Powering progress: Agrifood tech and innovation on show at the biggest evoke^AG. yet

The second day of Asia Pacific’s premier agrifood tech event saw robust discussions on topics from consumer trust in innovation and the convergence of cultural IP and western innovation, to predictions for the year ahead for startups and investors in the funding landscape.

A diverse line-up of 47 speakers from seven countries took to the stage on Day 2 to inspire, challenge, and transform the way we think about food and farming into the future.

AgriFutures Australia Chair, Cathy McGowan AO, said it has been incredible to see the buzz in the room among delegates in Perth, and witness them networking and strengthening the community in pursuit of a more sustainable, productive, and profitable sector.

“By design, evoke^AG. creates community. We bring together thought leaders and change makers in agriculture, food manufacturing, research, innovation, investment, and production to build community and create opportunities,” Ms McGowan said.

“It’s now our delegates’ responsibility to continue the robust conversations, to continue to explore emerging technologies, to learn new ways to approach testing issues, to uncover the latest research and to be relentless in their pursuit in making new connections.”

Across the two-day event, delegates gained an in-depth view of the topics, challenges and solutions that are set to shape the agrifood tech sector in the years to come.

Adding their voices to the mix this year were five evoke^AG. Future Young Leaders. This group of next generation innovators had the opportunity to showcase their ideas and technology to the global evoke^AG. audience.

Western Australian Guy Coleman, 2024 Future Young Leader, and creator of the OpenWeedLocator (OWL), an open-source, DIY weed detector for precision weed control, said the opportunities evoke^AG. has opened for himself and this year’s cohort are immense.

“It’s inspiring being around so many individuals who have a passion for bolstering our industry through collaboration and innovation,” he said.

“Information and knowledge sharing is key for sustainable growth within the agricultural sector, and no matter how small or big your idea is, this Program provided a premier platform for us to do just that.

“For me, I was able to discuss OWL, and changing the status quo of AgTech development with an open-source approach.”

After another jam-packed day of discussion, connection, and collaboration, AgriFutures Managing Director, John Harvey, capped off the event inviting delegates to join AgriFutures Australia at evoke^AG. 2025 in Brisbane, Queensland.

“evoke^AG. began as an opportunity to showcase the incredible agrifood tech innovation happening here in Australia, to hear from the rest of the world and to drive innovation in the Asia-Pacific region,” Mr Harvey said.

“We look forward to hosting evoke^AG. 2025 in Brisbane, in collaboration with Host City Partner Brisbane Economic Development Agency and Host State Partner the Government of Queensland, and Platinum Partner Elders.”

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities, Mark Furner, mirrored Mr Harvey’s enthusiasm for evoke^AG. 2025 heading to the east coast.

“AgTech is a strong part of the sustainable future of agriculture, solving problems and growing businesses,” he said.

“Bringing this event to Queensland reinforces the Queensland Government’s commitment to AgTech and adoption.

“I have no doubt Queensland’s agriculture sector will make the most of this event and ensure next year’s evoke^AG. held in Brisbane will be the best yet.”

Today’s star-studded program included a combination of highly engaging panel discussions, keynote addresses, fireside chats, and interactive opportunities.