Five start-ups shortlisted for FoodBytes! discovery program
Five Australian start-ups have been shortlisted from a record number of international applicants to take part in Rabobank’s global food and agri start-up ‘discovery program’ FoodBytes! Virtual Pitch 2020.
The companies are among 45 food and agri start-ups, shortlisted from 340 applicants across 15 countries, to enter into the program.
The virtual pitch facilitates mentoring and showcases food and agri start-up companies to corporate leaders, investors and the wider market.
The shortlisted candidates from NSW are a food tech business that makes home-compostable alternative to plastic packaging from crustacean shells — Carapac, field robotics company Agerris and cattle and sheep antibiotic and nutrition manufacturer ProAgni.
Rounding out the list are irrigation and fertiliser platform SWAN Systems from WA and I Am Grounded, a snack food business that upcycles coffee fruit from Queensland.
Rabobank Australia spokesperson Nathalie Gibson said the shortlisted Australian start-ups stood out from a strong global field of applicants, based on the “innovative solutions they had developed to contribute to a more sustainable and efficient food supply”.
“The five Australian start-ups shortlisted for this year’s program are a testament to the food and agri talent in this country. These companies are pioneering the future of food and agri and will showcase their ideas and Australia on the global stage,” Gibson said.
“They demonstrate groundbreaking new approaches in agtech, foodtech and consumer food and beverages, in areas including animal health, regenerative agriculture, on-farm robotics, advanced nutrition, sustainable packaged and plant-based and upcycled ingredients.”
The 2020 cohort is the most diverse yet with 51% of the start-ups being BIPOC-led or co-led, and nearly half of the companies (44%) being women-led or co-led.
Of this group, 15 finalists will be chosen to participate in FoodBytes!’ live-streamed pitch competition on 2 December for a chance to win $10 thousand and consultative prizes in each of three categories: CPG, food tech and agtech.
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