Growlab Grains Challenge
The Challenge
From task automation and sensors to renewable technologies and genetic tools, we’re looking for deep technologies that will help growers to achieve one of the following:
Develop new, novel, high-value products and by-products for health and nutrition, animal feed, and industrial uses or biofuels.
Generate improved data for decision-making and decision support models
New engineering solutions that improve the operational efficiency of on-farm tasks
Enhanced grain classification processes; or optimal management of biosecurity issues or solutions that maintain or increase profitability.
Optimise input costs
Reduce post-farm-gate costs
Manage risk to maximise profit and minimise losses.
The opportunity
The Fast Start Accelerator is designed to help you reach your next milestone. Support will look different for each company but you can expect to receive guidance and support on topics including:
Refining your value proposition
Navigating the agtech & grains industry
Your business model and pricing
Identifying the right customers & partners
Getting investment ready
Building your team
The Fast Start Accelerator is free for startups thanks to support by the GRDC.
How to apply
Step 1.
Apply here to be considered for the challenge. Applications close 17th December.
Step 2.
Your application will be reviewed by the GRDC and Cicada.
Step 3.
If accepted into Fast Start, you will enter the program in early 2022.
Step 4.
Apply here to be considered for the challenge. Applications close 17th December.
Step 5.
Apply here to be considered for the challenge. Applications close 17th December.
Step 6.
Apply here to be considered for the challenge. Applications close 17th December.
What we are looking for
We’re looking for innovators across the innovation ecosystem working on solutions for the grains industry.
You could be working in agtech as a:
⁃ Growers
⁃ Entrepreneurs
⁃ Researchers
You could be working in another adjacent industry with a solution that might applicable to the grain industry, including:
⁃ Mining
⁃ Biotech (Nanotech, synthetic biology, anti-microbial resistance)
⁃ Data science
⁃ Circular economy & sustainability
About the Fast Start experience
Fast Start is specifically designed to address the needs of each team. It can be in-person or virtual, but either way you can expect:
Regular 1-on-1 sessions with your coach.
A dedicated workspace for 6 months at Cicada Innovations
Access to state-of-the-art rapid prototyping facilities and shared labs
A network of mentors, comprising leading industry experts, investors and successful entrepreneurs
To be part of Cicada’s deep tech community
Curated events, resources, and introductions to Cicada’s network
What we expect from you
Fast Start is not easy. To get the most out of it, you need to dedicate time and energy to working on your venture to achieve the goals you have set for yourself. We expect you to:
Set ambitious goals to work on
Commit to specific times to meet with your coach and work on your goals
Come prepared every session to get the most out of it
Be open, honest about your progress
Have a learner mindset
Ready to get started?
What Fast Start is not
Fast Start is not for everyone.
Fast Start is not a group accelerator. You will not be expected to attend classroom-based workshops that are not relevant to you.
Fast Start does not include any seed funding.
Fast Start is not just 6 months of free office space.
Fast Start does not end with a Demo Day. However, there will be opportunities to present to the GRDC and Cicada’s network of growers, investors, corporates, and government.
About the GRDC
The GRDC’s purpose is to invest in research, development and extension (RD&E) to create enduring profitability for Australian grain growers.
They invest in RD&E projects to deliver new and improved varieties, farming practices, technologies and capability to the Australian grains industry. These investments drive the discovery, development and delivery of world-class innovation.