New accelerator program aimed at accelerating technologies to benefit Australia's grains sector

Increased productivity and improved decision making are among the benefits Australian grain growers can look forward to, thanks to a new agricultural program to accelerate innovative technologies.

The Agtech and Logistics Hub in Toowoomba is delivering the accelerator program in conjunction with Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), one of the world’s leading grains research corporations.

The 2024 GRDC GroundUp program will support innovators to take their technologies to the next level.

These technologies are to complement Australian grain growers and their commitment to sustainable, responsible farming. The program focuses on three key commodities: grains, pulses and oilseeds.

Expressions of Interest are open for the program, with innovators across Australia encouraged to apply.

Now in its second year, GroundUp is a unique opportunity for innovators, with successful applicants mentored by farmers, growers and entrepreneurs who will offer real-world experience and advice to help founders advance their tech.

Agtech and Logistics Hub Director Thomas Hall said the accelerator was crucial given the importance of grain growers to the nation’s economy.

“The grains industry is our largest agricultural sector, with more than 22,000 grain farms across the country,” Mr Hall said.

“It’s important for grain growers to have access to new technologies that can improve their environmental practices, while increasing productivity and profitability.

“Our GroundUp program has been designed to fast-track the development of innovation by partnering with industry, in this case GRDC.

“Last year’s program accelerated some incredible technology, including advanced drones capable of locating pests and diseases bigger than five millimetres, and revolutionary spray technology from a company that has just signed an agreement to distribute to Australian and New Zealand growers.

“We look forward to seeing what this year’s GroundUp innovators bring to the table and providing them with an opportunity to work with industry to advance their solutions for the grains sector.”

The GroundUp program focuses on three key commodities: grains, pulses and oilseeds.

Over the 12-week program, participants will benefit from sessions with key players in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, including UQ Ventures, plus field demonstrations and access to co-working spaces.

Specifically, technologies underpinned by biotech or decision support are sought to innovate productivity, decision-making, and/or operations within the supply chain.

Participants will get to showcase their technologies at a Demo Day later this year in Toowoomba, which will attract key players from the grains sector.

Innovators can apply here: www.agtechlogisticshub.com.au/groundup/groundup-eoi/