Global Ag-Tech Ecosystem seeks applications

20 Nov 2017

Entrepreneurs from Australia and across the world have been invited to join a global research and agricultural technology centre based in the NSW Central West.

NSW Department of Primary Industries Director General Scott Hansen said the Global Ag-Tech Ecosystem (GATE) Innovation Centre is set to open in Orange in early 2018.

“The GATE will fast-track research and development, to help get new ideas, technologies and services into the hands of agricultural producers and industry,” Mr Hansen said.

“The NSW DPI is Australia’s leading primary industries research and development organisation, with more than 600 scientific staff and 500 active research projects.

“This is an exciting opportunity for entrepreneurs to benefit from that organisational experience and expertise, and for the department to facilitate the development of new ideas that will benefit producers”.

NSW DPI has partnered with SparkLabs Cultiv8, a world leader in developing and accelerating cutting-edge start-ups, to launch the centre which will complement related agricultural research organisations and regional universities.

“The GATE will be a one-stop-shop for entrepreneurs, with strong links to international markets and other government agricultural agencies,” Mr Hansen said.

The centre will offer incubation services for individuals or start-ups with research and development output which has commercial potential. Accelerator services to hasten prototyping, scaling and growth are also offered via Sparklabs Cultiv8 with connections to global mentors, expertise and venture capital.

Applications close 20 December 2017 with successful applicants entering the GATE from March 2018.

For more information and to apply visit www.thegate.org.au or contact thegate@dpi.nsw.gov.au

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