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In Australia, the support for digital technologies has grown significantly over recent years, with public and private funding being made available to develop programmes that support innovation. This includes funding into public-private research centres that emphasise the importance of collaborative arrangements for commercialisation and technology transfer. There are currently 11 accelerators, pre-accelerators and incubators supporting agri-tech startups in Australia.
Emerging technologies have already proven to be a key driver in the future sustainability and profitability of Australian agriculture. Adoption rates of satellite technology in Australian cropping operations are among the highest in the world; the Australia Agriculture 4.0 programme targets production growth through technology.
GBIP to focus on agri-tech and satellite applications technologies
Innovate UK's Global Business Innovation Programme (GBIP), delivered by EEN, is looking to take 15 companies which are developing forecasting, crop production and harvesting, livestock management, analytics, climate monitoring, imagery and mapping technologies. The aim of the programme is to nurture R&D collaboration opportunities between UK and Australian businesses.
There is particular interest in technology associated with precision agriculture, resource efficiency, data management and integration, net carbon reduction, hardware, AI and robotics. The programme will focus on showcasing the best UK agri-tech and satellite applications technologies to key Australian stakeholders including innovators, accelerators, universities, businesses and government.
As part of their GBIP visit, all successful applicants will participate in a structured programme which includes an 11-day visit to Australia.
Attend Asia-Pacific's largest agri-tech event
During the visit delegates will attend Asia-Pacific’s largest agri-food tech event evokeAG. The event covers three main themes: food, farm, and future. EvokeAG is an immersive experience delivering diverse topics and cutting-edge innovation from across the region and around the world. It is the only event of its type where people come together to connect, collaborate and evolve all things agriculture.
The programme also includes visits to organisations with innovative agricultural technologies, with the aim of creating and promoting opportunities for partnering and collaboration.
The visit is just one element of the GBIP. Prior to the visit, the participant companies are briefed by sector and market experts and hear first-hand from previous delegates about their experiences. They are advised on the cultural aspects of conducting business in Australia. This “getting ready for market” phase ensures the businesses understand the market, how to operate in the market, understand the target sector/technology in the country, and receive help to find partners and arrange meetings in advance.
Participants will receive bespoke one-to-one support from EEN advisers to help them exploit the opportunity before, during and after the visit as part of the full programme.
Only 15 places available
This is a competitive process for which only 15 applicants will be successful. To apply, companies must express interest via Eventbrite and will then be contacted with a link to a full application form, which must be submitted by 25 November 2019. Innovate UK and EEN will organise and fund flights, hotel accommodation and in-country logistics.
