Published on Tuesday, 26 August 2025 at 8:54:05 AM
The Food Innovation Precinct Western Australia (FIPWA) has announced the establishment of the FIPWA Tech Exchange, a dedicated innovation hub to accelerate agricultural technology trials and adoption, in collaboration with the India Australia Rapid Innovation and Startup Expansion (RISE) Accelerator, which is delivered by CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency.
As part of this collaboration, the Tech Exchange will host and support four leading Indian agritech startups from the RISE Accelerator’s Agri-tech round – Upaj (real-time soil testing), NatureDots (digital twin technology for water bodies), Intello Labs (AI-driven grading of fruit and vegetables), and Urdhvam (borewell monitoring and recharge solutions) – to identify and implement pilot projects in Western Australia.
The initiative builds on FIPWA’s recent program successes, including the Beanstalk Agtech PropaGATE initiative which has attracted international agri-tech solutions to solve brewery wastewater challenges, the partnership with Australia Agritech to deploy advanced agricultural drones across WA farming systems, and the ongoing collaboration with DripAI to trial panels that produce clean water from air moisture.
The Tech Exchange will provide access to local networks, office space, and industry engagement opportunities to fast-track the deployment and commercialisation of these innovations in WA’s agricultural sector.
Shire President Douglas McLarty said the Tech Exchange builds on the Shire of Murray’s strategic vision to position FIPWA as a gateway for global agricultural innovation.
“FIPWA is rapidly becoming a focal point for agritech excellence in Western Australia. The Tech Exchange gives us a platform to connect international innovators with local growers, researchers, and industry, ensuring we remain at the forefront of agricultural productivity and sustainability.”
Shire of Murray CEO Dean Unsworth highlighted the State-wide significance of the hub.
“This initiative is not only about bringing world-class technologies to our region, but also about creating long-term partnerships that deliver real economic, environmental, and social benefits across WA. It reinforces the role of FIPWA as a State asset in advancing agri-food innovation.”
CSIRO’s RISE Accelerator Program Director James Robinson said the partnership with FIPWA offers high-value opportunities for Indian startups to establish a presence in Australia.
“The FIPWA Tech Exchange provides our RISE participants with an unrivalled landing pad, combining sector expertise, industry access, and local support. This connection ensures that promising innovations can be piloted in real-world conditions, speeding up their path to market in Australia.”
The four pilot projects currently being scoped are:
• NatureDots: developing a digital twin of Peel’s key water catchment assets to monitor water quality and predict algal blooms.
• Upaj: validating rapid soil testing technology in collaboration with WA agricultural consultants.
• Intello Labs: testing AI-based grading for tomatoes, potatoes, and onions with local producers.
• Urdhvam - Jalstr: A smart monitoring & advisory tool for sustainable groundwater management on large farms
The FIPWA Tech Exchange will also serve as a showcase and demonstration site, enabling local industry to see emerging solutions in action. Together with recent achievements in agri-drone deployment, water-from-air innovation, and international agtech collaboration, these new technology pilots mark the next step in building sustained momentum for WA’s position as a leader in agricultural innovation.
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