Guy Barnett,Minister for State Development, Construction and Housing
Ten exciting food and agricultural-tech companies from across the globe are heading to Launceston to undertake a new FoodTech Tasmania start-up accelerator program.
It is fantastic that Launceston, which was recently named a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, had been able to attract an amazing group of start-up companies from various backgrounds.
Launceston is the natural choice to host the new FoodTech Tasmania program to be run by globally recognised start-up accelerator Startupbootcamp.
Centring this new start-up program in Launceston will raise Tasmania's profile internationally, bring new ideas and talent to the state, attract more capital investment to the state and to local start-ups, and continue to grow our ecosystem and reputation as a start-up hub.
This is an exciting first step in planting the seed for food-tech start-up growth that could see Tasmania grow as an internationally recognised centre for food and agricultural-tech start-ups and innovation.
FoodTech is about developing innovations that improve the way we grow, process, purchase or consume food. Participants in FoodTech Tasmania underwent an exhaustive application process to be selected for the three-month program across the state starting in mid-July.
Start-ups taking part in the program will be mentored by local, national and international industry leaders and receive tailored support from experienced entrepreneurs, investors and partners.
The program will reach, support and inspire entrepreneurs, innovators and business founders to develop their ideas with a view to taking them to market, potentially creating new industries or growing emerging ones.
Supported by a number of high-profile corporate partners and the Tasmanian Government, this is the first year of at least three FoodTech start-up accelerator programs and will draw on global best practice to help develop viable, real-world products and services.
Co-located at Enterprize, Tasmania's start-up ecosystem will also benefit from the ideas, connections and potential partnerships to grow our own food and agricultural-tech industry.
