Agtech innovation to be driven by new Riverland hub

A new University of Adelaide ThincLab Innovation Hub/Business Incubator is being established at Loxton in the Riverland in a partnership with the State Government to drive AgTech and food innovation and assist regional entrepreneurs.

ThincLab Loxton, based at PIRSA’s Loxton Research Centre, will offer a place where entrepreneurs, business startups, existing companies, associations, and students can develop innovations and business models with a view to rapid acceleration to meet market needs.

Dean of Business at the University of Adelaide, Professor Noel Lindsay, says ThincLab is one of the leading and fastest growing business incubators in Australia, aimed at giving locally based start-up companies the best opportunities to succeed and grow.

“ThincLab provides a supportive business environment that drives commercialisation and entrepreneurship opportunities for start-ups, students, staff and like-minded members of the community, helping to foster innovation in South Australia and globally,” Professor Lindsay said.

“Industry mentors with relevant expertise will be located in Loxton to work one-on-one with the participants on a variety of topics, such as business strategy, marketing, branding, and IP considerations, to name a few.

“We are very excited to take this concept to regional South Australia and to see what ThincLab Loxton will unearth.”

Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Tim Whetstone said: “The agriculture industry is a cornerstone of South Australia’s economy, and being able to establish an AgTech innovation hub in the Riverland will help foster new ideas to improve productivity and grow the sector.”

“The partnership with the University of Adelaide through ThincLab will revolutionise the ways our producers interact with AgTech and I would encourage all of our farming sectors to tap into this exciting new opportunity.

“Participants will be provided with desk space for up to two years at the Loxton Research Centre, and mentors will work one-on-one with participants on topics such as business strategy, marketing, and branding.

“The agriculture industry is undergoing a technological revolution across the world, and with a reputation for both excellent produce and innovation, South Australia is perfectly positioned to lead the AgTech revolution in Australia.”

Services offered at ThincLab Loxton will include mentoring, visits from start-ups based at Adelaide and Waite ThincLabs, intensive programs for Riverland start-ups and businesses, 3D printing facilities to assist in prototype development, access to the ThincLab International Program, international ThincLabs, and international investor network, as well as networking functions.

ThincLab Loxton is the fifth ThincLab to be established, joining labs at the University of Adelaide’s North Terrace and Waite campuses, in Singapore, and in Chalôns in France.

You might also like:

Precision watering for Riverland vineyards
A new approach to grape growing that takes the science of precision watering to a new level is underway in the Riverland region.