acceleration initiatives can visit www.agtechlogisticshub.com.au for further information.