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Tag: Agriculture / Agtech

DEADLINE: Agrifood Innovate to Grow

Innovate to Grow is a free 10-week virtual, self-paced learning program for Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The program will help you explore how research and development (R&D) collaboration can advance your innovative project or idea.

This program is open to Australian SMEs working on innovative technologies or solutions in the agricultural and food industry.

This program is supported by the CSIRO Trusted Agrifood Export Mission and Future Protein Mission. Businesses working on innovative ideas that can be assisted by these missions are highly encouraged to apply. Details of the eligible sub-sector are included in the list below.

Program detail

This program will assist you in:

  • Refining your innovation idea and learning how to transform it into an R&D opportunity.
  • Accessing tools and information for a comprehensive understanding of R&D collaboration and key considerations at each step.
  • Applying this knowledge to advance your technology or R&D concept.
  • Gaining industry insights, hearing from experts, and networking with researchers and R&D mentors.
  • Collaborating with like-minded SMEs and expanding your professional network.

Course outline

The program is made up of virtual webinars and self-paced learning as follows:

Preparing for the program (week commencing 24 October, approximately 3-4 hours)

  • Participants will be provided with an on-boarding session, pre-workshop videos, materials and questionnaires to assist in preparing for the program.
  • Time commitment is approximately two hours.

Week 1: Workshop (Official start date 2 November, approximately 4.5 hours)

  • The program’s main compulsory component is a half-day workshop covering the program concept. Participants will hear from CSIRO industry and research experts as well as relevant industry SMEs. Key topics include trends within your industry sector, a panel discussion with collaborating SMEs, and current funding opportunities for R&D.
  • Time commitment is approximately 4.5 hours.

Week 2-10: Self-paced innovation program

  • Participants will work through the online innovation program at their own pace, supported by a mentor and experienced innovation facilitators to develop and test their research ideas and business cases.
  • Fortnightly webinars for participant networking and guest speakers.
  • A final questionnaire is required at completion.
  • Time commitment is approximately 2-3 hours per week.

Key program outcomes

  • Personalised support to refine your idea: We’ll step you through the process of turning your idea into a viable research project.
  • Confidential feedback: All submissions through the program portal will receive prompt expert feedback.
  • Mentor: You will be provided with a mentor from CSIRO or a university to assist you with understanding the program deliverables and connecting you to relevant specialists
  • Build your network: You will build key contacts in your sector, including researchers at CSIRO and universities, domain experts, funding professionals and other SMEs.

Who can apply

This program is open to eligible SMEs working in agrifood subsectors listed below. SME’s working on solutions aligned to the CSIRO trusted agrifood exports and future proteins missions are encouraged to apply.

  • Alternative proteins
  • Meat and meat processing
  • Agriculture
  • Aquaculture
  • Livestock
  • Beverage and/or fermentation
  • Food product manufacturing
  • Other

Selection criteria (essential):

  • An Australian registered and operating business with an ABN and ACN/ICN (sole traders and partnerships are not currently eligible to apply)
  • A business classified as small to medium (less than 200 employees)
  • A business currently, or in the early stages of, exploring R&D opportunities for their business and have an idea to work on throughout the program

Other considerations:

  • Any other information provided to support your application
  • Have a clear need to develop your knowledge in R&D

WA Agtech meetup: Carbon – the why, the how and the role for tech

Measuring and managing carbon – the why, the how and the role for tech

Join us either in person or virtually for the next instalment of the WA Agtech Meetups.

This month we will be discussing all things carbon – diving into the drivers for starting on this path, the steps and lessons along the way and the role for agtech across the journey to support the transition to a lower carbon future.

We will hear from tech providers delivering impactful solutions for the industry, as well as innovative producers leading the charge on reducing carbon emissions.

To begin we will hear from AIA Consultant Agi Reefman on the AIA Environmental Accounting Platform.

Followed by a panel discussion with:

  • Toby Wright, Head of Sustainability at CBH
  • Sam Brown, CEO of Agriculture Innovation Australia (AIA)
  • Glenn Briggs, National Business Development Manager, Aglytica
  • Plus more to come

For those attending in person, this will be followed by a chance to catch up and network over some nibbles & drinks.

This event will be hosted at BASE @ FLUX in Perth City as well as virtually via zoom so if you can’t make it in person make sure you register for the live stream (livestream details will be shared after registration).

Agenda (AWST):
5:00pm Onsite registrations, drinks & nibbles
5:30pm Keynote presentation (virtual attendees to join from 5:30pm)
5:45pm Panel discussion
6:30pm Onsite Networking

CSIRO Conversations: What’s for Dinner? Exploring the future of food in Australia and internationally

We all want to make food choices that support our farmers and are healthy and sustainable for the planet. CSIRO’s expertise in food science supports the Australian food industry to compete in domestic and global markets and make food products for consumers that are safe, sustainable and taste great.

Join the conversation to hear how research, industry and commercial partners are coming together to accelerate a healthy and sustainable future for food.

The panel, moderated by CSIRO’s Director of Agriculture and Food Dr Michael Robertson, will explore the importance of a coordinated approach for the future of our food needs, the role new proteins will play in feeding a growing global population, and how the ‘paddock to plate’ approach needs to bring together all elements along the supply chain.

Meet your host:

Meet the panel:

Pricing

  • FREE

Dates and Times

Event date:Oct 2023

Friday 6 Oct 2023

Online virtual event

11.00am to 12.00pm AEDT

Login details will be emailed to registrants

evokeᴬᴳ⋅ 2024 Perth, Western Australia

AgriFutures evokeᴬᴳ⋅ connects the agrifood innovation community from Australia, across the Asia Pacific region and around the world.

evokeᴬᴳ⋅ 2024 will be held on the 20-21 February 2024 in Perth, Western Australia, with early bird ticket pricing closing on Thursday, 31 August 2023.

The theme for evokeᴬᴳ⋅ 2024 is ‘Exceptional Edge’, which represents a relentless pursuit of innovation in the Asia-Pacific region at a critical juncture in time.

It is about showcasing Asia Pacific’s exceptional edge to the world, and helping delegates – especially producers – find their cutting edge. While balancing the conversation and acknowledging that the sector is on the edge with some of the world’s most pressing challenges – feeding the world, climate change and resource management. evokeᴬᴳ⋅ 2024 will explore these topics and the role and opportunities for agrifood tech innovation in these.

Early bird ticket prices have closed.

PLEASE NOTE: You will be required to pay for your tickets using a valid credit card. If you would like to request a tax invoice for payment please email registration@evokeag.com to arrange this

Standard ticket pricing (inc GST):

  • Standard Delegate: $1,320
  • International delegate: $1,100
  • Producer Delegate: $770
  • Student Delegate: $550
  • Standard Delegate (Groups 10-19): $1,100
  • International Delegate (Groups 10-19): $990
  • Producer Delegate (Groups 10-19): $660

Welcome Event ticket pricing (inc GST):

Join us for an unforgettable evening at the stunning Royal Perth Yacht Club of Western Australia on Monday, 19 February 2024, as we launch evokeᴬᴳ⋅ 2024 with a bang!

Our Welcome Event is the perfect opportunity to connect with innovators and delegates before the main event. Don’t miss out on this incredible experience – secure your ticket now and make the most of your evokeᴬᴳ⋅ 2024 journey.

  • Welcome Event ticket price: $150

Other information:

  • Following a sell-out event in 2023 we are encouraging delegates to secure flights and accommodation early. Visit evokeag.com for recommendations and further information.
  • evokeᴬᴳ⋅ partners will host a number of sideline events throughout the week. Visit evokeag.comfor further details.
  • The program will be released later this year on evokeag.com
  • Please read the evokeᴬᴳ⋅ 2024 terms and conditions.
  • For any enquiries, please contact registration@evokeag.com

AARP Open Day: Tour the Australian Automation and Robotics Precinct

Tour the Australian Automation and Robotics Precinct (AARP). The AARP is a dynamic, collaborative, accessible and global robotics and automation precinct with the largest test beds in Australia, and supported by a vibrant, cross-sector innovation ecosystem.

Learn more about how your company can utilise 6 diverse testbeds spread across 51 hectares of dedicated automation and robotics testing space, just 35 minutes north of Perth, WA.

Find out how the AARP is facilitating technology development and innovation development across mining and resources, energy, defence, space, agriculture, construction, logistics, advanced manufacturing and education.

Hear more from the team and understand how you can get involved.

For Foods Sake: Future Foods Systems Summit

For F***’s Sake… lock this event in your calendar.

Expand your knowledge and be inspired by game-changing innovations. Join us in Western Australia for the second Future Food Systems Summit.

Following in the footsteps of our inaugural Summit, For Food’s Sake will touch on an array of thought-provoking and hot topics affecting Australia’s agrifood sector and will look at the technologies, trends and innovations that will shape the future of food in Australia and abroad.

Playing host to a diverse range of influential speakers, from research experts and key decision makers to representatives from Australia’s food and beverage industry, For Food’s Sake will focus on themes that are a part of FFSs core mission: to develop smart, sustainable, resilient food systems that capitalise on our nation’s unique strengths, ensure Australian agrifood products have a competitive edge in key target markets, and shore up food security in coming decades.

Whether you are a startup, established food and beverage manufacturer or producer, the Summit will provide a platform for stakeholders to collaborate and share ideas to help build towards a bright future.

Research Program topics

Collaboration and partnership

Three tiers of partnership: Government, industry and academia – and how collaboration can help deliver smart solutions with real-world impact

Sustainability and food security in agriculture

Australia’s urban and regional farming operations on sustainable practices, performance against Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and combating food security issues

Value-adding

Unlocking WA’s economic potential through value-addition

AI / Automation and crop monitoring

Machine learning and AI in crop monitoring / Robotics / Smart films in protected cropping

The Future Menu

Feeding the future consumer. What types of food can we expect to be on our plates in 2050?

*Program subject to change

FFS/FIPWA Masterclass Workshop – New Product Development

This Masterclass Workshop will provide you with key insights and methodologies surrounding the development of a new product.

About the Masterclass Workshops

Held at the state-of-the-art Food Innovation Precinct Western Australia (FIPWA), the FFS Masterclass Workshops are designed to arm emerging and established agrifood industry stakeholders with the tools and knowledge to further their business. Workshop participants will gain access to leading minds within research, government and industry as they share experiences, methods and practices to help build resiliency and spark innovative thinking. Participants will also be provided with a platform to collaborate with fellow attendees, to share thoughts and workshop ideas on how to strive towards success together.

 

This Session

Do you have an idea for a new food and beverage product but don’t know how and where to start? Are you interested in expanding your product range into a new category? The FFS Masterclass Workshop on New Product Development (NPD) will provide you with key insights and methodologies surrounding the development of a new product, the thought process behind design, research and strategies for launch.

With the objective of providing participants with the knowledge and confidence to set them on the path to developing a new product, this workshop will look at the key components and steps associated with NPD. Participants will hear from innovation experts, business professionals and Australian SMEs that have experienced success in launching a new product to market. Attendees will also be involved in activities to help plan the development of a new product and cover off brand strategies and marketing activities.

Limited availability. Register now to confirm your spot.

 

Speakers

Dr Shyamala (Shy) Vishnumohan | Nutritionist

Dr Shy Vishnumohan is a highly regarded industry professional, combining qualifications as a Food and Nutrition scientist and Accredited Practising Dietitian, devoted to promoting health through food. Her mission is to empower Consumers, Health Care Professionals and Industry by enhancing their understanding of the impact of food on health, facilitating the creation of food choices and optimal diets for overall well-being. With her profound grasp of scientific principles and practical expertise, Dr. Shy is a trusted advisor sought after by the food industry stakeholders for evidence-based strategies.

Nadia Coetzee | CEO of Root Your Health

With an unwavering commitment to driving positive change in sustainability and addressing critical issues such as food waste and hunger relief, Nadia Coetzee is deeply dedicated to employing smart technologies, upcycling practices, health consulting, and consumer education to make a lasting impact. With an extensive background in food science, health consulting, and sustainable practices, Nadia possesses the knowledge and experience necessary to lead transformative projects that benefit both the environment and society.

Kenneth Yap | Lecturer in Marketing at Murdoch University

Kenneth Yap is Lecturer in Marketing at the College of Business, Murdoch University. He is also the co-founder of The Marketing Interchange, a multinational market research industry that specialises in retail. As a career marketing professional, he has worked in new product development and marketing strategy with global brands such as ExxonMobil, Pepsi Worldwide, Nike, MTV, and LG Electronics. He considers himself a ‘pracademic‘ who can ‘walk the talk’ and bring real-world business experience into the classroom.

Mei Yong | CEO of My PlantCo

Mei has over 20 years of hands-on experience in the food & beverage and FMCG industries, with a deep family history in operations spanning Australia, New Zealand and Malaysia. Mei is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of My PlantCo – a plant-based WA company focussed on creating products that are loved by people and planet. Mei has been involved in the launch and evolution of each of My PlantCo’s three distinct brands – Real Oats, Kado and Turban Chopsticks.

More speakers to be announced soon

AICC(WA) Agribusiness Event 2023

“Climate Change, GeoPolitical Trade Barriers, Social Activism – Why would anyone invest in Agri?”

AICC(WA) Agribusiness Event 2023 featuring Mark Allison (Managing Director and CEO Elders Limited)

This networking sundowner will explore a number of Australia’s most urgent agribusiness issues including:

  • the new paradigm for farm ownership and working for institutional investors;
  • the relative returns for agri-investment, and
  • the impact on pricing of farmland and water resources.

During his presentation and Q&A, he Mark will explore:

  • impact of geopolitics on export markets;
  • h0w social licence issues impact sustainable agricultural operating models;
  • will carbon credits make a difference – and when?

 

This event is Powered by Evolv3 Innovation

REGIONAL VENTURES: SOUTH WEST INNOVATION SERIES: Fireside Chat

This is a fireside chat with Line in the Sand’s Howard Cearns, and Paula Taylor from COTU and the WA Ocean Foundation. Hear real stories from entrepreneurs who have had an impact on sustainability in the regions.

The chat will be from 12pm to 2pm including a shared lunch and a drink.  More drinks are available for purchase.

Howard Cearns is the Chair of Line in the Sand. He is the co-founder of Little Creatures Brewing in Fremantle, Braincells Creative and the Alex Hotel, Tourism WA Board Member for 11 Years, Chair of Eventscorp responsible for establishing WSL Margaret River Pro, and Board Member Fringeworld. Chair Lost & Grounded Brewery Bristol UK. Yallingup resident and MR Region fan.

Paula Taylor is the co-founder of COTU, a Web3 platform engineering new ways of commercialising creativity and bringing people together in unexpected ways. Paula worked with the London based creative organisation D&AD for ten years in a number of senior leadership roles across Australia, SE Asia and the US. Passionate about building the future of Web3, Gaming, Blockchain and NFTs, Paula holds a number of Board roles. Paula is Vice-Chair and co-founder of West Tech Fest, Australia’s longest running technology, Impact & Innovation festival. She is the co-founder and Chair of the WA Ocean Foundation, and Co-Founder of First NationsX empowering indigenous entrepreneurs to connect with capital. She is an Ambassador (Australia) for the Global Blockchain Business Council, the Washington, UK and Geneva based industry association for the global blockchain technology ecosystem.

Julian Kruger is a biodiversity consultant, software solutions architect, philanthropist and business owner with over 25 years experience working with nature. He is the Founder and CEO of Ecocene, a specialist biodiversity company providing organisations, governments and communities with the software, knowledge and advice to achieve nature positive.

David Martin is the owner of Stormflower Vineyard in Margaret River and a co-owner of Weelhamby Farm in Perenjori, both certified organic agribusinesses. He is also Secretary of Certified Organic Biodynamic WA, Treasurer of Line in the Sand Group and a co-founder of Little Creatures Brewing in Fremantle and the Alex Hotel in Perth. His business experience ranges from practising law in Hong Kong, to General Counsel of Woodside Petroleum, to co-founding several start-up businesses in WA.

This workshop is presented by Innovation Cluster and supported by the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation.

HARVEST Agtech Innovation Showcase & Pitch Night

The Showcase is an expo style networking event featuring the latest businesses looking to innovate in the Agtech industry.

These start-ups and SME’s will have their innovations on display and pitch for investment opportunities. Drinks and canapes will be provided.

The businesses have all been participants in our HARVEST Agtech Accelerator program. For more details see https://innovationcluster.com.au/meet-our-harvest-2023-cohort/

Supported by Grains Research and Development Corporation, Department of Primary Industries & Regional Development (DPIRD), CSBP, Wrays, Agrifutures Australia and Wheatbelt Development Commission.