Participants in AgriStart’s 2022 HARVEST Agtech Accelerator program are on the road today, visiting innovative farms on the way to the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub located at the Merredin Dryland Research Institute.
Organised to help the eight participating businesses increase their knowledge and build capacity across the sector, the Western Australian Government has supported the trip through the New Industries Fund.
Run by WA-based company AgriStart, HARVEST is the State’s leading business development program for businesses looking to innovate in the agtech sector.
The Grains Research and Development Corporation and Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development are also major partners in the program.
AgriStart has been delivering its HARVEST Agtech Accelerator program since 2018 and has supported more than 60 businesses.
The program is designed to help innovative companies in the agtech sector develop the skills and networks needed to grow, raise capital and export.
Through its participation in the program, Technol, which has developed fire suppressant technology for harvesters, has connected to major distributor Harvestaire and secured several farmer trials for this season’s harvest.
Eight businesses from both regional and metropolitan locations are participating in the 2022 HARVEST Agtech Accelerator program, which includes receiving tailored mentoring and participating in fortnightly masterclasses and tech demonstrations.
The program culminates in July 2022 with a showcase and pitch event.
As stated by Innovation and ICT Minister Stephen Dawson:
“The McGowan Government is committed to helping regional innovators and businesses across a wide range of sectors reach their full potential.
“It’s important that we continue to support our agricultural innovators, who are developing the cutting-edge projects that are key to diversifying our economy.
“Programs such as HARVEST AgTech Accelerator are helping to grow the businesses that will future-proof Western Australia’s agricultural sector.”
As stated by Acting Agriculture and Food Minister Don Punch:
“We know the agriculture sector has experienced significant disruptions over the past two years.
“Supporting programs like AgriStart’s HARVEST Agtech Accelerator is just one example of how we are helping to make sure Western Australia has a thriving agricultural sector long into the future.
“Agristart’s HARVEST program empowers Western Australia’s agricultural innovators to turn good ideas into commercial success.”
Innovation and ICT Minister’s office – 6552 5800
