Agri-tech centre - building smarter biosecurity solutions

Image: The Centre for Entrepreneurial Agri-Technology (CEAT)

Article Contributed by Centre for Entrepreneurial Agri-Technology

Aerial drones, genetic screening, and gaming software are just some of the high-tech advances set to play a key role in our management of agricultural pests and diseases, according to the Centre for Entrepreneurial Agri-Technology (CEAT).

CEAT is a joint initiative between the Australian National University, CSIRO and the ACT Government using world-class research and technology to target agricultural challenges. Some of these advances could provide the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources with new ways of managing biosecurity risks.

Launched in 2018, CEAT already has five agri-technology start-ups working in its Innovation Hub in Canberra. These include a company developing drones for locating hundreds of animal species across vast and remote pastures, another that can screen saplings for genetic markers of disease resistance, and another using gaming technology to find and verify plants and animals, including pests.

CEAT Director, Dr Mary Kelly, said the focus was on mobilising research capable of enabling transformative, not just incremental, agri-tech solutions.

'CEAT is defining agriculture as the industry holistically, and through tailored Innovation project teams, CEAT aims to absorb and bypass traditional barriers to industry-informed research,’ Dr Kelly said.

‘Success is defined by creation of a viable ecosystem where globally relevant agri-tech solutions are co-created, tested, commercialised and adopted and we can’t do this alone.’

CEAT is currently establishing a series of networks to ensure that their programs and services are informed by the primary producers, industry groups, technologists, researchers, innovators, influencers and leaders critical to agri-tech.

To find out more, visit the CEAT website and ‘Get Connected’.