PADDOCKS TO PERTH: REGIONAL INNOVATION AND AGTECH FORUM LAUNCHES HARVEST 2.0

Key stakeholders in the WA agricultural, business and technology sectors met at the Paddocks to Perth: Agtech and Regional Innovation forum event yesterday to discuss key initiatives currently driving the Western Australian Agtech sector and to announce the new cohort of the HARVEST 2.0 program.

The forum featured a keynote from WesCEF Innovation and Commercialisation General Manager Mussaret Nagree on Innovations in Agtech and a discussion panel including Susan Hall from Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), Frank D’Emden from Decipher, Gary Rogers from Hemp Homes and Amanda Walker from the Wheatbelt Business Network.

Mussaret Nagree from WesCEF discussed both the opportunities and challenges facing the Agtech industry. Offering fascinating insights into scaling large projects and initiatives, Nagree reinforced the primary importance of connecting with and understanding the farmer as a customer.

“It’s really important to take time to get to know your customer, understanding what their pain points are, what’s going to make it easier for them to manage their farms and boost efficiencies & you can only get that by engaging with them directly,” she said.

Panel member Frank D’Emden from Decipher offered some further insight into the customer, saying that digital technology adoption by farmers is still relatively low comparatively across sectors, however this presents invaluable opportunities and support for uptake, especially as billions of dollars is currently being invested in the Australian Agtech industry.

“I foresee in less than 20 years time farmers being able to look at a map and see what every part of their farm is doing in terms of the critical components of their agronomy, forecasting out 14 days ahead with 90% accuracy of what the weather is going to do and having much better knowledge about supply,” he said.

Susan Hall, Acting General Manager at DPIRD’s WA Open for Business said leveraging off partnerships like the one with AgriStart brings great results for the industry.

 “What we really want to do is be a part of this great culture of innovation across the ag sector and across the regions, and we do this with partnerships, like the one we have with AgriStart and the HARVEST participants” she said. 

AgriStart Managing Director, Tash Ayers says connection and collaboration is key to supporting and exporting WA innovation, particularly within the regions.

“Regional innovation needs to be part of the city agenda too. This networking event showcased the exciting innovations already happening in regional WA and the value of connecting businesses across the state and globally,” she said.

The forum culminated in the announcement of the cohort for next round of the HARVEST 2.0 Accelerator Program, where 16 highly innovative WA start-ups are given the opportunity to accelerate their business under the expert mentorship and guidance of some of Western Australia’s most successful business people. The program has been expanded to include the HARVEST Residential Intensive Program, a business accelerator for regional participants

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The following companies involved in HARVEST 2.0:

HARVEST Residential Intensive at Muresk Institute:

• Agriculture Guided Implement Systems Pty Ltd
• Black Sheep Engineering
• Gloria Dieu Studs and Orchard
• Indigenous Aquaculture Ventures
• LA.ONE Economics & Consulting and Merredin and Districts Farm Improvement Group
• Livestock Systems Pty Ltd

HARVEST Agtech Accelerator Program Round 2 Participants:

• APIS Industries T/A WA Pure Honey
• C4D Intel Pty Ltd
• Dandaragan Camel Dairies Pty Ltd
• Farmfolk/Agtalent
• Intuit Earth Pty Ltd
• Latitude 28 Produce
• Mirreco Holdings Pty Ltd
• Mote Net
• Oceanwise Australia Pty Ltd
• Stratus Imaging Pty Ltd

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ABOUT HARVEST 2.0

The HARVEST2.0 Accelerator programs target late-stage start-ups and SMEs looking to scale their business, attract investment, develop new networks and partnerships or explore new export markets. Participants will be mentored by expert growth facilitators who have high level expertise in corporate innovation, entrepreneurial thinking, agriculture and research connections. The program consists of two programs: the HARVEST Agtech Accelerator Program and the HARVEST Residential Intensive Program at Muresk Institute.

For more information about AgriStart and the HARVEST Program, visit https://www.agristart.com.au/harvest-accelerator-program/

LIBERATING INVESTORS TO FLY HIGH

Trio partner to raise local investment in new economy technologies

Local angel investor group, Perth Angels fly high with new partners, Liberty, a top provider of contemporary workspace solutions, and innovation experts, Atomic Sky.

Level 21 of Allendale Square. Peter Rossdeutscher - Atomic Sky, Jamie Vine - Liberty, Greg Riebe - Perth Angels

The three organisations will raise the bar on angel investment in Western Australia to collectively build on investor knowledge, skills and best practice for investing in new economy technologies housing Perth Angels dynamic Investing Series.

The first joint event, ‘Investing in MedTech’, is to take place at Liberty’s purpose-built state-of-the-art training, seminar and event space on August 15 in a half-day masterclass in understanding how to invest in this new economy technology, co-presented by Accelerating Australia. Bringing together industry leaders, practitioners and delegates sharing insights for engaging ventures adopting these new technologies in three sessions.

Some of Perth’s finest form the event’s stellar line-up of professionals, working across the Medical Technologies “MedTech” and Life Sciences, to discuss The Tech, The Transformation Opportunity and The Investment Opportunity, such as: Richard Hopkins (Managing Director and CEO of Zelda Therapeutics), Paul Andersen, (Founder, Managing Director and CEO of OrthoCell Ltd), Kevin Pfleger (Perkins Institute), Maud Eijkenboom at Accelerating Australia, and Nobel Prize Laureate Professor Barry Marshall.

As the pace of change accelerates globally in societies, economies and industries, advances in medical technologies are being demanded to respond to these changes, which is creating new opportunities for investors to invest. Perth Angels’ co-founder and current Chair of Industry Development, Greg Riebe, says that the new partnership will see angel investing stay relevant with active and aspiring investors receiving key insights needed to continue actively investing in Perth-based businesses.

Mr Riebe said, “The new economy technologies stream is specifically designed to share and develop the skills and practices of angel investing in early-stage high-growth ventures in a variety of areas. Partnering with Liberty and Atomic Sky means a home for the investors with an eye to take advantage of emerging technologies so that we can deliver our program in a professional, innovative and community-led environment where entrepreneurs can accelerate their potential”.

Atomic Sky is the Community and Content Partner for Liberty, an Australian owned business with a unique value proposition of ‘space and service’.

Jamie Vine, Liberty CEO, said, “Beyond our world class workspace and exceptional customer service we want to add value by supporting business growth. Liberty is thrilled to be a part of this exciting partnership. One that will provide incubation, innovation and, now with Perth Angels investment support. ‘Investing in MedTech’ is only the first of many exciting events we'll co-host with Perth Angels and Atomic Sky.

REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT at https://perthangels.wildapricot.org/

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About Perth Angels:

Perth Angels formed in 2010 to bring together likeminded business people to expand their peer groups, networks and to encourage investment into the early stage entrepreneurial ecosystem. The Perth Angels is a destination that supports ethical and efficient investment in emerging local business ventures. Perth Angels is a ‘for-purpose’ association and the only group to be affiliated with the national and international angel investor network and is a place where great ideas connect with smart money, connecting founders to funders. Members work together to invest their time, knowledge, networks and investment capital into rigorously assessed an qualified early-stage high-growth ventures. Members also support the broader community and economy by mentoring young entrepreneurs. Angel investing is an alternative investment class and global practice rapidly growing around the world. However, to develop this asset class in Western Australia, Perth Angels runs an annual calendar of events including six pitch nights and educational programs seeking to provide information and skills for best practice to select, value, structure and manage early-stage ventures for investment and exit.

About Liberty:

Liberty is an Australian owned business, founded in 2010 with a mission of putting world-class service back into serviced offices and co-working spaces; it now has five spaces in four locations across the Perth metropolitan specifically along St Georges Terrace and Burswood. Liberty’s Training & Conference Centre covers 1200sqm with nine purpose-built rooms easily reconfigured and can accommodate up to 200 people at one time. Liberty offers a unique service model and ranges in its private and virtual offices, meeting rooms, and co-working facilities. Liberty is unparalleled in its corporate solutions, and concierge and landlord solutions. Housed within prestigious buildings along the Terrace, Liberty prides itself in its accessibility and convenience, servicing 150+ clients from a handful of industries such as engineering and professional services and finance. Liberty’s Founder and CEO, Jamie Vine, spent 15 years in senior positions in the serviced office industry across Europe, where he was instrumental in achieving some of the phenomenal growth experienced within the sector. It is with this experience that has defined Liberty's client-centric proposition and after launching the business into Australasia, Liberty continues to focus its number one priority on delivering exceptional customer service.

About Atomic Sky:

With a team of highly successful Advisors, Atomic Sky draws on a wealth of experience and expertise based on real-world experience and best practice to advise clients in a number of areas. Atomic Sky’s mandate is all about helping people take good ideas and turn them into great businesses. Atomic’s team of Advisors understand business and know how to innovate with traction and impact in larger organisations having held senior corporate, government and advanced consultancy or advisory roles both locally and internationally. Atomic Sky uses its wealth and combines it with passionate people who enjoy what they want to do. It is good people, good ideas and good practice blended together to help new businesses starting out how to scale projects quickly, get a grasp on first-hand steps and identify pot-holes in order to be faultlessly executed.

Agristart Harvest 2.0 Accelerator Programs

Do you work in Agtech or looking to apply your innovations to the agriculture and food industry?

The HARVEST 2.0 Agtech Accelerator programs are an incredible opportunity for late-stage start-ups and small to medium sized enterprises looking to scale their business, attract investment, develop new networks and partnerships, and explore new markets.

Featuring a line-up of inspiring expert mentors and growth facilitators, highly interactive workshops and informative panel sessions and field trips, the 12-week program will also cover:

HARVEST ACCELERATOR MENTORS & ALUMNI

• Positioning for growth, including strategic expansion planning

• Adoption strategies for applying new technology in agriculture

• Export market pathways

• Industry connections, including AgriSector corporate mentoring and Meet the Farmers

• Increasing income, including investment readiness, marketing and positioning

• Pitch coaching and media training

• Opportunities to pitch to investors and showcase your technology to the industry

• And much more!

Due to intense interest in the program, AgriStart will also be running a residential intensive version of the program for regional businesses at Muresk Institute. The HARVEST Agri-Innovation Accelerator is a week-long program covering similar topics.

Applications for both Programs now.

For more information and to apply visit HARVEST 2.0

Download the BROCHURE

ANGEL INVESTING SERIES

New Economy Technologies: Blockchain and Cryptocurrency

This Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Masterclass will explore:

The Tech with examples of successful ventures.

The Transformation Opportunity and impact on industry.

The Investment Opportunity and how to engage.

It will be followed by a panel of experts to answer your questions regarding the adoption of these technologies and key investment considerations.

• When: 28 March 2018 - 12:30 PM to 6:00 PM
• Location:  State Library of Western Australia, 25 Francis Street, Perth Cultural Centre, WA 6000

FOR MORE INFO & TO REGISTER

RESHAPING ENERGY NETWORKS TO INTEGRATE EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES

How would you reshape existing energy networks to integrate new and emerging technologies for regional areas to maximise renewable power sources? 

The future of energy networks will be driven by customer choice, with renewables having a large part to play in the energy mix.  Increasingly energy networks will act as platforms for retail and residential customers to choose how they want their electricity supplied and delivered.

Operators will continue to foster and enable the connection of renewables – a generation source that continues to grow.  Micro grids will enhance power supply on the edge of the grid, while Stand-alone Power Systems will bring new opportunities for isolated customers.

As part of its plan for the future, Western Power with the aid of the City of Albany and Atomic Sky rallied some of the brightest local minds to imagine a blueprint of a future smart city. Speakers included Western Power Senior Executives Fiona Bishop and Matt Cheney, Albany Mayor Dennis Wellington, Sunrise Energy Director Neil Canby and leading innovator Dr Natasha Ayers.

Outcomes from the workshop feed into Western Australia’s first Energy Self-Sufficiency Hackathon in Perth (22-23 March 2018). 

Info on the hackathon is at www.atomicsky.com.au/events