#Agritech

AgriFutures evoke^AG. is Asia Pacific’s premier agrifood innovation event is back in 2024 and is bringing a diverse group of individuals and organisations in Perth on 20-21 February 2024 to explore the exceptional edge of agrifood tech innovation. From farmers, to innovators, researchers, corporations, government agencies and investors – and everyone in between. It’s two days to check out cutting edge-technologies and disruptive business models – oh and did we mention you can forge partnerships with a network of cutting edge innovators? If that’s not enough to get your boss (or if you’re the boss YOU) over the line, here are the top six reasons you should book your ticket.

The agriculture sector is changing, and it’s changing fast. For farmers, this means unprecedented possibilities when it comes to technological innovations on-farm. But it also means navigating a space where noise, newness and the next best thing makes it more challenging to connect with the innovations and projects that can bring real-world, practical benefits to your individual business.

New Artificial Intelligence (AI) driven technology is optimising the supply chain for fresh and perishable products to deliver benefits to Australian growers and wholesalers. A new digital platform, developed by South Australian startup Optomni promises to reduce waste by up to 25 percent, maximising revenue and reducing the impact on the environment.

Mimicking thunderstorms, livestock disease detection, Artificial Intelligence (AI) for beekeepers and the world’s first real-time food and fibre verification tool are just some of the exciting innovations from companies selected to participate in the AgriFutures AgXelerate Program.

As Queensland ramps up its ambition to become a “world-leading agtech destination”, a growing number of innovative local players are bursting onto the national scene. Here’s four that stole the spotlight in Startup Alley at evoke^AG. 2023.

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.

Government, industries and companies are stepping up their climate commitments and evoke^AG. 2023 highlighted the opportunities and potential challenges for agriculture in tapping into the carbon market. A panel of experts working in this space argued there’s more than one way for farmers to cash in on soil carbon and climate friendly management practices, but that data is the key.

Australian agriculture is in the early stages of a dramatic disruption and a subsequent transition. There is rapid innovation across the entire value chain, investment in developing and scaling world-changing technologies and solutions, and we’re setting bullish targets on sustainability and environmental measures. But are we running the risk of leaving our farmers behind? Here farmer, Farmers2Founders project manager and evoke^AG. 2023 Future Young Leader, Matt Anderson urges the Australian agtech industry to not leave our farmers behind. 

Australia has the third largest marine area in the world and the ‘blue economy’ already contributes more than $81 billion* to the nation’s bottom line. And like land-based agriculture, there’s increasing pressure for the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth and to produce food and energy, while conserving the ecosystem.

Between a growing global population and the effects of extreme weather events, food security and climate change are intrinsically linked.
One Aussie startup is putting agriculture at the centre of the fight against climate change, using microbial technology to remove carbon from the atmosphere and boosting soil quality for farmers – at the same time.