Agrifoodtech accelerator GrowLab unveils 6 startups in latest batch

GrowLab, the agrifoodtech startup accelerator of Australia-based deep-tech incubator Cicada Innovations, announced the six startups that graduated from the program’s third run.

Sally-Ann Williams, CEO of Cicada Innovations / Photo credit: Cicada Innovations

“Not only are they addressing problems such as diminishing resources and a rapidly rising global population in completely unique ways, but they are creating whole new possibilities for global well-being and quality of life through vastly improved nutrition and access,” Sally-Ann Williams, CEO of Cicada Innovations, said.

The six-month program included a A$30,000 (US$19,700) cash investment for the graduates, according to a statement. Startups also gained access to facilities and network of innovators, mentors, and investors. They also earned a chance to become Cicada’s long-term residents in the incubator to bring their innovations to market.

Here are the startups that were part of GrowLab’s third cohort:

• Agriphage is on a mission to combat superbugs and antibiotic resistance by developing novel therapeutics that can be used in place of antibiotics in agriculture.
• Lleaf has created an innovative luminescent technology for greenhouses that harnesses the power of sunlight to improve crop yield by up to 40%, with virtually zero operational cost.
• By integrating food production networks into cities, Blakthumb is combating the inefficiencies of a global food system built around growing food far away from populous areas.
• Furrow is building the future of irrigated cropping where connected infrastructure and automation is easily accessible, robust, and seamless in operation.
• Hillridge Technology provides insurance companies with technology that helps protect farmers against the financial impact of extreme weather on their crops and livestock.
• Has Algae is making ordinary foods into superfoods by using the nutritional power of micro-algae so that more people can get the necessary protein, vitamins, minerals and omega-3 fatty acids in their diets.

GrowLab has so far supported 11 companies with over A$21.3 million (US$14 million) in total capital raised across its two cohorts, the statement said.

Cicada, established in 2000, supports emerging deep-tech companies by providing investment, commercialization and acceleration programs, research partnerships, networks of domain experts, and specialist deep-tech infrastructure.