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Technology in agriculture, or AgTech, has always played a key role in overcoming the harsh geographical and climatic challenges faced by Australian farming.
The next step in AgTech is eagerly awaited by farmers actively seeking practical, profitable and sustainable outcomes from data and technology to cater for an increasingly diverse consumer base.
Sparklabs Cultiv8, is an Ag and Food Technology Accelerator that will offer companies a one stop hub for prototyping and scaling their research and business models.
Based outside of Sydney at the Orange Agricultural Institute in the Global AgTech Ecosystem or GATE Innovation Hub, the Cultiv8 program will launch in Q2 2018 and will facilitate access to industry leading mentors, funding opportunities, technology, office and research space.
MinterEllison is one of the partners involved in the 8 month mentorship-driven program. Other industry leading mentors include the NSW Department of Primary Industries and KPMG.
“We are proud to be involved in such an innovative project, which has the potential to shape the future of Australian agribusiness and global agribusiness more broadly”
“It’s a unique opportunity for us to witness innovation up close, and play a key role in the next step in technology driven value for the sector.”
MinterEllison is proud to help drive this innovative spirit of the Cultiv8 program by assisting selected start-ups in the sector with pro-bono services.
“Nowhere in the world can an Ag and Food tech start-up get access to so much in one hub, which offers a tremendous opportunity to create new platforms and systems," said Frank Meehan of Sparklabs Group.
“Local and international appetite for Australian food and beverages is strong, but Australian agribusinesses must make the most of innovation to maintain their competitiveness. This makes the rollout of the next round of AgTech extremely important,” said MinterEllison Partner Con Boulougouris.
“MinterEllison has a long history of acting on significant investments and M&A transactions in the agribusiness sector in Australia. We are delighted to be able to share our industry knowledge and know how through the Cultiv8 program to assist a new generation of ‘agripreneurs’ to develop the technological advances which will maintain Australia’s global leadership in agriculture.”
SparkLabs Group is Asia's largest Accelerator Group. For further information please visit the sparklabsgroup.com.
Con Boulougouris specialises in public and private M&A transactions and strategic joint ventures, representing primarily corporate clients. Con is highly regarded for his accurate advice, impressive turnaround and accessibility to clients.
A partner in the firm’s finance group, Matt specialises in corporate finance, real estate, property and construction finance, agribusiness finance and acquisition finance.
© 2017 MinterEllison
