As we shoot past the halfway point of 2022 and take time for Matariki reflections, I’m excited for the sector growth opportunities ahead. I’m especially grateful for developing relationships in person. In the next few months we will see agritech visitors coming to New Zealand and agritech innovators heading overseas. This is the time to form and cement new relationships.
Executive Council developments
At our recent Annual General Meeting and subsequent Executive Council meeting we welcomed several new (but well known) faces and paid thanks to others. Congratulations to Bridgit Hawkins from CropX who was elected as AgriTechNZ’s new Chair. New Council members include Sarah Adams from Gallagher Animal Management, Mark Begbie from PlantTech Research and Matt Flowerday from GPS-it/Landkind. Special thanks to the significant work and ongoing support of Kenneth Irons from AgSorted, Peter Nation from the National Fieldays Society and Dan O’Brien from Amazon Web Services.
Agritech sector vital to New Zealand’s economic growth
Earlier this month, the Technology Investment Network’s (TIN) 2022 Agritech Insights Report was launched. This year’s report continues to highlight the growth of the sector, featuring greater levels of collaboration enabling even higher growth rates in the coming years.
Regional Partnerships with Australia
Earlier this month, the Technology Investment Network’s (TIN) 2022 Agritech Insights Report was launched. This year’s report continues to highlight the growth of the sector, featuring greater levels of collaboration enabling even higher growth rates in the coming years.
Join NZ Story’s next webinar on Australian perceptions
Would you like to know more about Australian perceptions of New Zealand in 2022? This research will help businesses and exporters understand how they can tailor their stories for our closest trading partner. Join NZ Story’s David Downs and One Picture’s Alex Jones on 27 July to learn more.
Agritech mission to the UK and Ireland in September
Callaghan Innovation, in partnership with AgriTechNZ, is leading a Market Immersion mission to the United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland for UK Dairy Day and the 2022 Irish National Ploughing Championships, 11 September to 23 September 2022. The mission is for 25 people from mid-to-late stage startups, mature businesses, and researchers. Participants will gain a deep insight into the UK and Ireland’s agri industries, research, innovation systems and channel partners. The mission also offers New Zealand companies and agencies the opportunity to showcase their abilities and technologies in a global setting.
Regional impact for a global crisis
Join the 2035 Oceania Summit in Auckland this October. We’re looking forward to engaging with our Australian peers and visitors at this event. The summit is hosting leaders of science, agritech, agrifood, agribusiness, farming and regulation. . We have secured a discount code for members of AgriTechNZ which will provide a further $100 off the early bird price (valid until 8 August). To claim your code, please contact us here.
To innovate is human!
Our sector partners at Sprout Agritech are growing their team and continuing to share key learnings from working with our sector innovators. We love the work they do emphasising the need to nurture good teams, and focus on the human needs of mental health and wellbeing. Sprout is currently recruiting for new herd members, check out the available roles here.
Creating a smart green future together
Join B.linc Workshop on 16 August at Lincoln University and hear from Plant & Food Research’s Gavin Ross as he shares their vision, strategy, projects and how you can be involved.
Interested in new proposed R&D funding schemes, but missed our webinar?
Recently we hosted a webinar to learn more about the Government’s two new research and development (R&D) grants to boost business innovation. The grants aim to help with the high costs and steep learning curves associated with R&D. They will also provide pathways to the existing R&D Tax Incentive (RDTI).
Growing great agritech businesses
If, in recent months, you’ve enjoyed reading our inspiring agritech stories, I’m pleased to say we have more to share. In our latest Powered by Place storytelling feature we talk to local innovators about their growth journeys. We feature three Kiwi entrepreneurs who have successfully navigated very different growth strategies to thrive on the global stage.
Ngā manaakitanga me kei runga noa atu
Go well and onwards and upwards
Brendan
Chief Executive
on behalf of he Executive Council of AgriTech New Zealand
PS: The Innovotek team has made the tough decision to cancel the DigitalAg 2022 conference which was scheduled for September in Rotorua.