Eight change-making Australian startups are among 45 global food system innovators shortlisted for prestigious food and agri discovery program: FoodBytes! Pitch 2021.
Recognised for outstanding innovation in the fields of sustainable supply chains, improved resource management and the next frontier of nutrition, the Australian cohort represent 18% of this year’s FoodBytes! Pitch top 45, and includes five female founded businesses.
The top 45 startups globally will now vie for selection in FoodBytes! Pitch 2021’s top 15, and the opportunity to participate in FoodBytes!’ livestreamed public pitch competition, which will decide the ultimate winner in each of three sectors: FoodTech, AgTech and CPG.
FoodBytes! shortlisted Australian innovators
- Fable: Plant-based meat alternative.
- Ulu Hye: Plant-based milks.
- Your Food Collective: Locally grown, ethically sourced groceries.
- Great Wrap: Plant-based, compostable stretch wraps.
- AgriDigital: Digitised platform streamlining the grain supply chain.
- AgUnity: Technologists integrating remote farming communities with global supply chains.
- ThinkBio: Biological products enabling growers to minimise synthetic fertilisers, and optimise yields.
- TranspiratiONal-SBM: Biodegradable polymer membrane maximising yields and minimising negative environmental impacts.
Australian startup, Perth-based Swan Systems, took out last year’s global Agtech Award, in FoodBytes! Pitch 2020, for its precision irrigation and fertiliser platform, that helps growers schedule, monitor and optimise management of water, nutrients and crop health.
Comments from FoodBytes! stakeholders
Chamidu Karunathilake, Head of Innovation, Rabobank, says it’s significant that 31 of this year’s 45 shortlisted companies address areas of food and agriculture impacted by COVID-19.
“Australian entrepreneurs have shown tremendous resilience and have continued to innovate during the global pandemic. To have eight Australian companies featured in the global top 45 is a testament to the entrepreneurship in this country,” said Karunathilake.
FoodBytes! is committed to leading innovation in food and agriculture, and to future-proofing our member businesses in competitive and challenging market conditions.
“We’e strengthened our process for vetting and selecting participants in the FoodBytes! program, focusing on those with validated business models, a track record of commercial viability, collaborative mindsets, and a robust and diverse team to drive meaningful change.”
FoodBytes! attracting corporate interest
Corporate members play a pivotal role in the FoodBytes! by Rabobank platform – assisting with scouting criteria, scoring applicants, providing mentorship, and fostering connections.
With interest from participants to implement solutions within their industries to drive change, FoodBytes! has seen a 120% increase in corporate membership globally since 2020.
Additionally, ever since 2017, participating corporate members have further still directly invested nearly $216 million in the FoodBytes! program’s alumni.
Membership enrolment for 2022 is already underway.
If you’re a corporate or an investor interested in learning how innovation can boost your bottom line, please email FoodBytes@rabobank.com today to start a conversation.
