Return to flip book view

2024Showcase & FutureFood DinnerPeople & Purpose

Foreword01Thank you for joining us at this year's Showcase. We are proud to present "People and Purpose," an event which brings to life our shared vision of supporting innovative solutions that will help us achieve a secure and sustainable future of food. As founders ourselves, we continue to draw inspiration from the ingenuity, creativity, and dedication of the entrepreneurs we support. Over the past six months, these companies have embraced challenges, pushed a boundaries, and harnessed the power of technology to address some of the most critical issues facing the global food system. Their breakthroughs hold the potential to drive meaningful change in how we feed the world. This event is not merely a celebration of these companies' remarkable achievements, but also a recognition of the incredible ecosystem that has made it all possible. As a proud member of the SparkLabs Group,weare part of a global network of accelerators spanning six continents. Since 2013, SparkLabs has invested in over 500 companies, amassing an impressive $31.1 billion in total post-money valuation. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to our partners, sponsors, and our global network of experts, researchers, and domain specialists who have generously contributed their time, knowledge, and resources. Your guidance has been instrumental in shaping these companies' success and propelling our collective mission forward. Through our venture capital fund, Cultiv8 Funds Management, we are deeply grateful for Challenger's ongoing support in backing solutions that deliver tangible results for our food system. To the investors and industry leaders present today, we thank you for your unwavering belief in the power of innovation. Together, we are constructing a future where purpose-driven solutions lead to a more equitable, sustainable, and resilient agri-food system. Lastly, we want to acknowledge the SparkLabs Cultiv8 team. Though small in number, your collective effort in preparing and delivering this program is mighty and does not go unnoticed. It is truly a pleasure to work alongside such dedicated individuals. Malcolm Nutt and Jonathon Quigley, Founders, SparkLabs Cultiv8

The SparkLabs Culti8 accelerator program and 2024 Showcaseand Future Food Dinner is proudly supported by:Sponsors & PartnersEmpowering visionary founders cultivatingthe future of agri-food innovation.03Industry PartnersProgram Partners 02Event Sponsors

2:40 PMBus Transfer from Orange CBD3:00 PMArrivals and Registrations3:30 PMShowcase Welcome3:45 PM2024 Cohort Pitches5:00 PMDrinks and Canapes6:30 PMFuture Food Dinnerand Fireside DiscussionEvent Overview9:30 PMEvent Close9:45 PMBus Transfer to Orange CBD03

AlkiiraHon. Niall Blair CEOAlkiira Therapeutics has ambitions to be a leading provider of Australian-grown, Australian-made botanical extracts and nutraceutical ingredients. They transform discarded organic food production waste into high-value ingredients, applying circular economy principles to connect farmers with pharma, ensuring pure products go directly from paddock to pill.PeopleHon. Niall Blair, former NSW Minister for Primary Industries, Trade, Industry & Water, leads Alkiira. With over 25 years of ESG experience, he specialises in food sustainability and circular economy solutions, working with government agencies and private companies to realise natural capital opportunities. PurposeAlkiira exists to maximise value for farmers, producers, and consumers by converting organic food production 'waste' into high-value ingredients for health and wellness products. Their mission is to deliver certified Australian ingredients globally while reducing the carbon footprint of agri-food systems.04

BovoticaDr Andrew LeechCO-FOUNDER & CEO WWW.BOVOTICA.COMBovotica is adding mass and reducing gas by precisely modulating the bovine rumen microbiome. This feed supplement technology aims to significantly reduce methane emissions from cattle, while simultaneously increasing production efficiency for farmers. The technology offers a dual advantage in sustainability and profitability. PeopleDr. Andrew Leech leads Bovotica, bringing over two decades of experience in biotech innovation and commercialisation. His diverse background spans academia and startups where he has successfully scaled innovative ideas across various applications.PurposeBovotica’s mission is to transform the cattle industry towards a sustainable, climate-friendly, and prosperous future by harnessing the natural bovinemicrobiome. By targeting a reduction in methane and yield increase, they aim to enhance environmental stewardship while boosting farmer profitability, addressing both ecological and economic challenges. 05

Carbon FriendlyDr Francois Visser,CO-FOUNDER & CEOMariki Visser,CO-FOUNDER & COOWWW.CARBONFRIENDLY.IOCarbon Friendly has developed end-to- end carbon technology solutions that enables the agricultural sector to establish and monetise large scale carbon projects. They help large agricultural producers decarbonise their operations by providing GHG assessments, product life-cycle assessments, science-based target initiatives and carbon their project development. PeopleDr. Francois Visser, a renowned expert in agri-carbon accounting, specialises in GHG assessments for food, fibre, and regenerative farming. Mariki Visser excels in carbon market project management, including Verra and Gold Standard listings. Together, they pioneer innovative agri-carbon accounting methods. PurposeCarbon Friendly's purpose is twofold: to ensure farmers receive due recognition and compensation for their sustainability efforts, and to position agriculture as a vital component in addressing climate change. This approach empowers the agricultural sector to actively contribute to environmental solutions. 06

LevurTom Collier, CO-FOUNDER & CEOWWW.LEVUR.COM.AUJoanne Barber, CO-FOUNDER & COOLevur is developing alternatives to unsustainable plant and animal oils, particularly palm oil using precision fermentation. They focus on creating ethical substitutes for widely used oils in cosmetics and food products, addressing the environmental concerns associated with traditional oil production methods. PeopleTom Collier is a synthetic biologist and genetic engineer specialising in sustainable oil production using yeast. Joanne Barber has 30 years of executive leadership experience to drive Levur’s commercial strategy. Together, they're revolutionising supply chains through biotech. PurposeLevur is committed to empowering the food and cosmetic industries with solutions to critical sustainability challenges. Inspired by witnessing palm oil's impact on deforestation, Levur is dedicated to transforming supply chains to create a world where consumer choices preserve biodiversity and foster environmental balance, without compromising quality or performance. 07

NitronicStuart GunzburgCO-FOUNDER & CEO WWW.NITRONIC.COitronic is developing technology that produces carbon-neutral nitrogen fertilisers in decentralised, regional hubs. Their process uses non-thermal plasma to create various fertilisers, including ammonium phosphate, sulphate, nitrate, and urea. This simple and cost effective solution helps farmers reduce price volatility and decrease their carbon footprint. PeopleStuart Gunzburg has successfully commercialised ideas and R&D across a range of sectors for more than 30 years. Stuart’s specialisations in micro- and molecular biology, and his expertise in entrepreneurship, have seen him help launch new companies in industries as diverse as healthcare; pharmaceuticals; waste management; biofuels; and agri-food. PurposeNitronic envisions enhancing Australia's food security through localised fertiliser production. They aim to offer farmers a stable, cost-effective alternative that reduces transportation expenses and environmental impact. Nitronic’s focus is on sustainable solutions that strengthen domestic agriculture and promote self-sufficiency in the fertiliser industry.08

NonTox John GarrettCEOWWW.NONTOX.AUNonTox specialises in developing herbicide alternatives. Their flagship product, Bionix C4 is a contact bioherbicide to use when you cannot or do not want to use herbicides like glyphosate. Notably, it effectively eliminates weeds resistant to traditional agricultural herbicides, positioning NonTox as an innovator in sustainable weed management solutions.PeopleJohn became involved in NonTox in 2017, having spent 25 years as a commercial lawyer and another decade in the corporate world, working in diverse sectors including education, health, pharmaceuticals and Purpose Nontox's mission is simple yet ambitious: to eliminate toxins from food, communities, and the natural environment. By developing effective, eco-friendly alternatives to traditional herbicides, they aim to revolutionise weed management practices, promoting healthier ecosystems and safer agricultural production methods globally. construction. 09

PyxWWW.PYX.IOZachary Zeus, CO-FOUNDER & CEO PyxGlobal is pioneering Trust Architecture to accelerate a global marketplace where organisations and communities can trade and compete on sustainability credentials. Pyx supports agencies, industry bodies, regulators, and organisations in achieving transparency at scale. By developing tools, leveraging open-source solutions, and enabling operational consistency, Pyx helps supply chain participants implement UN transparency standards and demonstrate sustainability efforts. PeopleZachary Zeus leads Pyx, bringing extensive experience as a career technologist with deep specialisation in data and analytics. His expertise spans diverse industries, providing a comprehensive understanding of necessary sectors to drive Pyx's innovative approach to supply chain transparency. PurposePyx's mission is to empower companies, regulators, and governments with comprehensive supply chain insights, fostering more ethical and sustainable decision-making. By promoting transparency and accountability throughout supply chains, Pyx aims to facilitate responsible business practices and support global sustainability initiatives. 10

TeramaxAndrew LoganDIRECTORTeramax produces certified, compostable, soil-friendly mulch filmsas an alternative to traditional plastic films in horticultural production. These innovative films match the water-preserving performance of plastic during the growing season but break down naturally afterwards, eliminating the need for expensive disposal and reducing environmental contamination.PeopleAndrew Logan leads Teramax, bringing expertise in agriculture across Australia, China and the USA. He also has experience in commercialising early-stage tech companies, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate partnerships. His background includes leadership roles at Conservis, a Rabobank-owned farm software company, and KPMG High Growth Ventures.PurposeTeramax aims to enhance the sustainability of horticulture by eliminating plastic from production systems. By providing an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic mulch films, they seek to reduce environmental pollution, improve soil health, and promote more sustainable agricultural practices in the horticultural industry.11

UnibaioMatias Figliozzi CO-FOUNDER & CEO WWW.UNIBAIO.COMUnibaio develops microparticles from crustacean byproducts that significantly enhance the absorption of fertilizers and pesticides. These particles allow producers to use up to 80% fewer chemicals while maintaining efficacy. Unibaio also boosts the performance of biological alternatives, making them more competitive with traditional agricultural inputs.PeopleMatias Figliozzi, an entrepreneur and economist, leads Unibaio. His diverse background spans economic development, e-commerce, commercialisation, and entrepreneurship. Matias leverages existing supply chain and economic environments to identify scalable opportunities that benefit both producers and consumers in the agricultural sector. PurposeUnibaio aims to transform agriculture by reducing reliance on soil-degrading chemicals and promoting biological alternatives. Their goal is to enable sustainable food production for billions without harmful side effects, while significantly reducing the environmental impact associated with chemical inputs in agriculture. WWW.UNIBAIO.COM12

Get in contactinfo@sparklabscultiv8.comLearn more atwww.sparklabscultiv8.com People & Purpose