INDUSTRY NEWS
better together Perth-based Swan Systems takes out the Agtech award at the FoodBytes! Virtual Pitch 2020, a mentoring and showcase program run by Rabobank
Above: Swan Systems founders (L to R) Rod Campbell, Tim Hyde and Ivor Gaylard
T
he Australian developers of a precision irrigation and fertiliser platform have won a $10,000 prize after a two-week global mentoring program for startups. Swan Systems was among 45 companies from 14 countries and from a field of 340 applicants to be invited to take part in the FoodBytes! Virtual Pitch 2020 program. From that field, Swan won one of three $10,000 prizes, the only one dedicated to AgTech, for its platform that helps growers precisely schedule, monitor and report on water and nutrient consumption to improve economic and environmental outcomes. FoodBytes! judges say the technology transforms historic, current and predictive data from multiple sources into actionable insights – adding that they recognised its potential for a significant impact on the key issue of water management.
Swan executive chairman Rod Campbell says the prize is much more than an award to the company. “Rabobank’s validation is a powerful force for engaging new customers and scaling our impact on sustainable agriculture,” he says. “Our team has been amazed at the quality and breadth of connections we’ve made through FoodBytes! as we look to raise capital, and ultimately expand into North America.” The award also comes after Swan signed a collaboration agreement with Telstra Services in 2020 to work together on the development of a farm management platform, with Swan’s software to provide precision irrigation management suggestions. FoodBytes! Pitch 2020 members are influential global food and ag companies, investors and service providers, including presenting partner ADM; corporate leaders Albaugh, Barilla’s Blu1877, Beta San Miguel, Dole, Fonterra, PepsiCo and Tate & Lyle; investors BFG Partners, Continental Grain Company, Germin8 Ventures and Rabobank Food and Agri Innovation Fund; and service providers DLL Group, Holland & Hart, Morrison & Foerster, Propeller Industries and TIG Brands.
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10/12/2020 12:43:34 PM
