Meat and Livestock Australia has announced the six Aussie AgTech companies to participate in its GrowLab’ commercialisation program.
Selected GrowLab companies
FarmTech: a smart collar for determining sheep genetics.
SwagBot: an autonomous robotic vehicle for on farm use in rugged terrain.
Nanoscent: a deep technology company combining patented nanosensors and proprietary software.
FARMpay: a secure online platform for fast, transparent and secure grain trading.
FluroSat: remote sensing technology detect early stress in crops
Livestock Labs: an implantable livestock welfare and management monitor.
GrowLab aims to develop selected innovations in areas such as robotics, animal health, remote sensing, food technologies and decision support tools.
MLA will partnered with Cicada Innovations to deliver the business development program.
Cicada Innovations is dedicated to bringing new innovations to market. It was founded by four major Australian Universities in 2000.
The program involves one day a week of training over 12 weeks, and ends with a public showcase and investor pitch for business to prospect for funding. The program starts in September and runs to November.
GrowLab will comprise eight to 10 individuals or teams with ideas capable of “completely transforming agricultural practices and food production”.
It is the only agtech program in Australia focused on advanced technologies that go beyond simple mobile applications, according to MLA.