Holli Walsh

The Dutch are an innovative bunch. Wi-Fi. The four-wheel drive. Microscopes. Even the dialysis machine – all Dutch inventions.
Joining the line-up in today’s agritech sector is Danish-founded Bird Control Group. With applications for the 2025 evoke^AG. Startup Program opening in mid-September 2024, we’re checking back in with past participants to find out where they are now, what’s new in their world, and what’s on the horizon. And what better place to start than our inaugural 2019 cohort?

HydGene Renewables is paving the way for Australia’s carbon-zero future, using biowaste to produce 100% renewable and green hydrogen on-site and on-demand. The solution will provide farmers with low-cost and sustainable alternatives for ammonia, transport and seasonal energy storage. Now the startup is seeking investment to source alternative feedstocks and scale its technology.

Canberra-based food tech company, Nourish Ingredients is pushing the needle on how alternative proteins are made, using synthetic biology to create tailored, animal-free fats and oils. With seed funding from industry heavyweights, Main Sequence Ventures and Horizon Ventures, Nourish believe their specialty fats will have a massive impact on taste in the next generation of alternative proteins.

Oli Madgett wears many hats – grape grower, tech founder, advisor, mentor, and father. His adaptable nature and in-depth understanding of the agrifood industry has made him a go-to figure in Australian agritech.