Ag Tech

Nine ag companies feature in Westpac’s top 200 ‘businesses of tomorrow’

Grain Central July 26, 2018

NINE companies with strong links to agriculture have been named as part Westpac’s list of 200 Australian ‘Businesses of Tomorrow’ for 2018.

David Lindberg, Chief Executive, Westpac Business Bank and 2018 program judge, said the 200 businesses chosen from across Australia exemplified adaptability, resilience, value to customers, and a readiness to meet tomorrow’s challenges.

They also demonstrated the scale of movement that is occuring in the Australian economy into a digital world.

“The digital economy is predicted to be worth $139 billion by 2020 to the Australian economy – as a key driver of change in the future, this year’s businesses reflect the drive that’s disrupting and shaping the industries they operate in.,” Mr Lindberg said.

“Almost three quarters of the top twenty businesses are directly involved in technology or software development and this year also saw an increase in micro-business applicants, including early stage tech-businesses, which increased almost three-fold from 2017.

“This tells me leading Australian businesses are capitalising on the opportunities for growth. They’re breaking new markets, developing technology that helps people with autism gain employment, providing better analysis for solar energy users, using technology to make prescription glasses more durable and affordable, and transforming waste into useful materials.

“Over half (59%) of these businesses have an ambition to expand to the global marketplace and I look forward to seeing this great Australian entrepreneurial spirit succeed – because we have great talent and ideas in this country that deserved to be backed.

Of the 200 Businesses of Tomorrow, 20 top businesses will receive a two-week study tour to Silicon Valley and a tailored $50,000 professional services package from their choice of select providers offering legal services, PR and communications, customer relationship management and management consulting.

The top 20 will also take part in a mentor matching program with notable Australian business leaders. Among the mentors are John Eales AM, former Wallabies Captain and culture and leadership consultant; Mia Freedman, Mamamia Women’s Network; Tim Fung, Airtasker CEO; and Jo Horgan, founder and CEO of Mecca Cosmetics.

Several businesses from last year’s top 180 businesses were also recognised this year and awarded a position in the top 20 including, Araza, Metamako, and Whispli, each of which have demonstrated growth and increased potential since 2017.

The nine ag associated businesses in the top 200 were:

  • Hydrox Technologies (SUMNER PARK, Qld)
    Developing solar-shrink mulch film to help farmers minimise costs and waste – and use less plastic
  • Aquamonix (MILPERRA, NSW)
    Helping agriculture and local governments to improve accuracy and efficiency of water use and monitoring
  • SmartShepherd (ARMIDALE, NSW)
    Agritech that tracks the maternal pedigree of lambs, generating breeding advice for farmers about profitable offspring
  • Hydrox Technologies (SUMNER PARK, Qld)
    Developing solar-shrink mulch film to help farmers minimise costs and waste – and use less plastic
  • Bundaberg Brewed Drinks (BUNDABERG, Qld)
    Making naturally brewed, non-alcoholic beverages since the 1960s, including the famous ginger beer (with locally sourced ginger)
  • Kalleske Wines (GREENOCK, SA)
    Credentialed in 1998, the oldest certified organic, biodynamic vineyard and winery in the Barossa Valley
  • Safe Ag Systems (GLENELG, SA)
    An online work health and safety program prioritising injury prevention for farming and agribusiness
  • AgGrow Energy Resources (MOUNT CLAREMONT, WA)
    Developing renewable energy, biofuel and industrial carbon products from diverted waste streams and cultivated biomass
  • Yume Food (WINDSOR, Vic)
    Wholesale marketplace for quality surplus food, connecting suppliers that have surplus products with buyers

Source: Westpac. For the full list of this year’s 200 Businesses of Tomorrow  visit BusinessesofTomorrow.com.au

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  1. casey proctor, August 21, 2018

    I’m a big fan of your report, in the article above it is only 8 companies listed in the top 200 companies by Westpac, you’ve counted Hydrox Industries twice !

    I’ll quote your opening paragraph “The role of future technologies in ag” somewhere down the track, it is interesting that what’s new is old in maintaining or increasing ag production i.e pollution, urban development, land degradation and environmental sustainability !

    keep it up
    Casey

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