Global agritech innovators converge at Brisbane event

Agritech startups from around the globe are gathering in Brisbane for the Agventure Downunder programme, part of the evokeAG event, which connects international innovators with the Australian agricultural sector.

The Agventure Downunder programme is supported by Mandalay Venture Partners, a Brisbane-based venture capital firm focused on early-stage agrifood tech ventures. The programme aims to enhance sustainable agricultural practices by connecting global startups with Australian farmers and agribusinesses.

Mandalay Managing Partner Mark Gustowski emphasised the global significance of the Australian agricultural ecosystem. "To qualify for the programme, the participating companies must have a clear and scalable business model with strong growth potential and evidence of market demand, and a focus on creating significant value on-farm, and supply chain and end-user impact," he said. "Coming from eight countries across the world, this year's group brings new ideas that will increase crop yields and reduce herd disease while improving sustainability through reduced water use and lower carbon emissions. We are looking forward to welcoming the founders to Brisbane and to helping them gain valuable business insights and forge connections with key stakeholders."

The 10 selected startups present a range of technological solutions, from AI-powered systems and precision agriculture tools to sustainable farming practices. The startups will showcase their products to industry stakeholders, potentially facilitating further adoption and scalability.

Mark Gustowski highlighted Australia's contributions to global agriculture and food security issues. "Australia has long been a nation renowned for its ingenuity, with a history of developing innovative solutions to overcome agricultural challenges," said Gustowski. "Initiatives like Agventure Downunder build on this legacy by sharing Australia's expertise with the world while bringing the latest global advancements to the local agrifood community. With a global population expected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, Australia has a critical role to play in food security and food production, particularly across the APAC region."

Among the participating companies is Canada's 4AG Robotics, which has developed an AI-driven mushroom harvesting robot that replaces traditional labour and attaches to existing farm infrastructure.

Airponix, from the UK, uses a nutrient fog to grow crops with significantly less water than traditional farming, offering a sustainable alternative through precision IoT monitoring.

Chilean-based BioPollen Solutions offers assisted pollination technology, enhancing crop yields with a plant-based pollen solution that can replace conventional beehives.

FaunaTech, hailing from India, provides a diagnostic platform that uses a smartphone connection to detect herd diseases early, thus reducing antibiotic use and supporting food quality monitoring.

The Netherlands-based FUL Foods employs microalgae cultivation techniques that capture CO2 emissions, reduce freshwater use, and do not require arable land.

UK startup Lytegro Limited has a patented extract that enhances fermentation processes, effectively doubling production using existing facilities while conserving resources.

New Zealand's Mara Bio focuses on fungi-derived ingredients to lessen environmental impacts associated with dairy production, using year-round fermentation processes.

RHST Industries from Canada provides Water Pearls technology, promoting water conservation by minimising evaporation and keeping soil moist.

Singapore-based TeOra develops natural alternatives to antibiotics and pesticides, targeting aquaculture and extending benefits to crops and livestock.

Lastly, VIA BioFuels from the US has a proprietary yeast strain to produce synthetic aromatic compounds on a large scale from various feedstocks.