A GROUP of fledgling Victorian technology entrepreneurs has taken a step closer to delivering critical technology for the agriculture sector, with the launch of Rocket Seeder’s AgTech Seeds program.
Eleven teams of aspiring AgTech founders have joined AgTech Seeds, a three-month program that brings together teams of budding entrepreneurs and researchers to solve some of global agriculture’s biggest challenges.
Rocket Seeder managing director Emma Coath said it was extremely exciting to see the first cohort begin their AgTech Seeds journey.
“These teams will develop agtech solutions that respond to the needs of Victorian farmers to boost their sustainability, productivity and profitability,” Ms Coath said.
“These are individuals and teams that are at the early stages of development. Some have ideas they want to test and refine, while others are more advanced.
“We are really looking forward to seeing their growth over the next few months.”
The AgTech Seeds pre-accelerator program is supported by LaunchVic and Agriculture Victoria, and is being delivered in partnership with Cruxes Innovation, which works with Australian researchers to help them develop skills to build deep, sustained partnerships with industry and government to solve real-world problems.
Teams taking part in the inaugural AgTech Seeds program are developing digital farm management platforms, urban cropping systems, smart gardens and passive solar protective cropping houses.
One team is investigating niche field pea and lentil varieties to meet the demand for alternative proteins. One team is converting waste products into fertiliser, while another is employing drones to manage weed and pest infestations.
The teams are using intelligent growth algorithms, IoT (internet of things) sensors and AI (artificial intelligence) mapping, connecting growers directly to customers and consumers across the value chain.
Ms Coath said the teams would spend the next few months fast-tracking their ideas, working with researchers from universities across the state and Agriculture Victoria. They will gain critical skills in business planning and development, finance, marketing and communications.
The group will have access to Rocket Seeder’s experienced network of mentors, advisers and alumni who will present to the group in the next few months.
“At the end of the program, these teams will also have the opportunity to apply for a grant that will assist them to take their business a step further,” Ms Coath said.
The program was launched recently by Victoria’s lead scientist Amanda Caples, who has a wealth of experience in technology commercialisation, and has led the development of industry, science and innovation policy in Victoria since joining the Victorian Public Service in 2002.
