Aussie food and ag start-ups invited to pitch comp

Innovative Australian food and agri start-ups have the opportunity to showcase their businesses on the world stage by applying for a spot in this year’s international FoodBytes! Pitch program.

FoodBytes! is global agribusiness bank Rabobank’s food and agriculture innovation platform designed to drive collaboration between start-ups, corporate leaders, investors and farmers as part of a major international program to help address food system challenges.

Launched in the US in 2015, FoodBytes! attracts entrepreneurs from around the globe to participate in a multi-week program that helps develop and grow their businesses through global industry exposure, tailored mentorship sessions, individualised connections with corporates and investors, pitch refinement, and industry awareness and recognition. The program culminates in selected participants presenting in a global virtual pitch competition.

Last year’s overall winner of the AgTech category, SWAN Systems — an irrigation and fertiliser platform founded by WA farmers in 2016 — took out the award from a field of nearly 340 applications from across 14 countries. SWAN Systems co-founder Rod Campbell said the award was great validation of the work his team had done, and the program’s networking framework will assist with the company’s expansion into the US.

Calling for applicants for this year’s program, Rabobank Australia Head of Innovation, Knowledge & Networks Nathalie Gibson said FoodBytes! was seeking start-ups — ranging from ‘seed’ stage to those commercially engaged in the market.

“[We are looking for businesses] who are working on truly innovative food and agri products or technology with a demonstrated market fit in one of three sectors — agtech, food tech, and consumer food and beverage,” Gibson said.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/Romolo Tavani