Global pathway via India

6 May 2019

NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) has initiated a program to help drive constructive partnerships between NSW and Indian agri-tech businesses.

DPI Director Business Development & Innovation, Bruce Finney, said the program will be run through DPI’s ag innovation centre the GATE, and will focus on building relationships with Indian ag-tech hubs to improve the productivity and profitability of NSW agribusiness.

“Based on mutual interests and emerging opportunities, we will work with NSW-based start-ups and growth stage businesses to help them develop on a global scale,” Mr Finney said.

“The program is funded through the NSW Premier’s $1.58m partnership between NSW and India to enhance the State’s start-up, technology and advanced manufacturing sectors.

“This is a unique opportunity for these companies to gain access to industry opportunities, meet strategic partners and connect with new clients and investors.”

Five NSW start-ups will be chosen to join the 2019 NSW India Ag-tech Exchange program, which will travel to India later this year.

The GATE is targeting companies which have a prototype or product line, who are looking for strategic partners to get their plan into production. The companies must be a start-up or in a growth stage.

Over a two-week period in October, attendees will visit four Indian cities and over 20 companies, connecting with Venture Capital, India agri startups and leading agri businesses.

Mr Finney said this will expose the attendees to the challenges India farmers face and help them to potentially deliver solutions.

“Additionally, the existing GATE program offers in-country support tailored for inbound delegations, so potential investors and entrepreneurs from India gain exposure through this DPI GATE program,” he said.

“India companies will get access to clients through a series of incubator workshops being run across the state, as well as gaining entrepreneurial inspiration and business model ideas.

The Lean Science Bootcamp workshops are being run by the GATE in May, June and October with a 3 month incubation program in June.

The program launches this week, with applications closing on 31 May. Successful applicants will be notified on 14 July.

To submit an application, or for more information, visit www.thegate.org.au/programs/india-ag-tech-exchange or contact 0447 110 058.

Media contact: (02) 6391 3686