CSIRO’s RISE Accelerator Seeks Agritech Startups for Global Expansion

Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, is calling on agritech startups and small- to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with groundbreaking solutions to join the India Australia Rapid Innovation Startup Expansion (RISE) Accelerator. This program is designed to help businesses scale their innovations and expand into new markets between Australia and India.

Starting in October, the RISE Accelerator's Climate Smart Agritech cohort will focus on technologies that boost agricultural productivity and resilience amidst increasing climate variability, resource limitations, and food insecurity. The program is particularly interested in solutions that address the specific needs of farmers, enhance on-farm practices, and are adaptable across different agricultural contexts.

Launched in 2023, the RISE Accelerator program assists startups and SMEs in validating, adapting, and piloting their technologies in new markets. It also facilitates connections with potential partners and customers to enhance their success rate in these markets. Participants are selected based on the scalability, deployability, and innovation of their agritech solutions for the targeted country.

Tamara Ogilvie, Director of the RISE Accelerator program at CSIRO, highlighted the unique opportunities the program offers. “Our agricultural landscapes share similarities, but the scale and challenges faced by farmers are distinct,” she said. “This program provides participants with the chance to quickly integrate into foreign innovation ecosystems, helping them tailor their technologies to new markets.”

Over nine months, participants will engage in a combination of self-paced online learning and in-person sessions, including in-country travel to gain a deeper understanding of the market. They will also receive personalized coaching and mentorship from industry experts throughout the program.

Naomi Vowels, co-founder of givvable and a participant in the current circular economy cohort, emphasized the importance of the program’s Immersion Weeks—intensive learning sessions that include site visits and networking opportunities in both Australia and India. “Traveling to India has underscored the immense value of face-to-face interactions.

As an Australian business, it’s a fantastic way for us to understand the market and connect with potential customers,” she said.

Established as part of the Australian Government’s India Economic Strategy 2022, the RISE Accelerator addresses global challenges, focusing on climate and environmental issues. The latest round of the program seeks innovative solutions to critical agricultural challenges, such as improving productivity, reducing emissions, and optimizing natural resource use.

Dr. Rose Roche, CSIRO’s Ag2050 Program Lead, emphasized the importance of continuous innovation for the future of farming. “To ensure profitable, productive, and sustainable farming systems, we must develop and scale innovative solutions that are suited to our changing climate and growing global population,” Dr. Roche said. “Supporting startups and SMEs in accelerating their solutions can play a crucial role, as their agility and creativity often lead to groundbreaking advancements.”

Applications for the RISE Accelerator program close on Sunday, September 15, 2024. The program is free for startups, with several opportunities to travel between Australia and India. Participants may also qualify for up to A$75,000 in non-equity grants.