Australia's Hort Innovation Venture Fund has announced its first investment, directed at automated disease detection company BioScout. The fund, launched in late 2024 in partnership with Artesian Venture Partners, was established to support early-stage, high-growth startups in horticulture.
The investment aims to support the development of technology designed to improve the detection and management of crop diseases.
© Hort Innovation
According to Hort Innovation CEO Brett Fifield, the fund is intended to deliver practical outcomes for growers by advancing data-driven tools that can assist in protecting crops and maintaining yields. He noted that the Venture Fund is part of Hort Innovation's broader Frontiers program, which seeks to accelerate the application of research and development solutions in commercial horticulture.
Industry representatives, including Jane Parker of McCormick Foods Australia, noted that the BioScout system could contribute to improved understanding of fungal disease spread and management through network expansion into new regions.
BioScout CEO Lewis Collins stated that the investment will help advance the company's disease detection platform and expand its customer base within horticulture.
Artesian's Investment Principal, Jordan Jeffery, said the integration of artificial intelligence with field hardware provides growers with the ability to detect and act on disease threats earlier, offering potential benefits across the horticultural supply chain.
© Hort InnovationFor more information:
Jesse Reader
Hort Innovation
Tel: +61 (0) 413 777 501
Email: [email protected]
www.horticulture.com.au