AgriFutures Australia evokeAG. event in Perth kicked off the way all good events should: with breakfast.
But this breakfast was different — it was MC’d by Tenacious Ventures founder, Sarah Nolet — (also a globally recognised food systems innovation expert) — who helped AgriFutures Australia’s Global Innovation Networks General Manager, Harriet Mellish, announce the new AgriFutures Australia and growAG. Catalyst program.
This Catalyst program is aimed at female researchers to Series A founders, with agtech innovations spanning climate tech to supply chain and logistics — and more.
“Selected through a competitive application process, six female innovators from across the agtech ecosystem will have the exciting opportunity to pitch their commercial opportunity to a room of hand-picked leading agtech investors and professionals,” Ms Mellish said.
Applications for the program are now open, and close Wednesday, March 20. The six successful chosen innovators will be provided with one-on-one coaching to help them prepare their pitches for the final event, to be held in Sydney, June 13.
“By participating in Catalyst, innovators will gain valuable connections, knowledge, and funding or partnership opportunities. They also have the chance to showcase their innovations, engage with industry stakeholders, and contribute to the growth and development of Australian agriculture,” Ms Mellish said.
“As we heard from AgriWebb founder and panellist at evokeAG Justin Webb, 75% of agtech funding in Australia comes from white males and 80% of that funding goes to white males. For us to advance agtech, our funding landscape needs to match our buying landscape, which is 50% female.
“Our hope is that through the Catalyst program, we can help contribute to the number of female founders making gains in the agtech and innovation space, and help foster greater diversity.”
Successful startups will be advised that they have been selected Thursday, April 11. The terms and conditions of the program can be found here.
