#Agrifood

With the race on in Australia to explore more sustainable food production methods, global technology groups Bühler and Vyncke are backing local agribusinesses to fast-track innovation in fields such as complementary proteins, biomass, insects and beers.

Billions of dollars and decades of experience in venture capital come together as five leading global investors talk agrifood tech – and their outlook is bright.
evoke^AG. 2023 set the scene for this high-powered discussion about what’s impacting agrifood tech investment.

Global investment in agrifood technology has steadily increased over the past decade or so. So, what’s driving this growth? Between decarbonisation, supply chains and innovation in the field (literally) big opportunities lay ahead.

From little things big things grow. It's a well proven path for startups and scaleups, and one that AgriFutures Australia is hoping to accelerate for agrifood tech entrepreneurs and innovators through its AgXelerate Program.

How can making milk without cows benefit Australian dairy farmers?

Our global food system has a long history of evolution – responding to the changing needs of the global population. But "Are we evolving fast enough?"

In this Humans of Agriculture x evoke^AG. collab podcast, Oli Le Lievre speaks with Angeline Achariya, the executive director of innovation and growth at Simplot Australia and the Country Chair for Australia, Food Innovation for G100 Mission Million.

The digital transformation of our food system has seen us switch from searching the supermarket shelves, and dining at our favourite restaurants, to procuring food through a screen. This digital revolution has made it easier to access food, but the added convenience is just the beginning in a digitised food system. Food innovation expert, Mike Lee explores how technologies like nutrigenomics, multispectral imaging, AI and plant breeding will see an end to ‘one-size fits all’ food and diets.

When it comes to food the who, where, when and how are all just as important as the what – the food. This context can transform our experiences and transform a mundane burger into the ‘best meal ever’. But in a post COVID-19 world, digital technologies are challenging how we engage and experience food. Globally renowned food innovation expert, Mike Lee explores the rise of the digital food revolution and how the food industry can double down to create memorable, real-life food experiences.

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.

Female-founded market delivery service, Your Food Collective, wants to be the most sustainable grocery offering in Australia – with technology geared to change the consumer foodscape and global ambitions backed by a successful Series A funding round.

Matt Newell, a perennial cereals research officer with NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) sees a very big future for perennial wheats in Australia.