Startups & Scaleups

4AG Robotics is transforming mushroom harvesting for good by building robots that pick, trim and pack agaricus mushrooms. 4AG Robotics has developed a computer-vision guided and AI-powered mushroom harvesting robot that is a complete labour replacement with no residual harvesting tasks or responsibility. The robot attaches to the farm’s existing Dutch Rack shelving so there’s no need for changes to farm infrastructure. The robots’ ability to perform 24-h graze harvesting allows for precise harvesting and they can easily move between growing rooms for optimal efficiency.

Agrology measures the ecological and agronomic effects of regenerative farming practices. The technology monitors soil health, microbial activity, the carbon cycle, water holding capacity, nitrous oxide emissions, and provides a comprehensive agronomic dataset, enabling growers to assess and connect regenerative and sustainable practices to reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and ecological impacts.

AirAgri is dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of remote farm workers. Leveraging IoT devices, AI-driven insights, and real-time weather data, AirAgri offers an automated safety solution tailored to agriculture’s unique challenges. This innovative platform enables continuous monitoring, automated emergency alerts, and property-specific insights, significantly reducing risks for isolated farm workers. AirAgri’s technology not only enhances operational safety but also addresses mental health awareness in rural areas, fostering a safer, more inclusive agricultural community. With successful deployments and strategic partnerships, AirAgri is redefining safety standards for the agriculture industry.

Airponix’s innovation transforms agrifood by addressing water conservation, yield maximization, and sustainable food production, alleviating food insecurity in regions dependent on imports due to unsuitable growing conditions. Our aeroponic system, using ultra-fine nutrient fog, achieves over 95% water savings, making it ideal for arid or water-scarce regions. This soil-less, pest- and disease-free method enables consistent, high-quality yields with minimal resource use and reduced carbon footprint. Designed for high-demand, disease-free potato seed production, Airponix empowers local production where traditional farming fails, reducing import reliance and enhancing food security through climate-resilient, sustainable practices backed by precision IoT monitoring.

Algaesys delivers sustainable, carbon-negative, off-grid wastewater treatment and resource recovery systems designed for agribusinesses, aquaculture, and remote communities. Using endemic phototrophic organisms, Algaesys efficiently cleans water, extracts valuable nutrients, and produces reusable biomass that can be used as fertiliser or stock feed. Their innovative, low-power technology not only meets water discharge standards but also provides a cost-effective solution for recycling and oxygenating water without specialist knowledge. Committed to supporting Indigenous communities, Algaesys aims to enable local water companies with the tools to improve water quality, reduce waste, and create renewable resources directly on their land.

AquaTerra is innovating soil monitoring with its IoT-based sensor system, providing farmers with real-time insights into soil moisture and temperature at depths of up to two metres—all from a shallow 15 cm installation. By delivering affordable, accurate data through a user-friendly interface, AquaTerra enables farmers to optimise water and nutrient use, improve crop yields, and reduce environmental impact. Founded as a spin-out from the University of Melbourne, AquaTerra brings academic expertise and practical innovation to the forefront of sustainable agriculture, helping growers make informed decisions for a resilient, productive future.

ATEK Integrated Engineering partners with AgTech startups and established FoodTech companies to provide engineering, computer vision and Automation expertise to fast-track product development and accelerate time to market.

The company excels at bridging the gap between cutting-edge technology and practical applications, helping food manufacturers and AgTech innovators tackle technical, efficiency, and resourcing challenges to scale effectively.  Recent ATEK projects include developing an AI-driven computer vision counting system for the poultry industry and designing and commissioning advanced automation and control systems in the meat sector.

Based in Northern Rivers NSW, ATEK prioritises local employment and partnerships, actively supporting and strengthening regional resilience.

Bee Innovative is an Australian agritech company that enhances crop yields and quality through real-time bee identification, tracking, and reporting. Their proprietary BeeID technology combines facial recognition and data aggregation to rapidly identify and eradicate exotic bees and diseases, safeguarding Australia’s biosecurity. Additionally, their BeeDar system enables precision pollination by monitoring bee movements, alerting farmers to areas of poor pollination, and increasing yields. By integrating advanced technology with agricultural practices, Bee Innovative supports food security and sustainability.

At BioPollen Solutions we developed a unique assisted pollination technology for specialty crops that allows growers to increase their yields by +20% and replace the use of traditional beehives. Our innovation relies on a plant-based liquid pollen formulation that can be sprayed on multiple crops with standard spraying equipment.

BirdSol is developing a sustainable crop protection soultion with Cherrp®, an AI-powered bird deterrent system that speaks to birds in their own language. By recognising bird species and using species-specific sounds, Cherrp® repels pest birds while allowing beneficial birds to stay, helping Australian farmers boost crop yield and support biodiversity. Proven in field trials, Cherrp® increases yield to over 96%, providing a cost-effective alternative to traditional, unsustainable deterrents. BirdSol’s innovative approach not only protects valuable crops but also fosters a harmonious coexistence between agriculture and wildlife, paving the way for sustainable food security.

ByoMax is enabling the decarbonisation of heavy industries with its breakthrough technology, Kinetic Extraction Yield (KEY). By transforming agricultural waste biomass into a clean alternative for coal, coke, and carbon, ByoMax enables sectors like steel and mineral processing to reduce their carbon footprint. The fully patented KEY process removes impurities from biomass, making it suitable for high-temperature industrial applications. With a commitment to sustainability and resource efficiency, ByoMax not only mitigates climate impact but also provides new income opportunities for agrifood producers. Through scalable technology and global partnerships, ByoMax is shaping a greener future for industrial processes.

Carbonaught provides farmers and their supply chains with on-farm emission reduction technology, enabling them to adapt to rapidly changing global markets. By replacing high-emission inputs with carbon-removing basalt through enhanced rock weathering, farmers can lower emissions, improve soil health, and stabilise input costs. Recognised with the 2024 Lord Mayor’s Business Award for Product Innovation and backed by a $4.88M federal Climate-Smart Agriculture grant, Carbonaught decentralises fertiliser production, reducing reliance on imports and enhancing food security. The platform integrates seamlessly into existing farming practices, offering a scalable solution that strengthens farmers’ access to premium export markets while building resilience in Australia’s agricultural sector.

Cropify is innovating the global grain supply chain with its cutting-edge machine learning software and bespoke hardware that standardises the grading of pulses and grains. By eliminating subjective assessment, Cropify’s solution ensures fast, accurate, and repeatable grading results, reducing value leakage that costs millions annually. Led by CEO Anna Falkiner, Cropify’s technology addresses key challenges in the grain industry, providing transparency and confidence in grading outcomes. With sustainability at its core, Cropify also delivers environmental benefits by minimising waste, reducing carbon emissions, and eliminating single-use plastics.

Dataphyll provides innovative farm management software that empowers growers by enhancing transparency, managing labour costs, and boosting productivity. Established in 2015, Dataphyll combines mobile, cloud, and sensing technology to monitor seasonal workers, track their productivity, and ensure quality control in real-time. By simplifying data collection and integrating seamlessly into existing workflows, Dataphyll enables growers to make data-driven decisions that foster trust and efficiency. With a focus on equity, especially for Pacific Island and Indigenous seasonal workers, Dataphyll’s solution protects vulnerable workers, ensuring fair pay and promoting transparency in agriculture, fostering a sustainable and efficient industry.

Drone-Hand combines hands-on agricultural expertise with advanced technology to provide a comprehensive farm monitoring solution. Designed to tackle longstanding challenges in farming, their semi- and fully-autonomous drone software supports livestock monitoring, infrastructure management, and pasture analysis. By delivering innovative tools, Drone-Hand aims to enhance productivity and efficiency across the agricultural sector.

Dyneval’s platform technology delivers precise semen quality measurement using portable equipment, revolutionising breeding decisions. For the first time, semen motility lifetime (SMLTM) can be measured in quasi-in-vivo conditions, with sperm swimming over 2 hours correlating to an 8-10% increase in conception rates. Vets and genetics companies leverage SML^TM data to ensure quality across the supply chain, enhancing efficiency in livestock production. Dyneval is driving sustainable agriculture for a better future by supporting food security and reducing methane emissions.

FaunaTech is building the first smartphone-connected, hand-held dairy and agri diagnostic platform to measure important biomarkers in milk, fish, meat, poultry, and grains, leading to the early detection of critical herd diseases, reducing antibiotic usage, and monitoring food quality at the farm gate.

Fieldwork Robotics is innovating the fresh raspberry market with the world’s first autonomous raspberry harvesting robot, addressing global challenges of labour shortages and rising costs. This cutting-edge robot, developed through years of research and collaboration with leading growers like Costa Group, mirrors the precision and care of human pickers while boosting efficiency and reducing crop wastage. With a mission to keep berries on tables for generations, Fieldwork Robotics combines advanced vision systems and proprietary technology to harvest delicate soft fruits sustainably, offering growers a reliable, cost-effective solution that supports both productivity and environmental stewardship.

Flex Farming is developing a year-round strawberry production system with its innovative “Farm As a Battery” (FAB) system. By combining Total Controlled Environment Agriculture (TCEA) with energy management, Flex Farming’s platform uses 95% less water, 90% less land, and minimal pesticides to deliver high-quality strawberries sustainably. FAB leverages renewable energy, reducing energy costs by up to 50%, and ensuring fresh produce supply even in energy-constrained settings. With a focus on sustainability, resource efficiency, and localised production, Flex Farming is setting new standards in agritech, offering a resilient and eco-friendly solution for consistent strawberries all year round.

FUL Foods is committed to sustainability by revolutionising food production through microalgae cultivation. Their process captures CO₂ from industrial emissions, turning food production into a net absorber of carbon instead of a source. For every kilogram of microalgae harvested, we absorb two kilograms of CO₂, creating a natural carbon sink. Our cultivation method requires no arable land and recycles up to 85% of the freshwater used, conserving vital resources. Additionally, it allows for localized production that is independent of climate conditions, reducing reliance on global food corridors and enhancing food security.

Gate 46 is transforming the dairy industry by providing dairy farms with sustainable, waste-to-energy solutions. By converting agricultural waste into renewable energy, Gate 46 not only reduces emissions but also generates significant financial benefits through carbon credit trading and energy savings. Their unique Design, Build, Own, Operate, and Maintain (DBOOM) model and innovative aggregation approach make biogas technology accessible, especially for smaller farms. With strategic partnerships and a focus on supporting local communities, Gate 46 empowers farmers to lower costs, increase sustainability, and contribute to a greener future in agriculture.

Inform Ag empowers farmers with smart, data-driven solutions to optimise water use, enhance productivity, and drive sustainability. The GrowData suite of standalone products—featuring Irrigate, OPS, and Track—delivers insights, automation, and remote control to reduce costs and build climate resilience. Founded by Jennie Savill, Inform Ag champions a farmer-first approach, creating enterprise-grade tools tailored to on-farm needs at accessible prices. Based in Queensland, their diverse team collaborates with farmers (in orchards and vineyards) across Australia, New Zealand, North America, and South Africa, delivering technology that makes agriculture impactful, scalable, and sustainable. Discover how Inform Ag is future-proofing farming through innovation.

LyteGro makes BacLyte, a patented waste-banana-derived extract that acts like “steroids for microbes” — causing explosive growth of bacteria and yeast. By halving runtime and doubling microbial biomass, BacLyte offers an immediate, CAPEX-free solution to the global fermentation capacity shortfall. This allows producers to double output without physical expansion, saving millions in costs and without build time. Bio-based industries benefit from faster, more efficient processes whilst also reducing water, feedstock, and energy use — enhancing both profitability and sustainability

Map and Zap® is innovating weed control in agriculture with its cutting-edge AI and laser technology. The AI-driven tool maps and laser-zaps early growth-stage weeds, reducing the need for chemical herbicides, providing solutions for growers in a range of industries. Our technology offers ‘early detect, early kill’ capability and agile deployment options; designed as an affordable modular bolt-on system for integration onto farm tractors and robotic vehicles. The innovation counters herbicide resistance, with no chemical residues, soil disturbance, carbon, or microbiome impact. The solution meets increasing consumer demand for natural products whilst enhancing productivity and reducing labour costs on-farm. The innovation is looking to reshape weed management for farmers across Australia, New Zealand, and beyond.

Mara Bio is a biotechnology startup based in New Zealand, specialising in creating innovative, versatile proteins and functional ingredients derived from fungi. The company is committed to sustainability, focusing on repurposing nutrient-rich by-products from food production to develop protein-rich, fiber-rich ingredients and bioactives. These are designed for applications in food, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceuticals. Mara Bio emphasises environmentally friendly practices and aims to contribute to healthier foods and sustainable development.

mOOvement is changing cattle management with GPS-enabled ear tags that provide tracking, monitoring, and management insights for herds. The Brisbane based startup addresses critical challenges in the beef industry, from preventing theft and improving mustering efficiency to promoting sustainable grazing practices. With alerts and hourly location updates, mOOvement’s solution offers peace of mind for cattle producers, especially those with remote properties. By optimising grazing patterns, mOOvement helps farmers move toward carbon neutrality and supports sustainable farming. Their advanced, affordable technology is designed to boost efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance animal welfare across extensive grazing operations.

Powered by renewable energy, Nium’s modular, small-scale reactors utilise green hydrogen to produce clean ammonia at lower pressures and temperatures compared to traditional methods. This approach enables decarbonised, decentralised, and democratised ammonia production, paving the way for a cleaner and more sustainable future in energy, agriculture, and fuel.

Organisation Resources:

Nium Video: How Green Ammonia Is Helping To Drive The Hydrogen Transition

Nium Impact Report: Clean Ammonia – The Decentralised Future of Fertiliser

Nium’s Theory of Change: Decarbonisation | Decentralisation | Democratisation

Optiweigh is an Australian-made, farmer-developed technology revolutionising livestock management. It provides real-time, accurate animal weights directly from the paddock without the need for yard weighing. This portable and self-contained system works across all production enterprises, whether in the northern breeding regions, southern pastures, feedlots, studs, or dairies. Users have embraced Optiweigh as a “game-changer,” integrating it into daily operations to drive productivity, optimise resource management, and increase returns. By enabling informed decisions, Optiweigh helps farmers achieve better outcomes, making it an invaluable tool in enhancing efficiency and profitability in livestock management. A true win-win for the agricultural sector.

Residual Barrier Technology (RBT) specialises in developing, formulating, and manufacturing advanced hygiene and infection control products. Their innovative solutions are designed to serve a variety of industries, including agriculture, food manufacturing, intensive animal farming, healthcare and education.

RBT’s products utilise a disruptive, water-based technology that is alcohol-free, non-toxic, and environmentally conscious, offering a safer and more sustainable alternative to harsh disinfectants. By prioritising both efficacy and environmental responsibility, RBT delivers hygiene solutions that protect people and processes while reducing the ecological impact.

RHST Industries makes “WaterPearls” the ultimate “Drop it and Forget it” solution for water conservation, inspired by nature, designed to drastically reduce water evaporation without constant monitoring. Say goodbye to worries about non beneficial water loss and hello to sustainable water management where water conservation is effortless and effective.

ROAM Agricultural is enabling methane reduction in livestock with a natural, scalable, fungal derived feed additive. Founded in 2023, ROAM’s innovative solution has demonstrated potential to reduce enteric methane emission by over 90%, offering a powerful alternative to synthetic and seaweed-based products. Their technology harnesses fungal strains to create an IP protected, sustainable, adaptable approach for livestock systems, helping farmers meet environmental targets without sacrificing productivity. With a multidisciplinary team of in-house experts and strategic partnerships with leading research institutions, ROAM is poised to drive impactful change for agricultural sustainability, supporting climate goals while fostering profitability in the livestock sector.

SkyKelpie is changing livestock management with its drone-based mustering solutions, enhancing efficiency, safety, and animal welfare in the agricultural sector. Founded by Luke Chaplain, SkyKelpie uses drones to offer a low-stress, sustainable alternative to traditional mustering methods. The technology allows graziers to track, monitor, and guide livestock with precision, reducing operational costs, fuel consumption, and environmental impact. With innovative tools like the SkyKelpie Simulator and an upcoming online aerial stockmanship course, SkyKelpie enables graziers to master drone mustering techniques. By developing these advancements, SkyKelpie leads the charge in modern, eco-friendly livestock management.

SmarterCTRL, developed by Perth’s Industrial Automation Group, merges years of expertise in Smart City and Smart Agriculture technologies. Originating from brands Waterman Irrigation and Aeration Control Australia, SmarterCTRL was established in 2019 to simplify and expand solutions for local government and agriculture. The unified brand supports the creation of adaptable, cost-effective automation and control solutions for Smart Cities, Smart Farms, and beyond. With in-house facilities to design, build, and test control panels, SmarterCTRL ensures project timelines are met. Backed by ISO 9001 Quality Assurance since 1998, SmarterCTRL is dedicated to innovation and efficiency in automation.

Sorensis is enabling a pain-free, long-term cattle contraception solution with its innovative biodegradable implant, designed to simplify reproductive management for beef producers. Founded by Dr. Kim Agnew, Sorensis addresses the challenges of traditional sterilisation, which often involves painful and costly procedures. The implant, applied by the producer under the skin of the ear, is aimed to provide 12 months reversible contraception, give producers total autonomy over herd reproductive management, reduce labour costs and mortality due to traditional sterilisation, while supporting animal welfare and sustainability. With an initial focus on extensive cattle operations in Australia, the US, and Latin America, Sorensis is set to revolutionise cattle management and reduce the environmental footprint of the beef industry.

VIA BioFuels has developed an innovative biological process to produce 3-methylanisole (3-MA), which can serve as a drop-in replacement for gasoline, a component in sustainable aviation fuel, or a precursor for producing plastics. VIA produces 3-MA from agricultural feedstocks using a proprietary, genetically modified industrial strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae.