Challenge aims to ‘supercharge’ innovation in agri-renewables

Food Agility, Charles Sturt University and RACEfor 2030 CRC are launching the Australian Agri-Renewables Innovation Challenge, offering significant investment and support to fast-track new technologies and services.

Applications are now open around the themes of energy, chemicals and fertilisers, and agricultural waste
and residues.

Charles Sturt University will provide one third co-investment for successful applicants or ‘challengers’ from a $2 million investment pool.

Charles Sturt AgriPark Executive Director Nick Pagett said the challenge is designed to help overcome some of the barriers to development and innovation.

“Along with access to funding, ‘challengers’, will be able to demonstrate, validate, and fine tune their innovation and business model at the Renewables in Agriculture Centre of Excellence and Global Digital Farm,” Mr Pagett said. “The collaborative and integrated commercial farm setting means there’s access to feedstock, subject matter experts, lab facilities and support to supercharge development of agri-renewable solutions.”

Director of the Renewables in Agriculture Centre of Excellence, Steve Summerhayes said the focus of the Challenge is supporting technology and service development to give farmers access to innovative ways to reduce energy costs and emissions.

“We want to unlock the significant and unrealised potential of renewables in agriculture to power regional economies and support food security, productivity, resilience and sustainability,” Mr Summerhayes explained. “We’re calling on innovators to enter the challenge so we can showcase, test and scale-up their
agri-renewable solutions.”

RACE for 2030 CRC CEO Dr Bill Lilley, said the Australian Agri-Renewables Innovation Challenge is a powerful catalyst for transforming regional economies anchored around the agricultural sector.

“RACE for 2030 supports innovative industry partners to bring solutions that reduce emissions and energy costs for regional communities,” Dr Lilley said. “We are interested in holistic solutions including various forms of storage, energy production, and flexible operations which enable farmers to reap the economic benefits of our changing energy systems.”

Technology and service providers can find out more about the Agri-Renewables Innovation Challenge at an information session on Tuesday 3 September. Submissions are open until the 11 October, with entries reviewed by a panel of expert judges.

Successful ‘challengers’ will be announced at the Digital Agrifood Summit in October.

For media requests, please contact: 

• Ha Bui: ha-thi.bui@racefor2030.com.au or 0401 084 636