New exchange program offers Aussie agtech start-ups collaboration with India

The NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) has this week announced a new program to help drive partnerships between NSW and Indian agtech companies.

The 2019 NSW India Ag-Tech Exchange program will be run by GATE (Global Ag-Tech Ecosystem), DPI’s collaborative research and technology facility that aims to fast-track the adoption of agricultural R&D. It will connect five NSW start-ups with India’s rapidly-growing ag-tech hubs to improve the productivity and profitability of NSW agribusiness.

“Based on mutual interests and emerging opportunities, we will work with NSW-based start-ups and growth stage businesses to help them develop on a global scale,” says DPI Director Business Development & Innovation Bruce Finney. “This is a unique opportunity for these companies to gain access to industry opportunities, meet strategic partners and connect with new clients and investors.”

Applicants should be early stage, scalable ag-tech startups seeking strategic partners to help produce their prototype or product line.

The five start-ups chosen will travel to India later this year for two weeks and visit four Indian cities and over 20 companies. They will network with venture capital, India agricultural start-ups and leading agribusinesses. Successful start-ups will also receive mentoring sessions and workshops from leaders in innovation and market experts. This will expose the Australian start-ups to the challenges faced by Indian farmers and help them develop potential solutions.

“Additionally, the existing GATE program offers in-country support tailored for inbound delegations, so potential investors and entrepreneurs from India gain exposure through this DPI Gate program,” says Mr Finney.

“India companies will get access to clients through a series of incubator workshops being run across the state, as well as gaining entrepreneurial inspiration and business model ideas.”

Expression of interest applications are now open and will close on the 31st of May – successful applicants will be notified on the 14th of July.

To submit an application, or for more information on the Ag-Tech Exchange program, you can visit the GATE website by clicking here.