In a significant move to bolster Victoria’s agricultural sector, the Allan Labor Government has launched a new initiative to harness the power of technology and innovation. The CivVic Labs challenge, now in its latest iteration, is focusing on circular agriculture, aiming to maximize efficiency, minimize waste, and unlock new revenue streams for farmers.
Delivered by LaunchVic, Victoria’s startup agency, and funded by Agriculture Victoria, the challenge brings together ten of the state’s brightest technology start-ups for an intensive six-week bootcamp. Each participating startup will receive $15,000 in equity-free funding, along with specialist advice and support to refine their ideas. The challenge culminates in a showcase event where two standout teams will be awarded an additional $35,000 to bring their prototypes to life.
The announcement of the circular agriculture theme follows the previous challenge, which focused on farm safety. Agriculture has long been plagued by a disproportionate share of workplace fatalities, and the previous challenge saw innovative solutions emerge to address this critical issue. Among the participants were Sam Pritchard, Co-Founder of People in Paddocks, and Laurence Khoo, Founder of AgriAssure. Pritchard’s real-time workforce management tool aims to make farms safer and more productive, while Khoo’s platform empowers agribusinesses to identify risks and reduce potential insurance costs.
The new circular agriculture theme is a strategic move by the Labor Government, which has identified agribusiness as a key priority in its Economic Growth Statement. The government’s continued emphasis on AgTech capability is crucial in delivering on Victoria’s ambitious export target of $20 billion by 2030. By supporting innovation in the agriculture sector, the government is fostering practical, technology-driven solutions to address some of the critical issues facing farmers.
LaunchVic CEO Dr. Kate Cornick highlighted the success of the CivVic Labs program, noting that since its inception in 2017, alumni have collectively secured over $20 million in investment capital. The program serves as a sandbox for aspiring or early-stage founders to build and test new ideas, providing a platform for innovation and growth.
Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence expressed pride in supporting innovation in the agriculture sector, emphasizing the importance of embracing fresh perspectives and technological solutions. “Embracing fresh perspectives and technological solutions is key to overcoming the complex issues facing our agriculture sector while improving productivity,” Spence stated. The new challenge theme is a testament to the government’s commitment to fostering a sustainable and productive agricultural sector in Victoria.
