Western Australian ag-tech and agrifood-tech trailblazers are being showcased at the annual West Tech Fest in Perth this week, attracting global innovator and investor interest.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s (DPIRD’s) Agrifood-tech Alley, at the festival’s Innovation Showcase, will highlight three of its initiatives, alongside offerings from 10 local organisations.
Agricultural technology, known as ag-tech and agri-food tech, is integral to successful, modern primary industries businesses, enabling producers to increase time and cost efficiencies.
DPIRD investment services manager Tamatha Newsome said the department’s display highlighted how DPIRD was supporting WA’s primary industries to integrate ag-tech and agrifood-tech advances into their enterprises.
“The display features information on DPIRD’s Extrata data sharing platform, which provides security when storing and sharing sensitive commercial and research data,” she said.
“Visitors can also learn about how the department’s Shoestring Digital program is assisting local businesses to implement low cost, low risk digital solutions to address business constraints and create opportunities.
“Our experts will be on hand to discuss how our Regional Digital Solutions team is working to help to bridge the ‘digital divide’ by strengthening mobile connectivity and broadband internet services throughout our vast State.”
Representatives from the United States, United Kingdom, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, India, Indonesia, Pakistan and Thailand are expected to attend the event, which includes several events across Perth, Fremantle and Rottnest Island.
Ms Newsome said DPIRD’s Agrifood-tech Alley was an opportunity for festival delegates to explore opportunities with WA’s leading ag-tech and agrifood-tech businesses.
“The display has a range of exhibitors, including Impetus Animal Welfare, a not for profit which has developed livestock supply chain monitoring solutions to identify risks and drive change and improvements,” she said.
“LatConnect 60 is a space-based data insights company using satellite and data to inform advances in agriculture, sustainability, climate monitoring and defence.
“Curtin University’s eDNA Frontiers is using cutting edge DNA technologies to catalogue and protect ecosystems, while Y-Trace is empowering Australian honey producers with advanced testing, traceability and authenticity solutions.”
There are also several exhibitors that have developed sustainable solutions to complex challenges.
“Cass Materials produces natural, biodegradable biobased materials alternatives in the global absorbency, food and medical biotech industries, while Green Ag Technologies has developed systems and technologies to turn organic and inorganic by-products into plant nutrition and soil health builders,” Ms Newsome said.
“Fremantle Seaweed is a pioneering startup that cultivates Aragopsis – a red seaweed proven to reduce methane emissions – to support climate mitigation.
“RP Tech’s SnailCam uses data to develop snail heat maps to aid farmers’ integrated pest management and improve crop potential and Cadmech Design Group specialises in concept design, product development, reverse engineering and 3D modelling engineering solutions across a range of sectors.
“The Grower Group Alliance will also be represented, highlighting its role in facilitating producer-led agricultural innovation, adoption and collaboration.”
DPIRD’s Agrifood-tech Alley will be on display Tuesday, 9 December at West Tech Fest’s City of Perth Innovation Showcase at Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre from 10.30am-4.00pm.
The Innovation Showcase is free to the public. Register for tickets here.
West Tech Fest runs from 8 – 12 December. For more information visit the West Tech Fest website.
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