AgriBio expansion boosts AgTech and innovation

A multi-million dollar expansion at AgriBio, Australia’s premier bioscience facility in Bundoora, has just been completed — boosting biosecurity research and offering a new innovation hub for AgTech startups.

Spanning across 1600 square metres, the space is based at the Victorian Government and La Trobe University joint AgriBio Centre for AgriBioscience – with the new funding enabling the site to operate at full capacity.

The $7.5 million fit out includes a state-of-the-art laboratory and office facilities for up to 90 staff and startup businesses.

Up to four innovative startups will be given space in the expansion to help fast-track research and innovation outcomes from Agriculture Victoria to industry.

The first start up to be established will be SmartSense Agtech — a digital sensing AgTech business that will focus on rapidly improving digital technologies used across a range of key agricultural sectors including dairy, horticulture and grains.

Dedicated laboratories within the new area will also significantly boost the state’s biosecurity research and emergency response capabilities — allowing up to 60 researchers at Agriculture Victoria to respond to biosecurity emergencies relating to pests and diseases.

Two education laboratories have also been included in the expansion and will be used for student learning — hosting workshops through Agriculture Victoria’s free Get into AgSTEM program for schools.

Each laboratory can accommodate 32 students and up to four demonstrators involved in every workshop — providing students with valuable hands-on experience with the latest real-life technology used by researchers at Agriculture Victoria.

For more information, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au