The recent Productivity Roundtable in Canberra focused on how to increase productivity and resilience with technology, but one niche sector was overlooked, as it often is: agtech.
Yet agriculture is where some of the most urgent innovation is taking place, particularly in adapting to climate change, increasing yields and productivity.
Beanstalk’s Drought Venture Studio, backed by the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund, is supporting innovators working at the intersection of agriculture and climate resilience. The program helps commercialise research and backs early-stage founders building solutions to help prepare farmers for the next dry spell.
Here are at the seven ventures in residence of the Beanstalk Drought Venture Studio and what they’re up to.
VensoGrow: Victoria
VensoGrow is helping Australian farmers prepare for dry seasons before they even begin.
The startup uses a unique coating process to treat seeds, feed, and fertilisers so they perform better in tough conditions. Each coating layer is engineered to boost germination, retain moisture, and protect against early stress and drought.
For farmers, that means crops that emerge faster and stay healthier when water is limited. Stronger early growth can make all the difference in a dry year, improving yields while reducing the need for extra inputs.
“By keeping more plants alive through the crucial early stages, our approach helps make farms more resilient to drought,” says CEO Caecilia Potter.
“It also cuts dust and lowers emissions during processing, offering environmental benefits alongside productivity gains.”
Potter has led the push to bring this technology from her father’s research into the paddock, combining scientific expertise with practical solutions for growers.
Cavicam: Tasmania
Across Australia’s drought-prone regions, farmers are often left guessing about when to irrigate. Cavicam removes that uncertainty using a compact optical sensor.
Juno Wilson
Developed during Dr. Chris Lucani’s PhD at the University of Tasmania, the sensor monitors real-time changes in plant stems and detects water stress.
Cofounder Juno Wilson joined the team after supporting Cavicam through the Drought Venture Studio, helping turn it into a farmer-friendly tool.
“By taking the guesswork out of irrigation and enabling timely interventions, Cavicam helps growers conserve scarce water, protect crops from stress, and build drought resilience right where it matters most,” Wilson says.
In trials, farmers using Cavicam have reported water savings of up to 60 per cent, yield increases of around 50%, and a 30% reduction in fruit drop and vital gains in dry years.
EcoPeroxy: NSW
Weak roots and clogged irrigation systems can worsen drought stress and be a financial burden.
Dr Ding Zhang
Ecoperoxy, founded by clean-tech researcher Dr Ding Zhang, offers a peroxide-based treatment that boosts oxygen in the root zone while keeping irrigation lines clear.
The technology emerged from rigorous university research and, with support from the Drought Venture Studio, has been adapted for real-world farming. Applied through existing water systems, it avoids harmful chemicals while improving soil oxygenation.
“For growers facing limited water supplies, Ecoperoxy supports healthier root systems, steadier crop growth, and smarter use of every drop,” says Dr Zhang.
“It blends innovation with sustainability to give farmers a resilient ally against drought.”
Aquifa: Victoria
When drought tightens water availability, timely access to irrigation water is crucial for ensuring yields.
Nick Johnston,
Aquifa offers a cloud-based platform that streamlines water trading for brokers and regulators, automating documentation, compliance checks, and trade management.
Built by engineer-turned-entrepreneur Nick Johnston, the system reduces errors, delays, and paperwork, ensuring trades happen quickly.
“By accelerating water allocations, Aquifa ensures that scarce water rights reach farms when rainfall fails,” Johnston explains.
“The platform also scales for both wet and dry years, strengthening water markets over time.”
SwabTec: Victoria
Feed and water shortages during droughts can take a toll on livestock health and farmer finances, making regular monitoring essential.
Sarah Preston
SwabTec improves sheep health management through a saliva-based test that provides a faster, more affordable alternative to traditional worm egg counts.
Founded by animal health expert Dr. Sarah Preston, the startup’s research-backed diagnostics help farmers identify sheep with natural parasite resistance, reducing reliance on chemical treatments.
“This supports healthier flocks and more sustainable livestock systems,” says Preston.
ResonAg: Western Australia
In drought-prone regions, optimal seed placement is vital for crop establishment and improving yields.
Rebecca Hopper
ResonAg uses MRI technology to measure surface soil moisture in real time during seeding, allowing farmers to adjust seeder depth to match conditions for ideal germination.
Founded by Rebecca Hopper, whose background is originally in mining and resources, ResonAg applies the same advanced scientific principles to agriculture.
“MRI technology in seeding equipment enhances planting precision and crop emergence, helping farmers prepare for drought conditions and protect their investment in their crops,” Hopper says.
AgX Farm: NSW
Drought doesn’t just dry out fields, it also puts livestock under strain.
AgX Farm helps Australian farmers monitor livestock and track cattle movements, allowing them to remotely manage their access to pasture to improve land management and productivity.
Callum Taylor and Samuel Aubin.
Founded by Callum Taylor, a fifth-generation farmer and engineering student at Harvard, and Samuel Aubin, a finance and computer science student from Jamberoo’s dairy community, AgX combines on-farm know-how with AI expertise.
“Knowing your herd inside out means better feed choices, smarter pasture use, and a sharper eye on animal health during dry spells,” says Aubin.
“We want to make livestock systems more resilient when every resource counts.”
