CategoryAgri-tech News Rabobank Singapore News Startups

Rabobank Reveals Top 15 Agri-tech Startups For SustainableAg Asia Challenge

September 19, 2019 0 By Reyjon Oregas

Rabobank, a leading global bank in food and agriculture and sustainability, and its service
provider, Padang & Co. invited submissions from agri-tech companies with a market-ready
solution that uses cutting-edge data-driven technology, analysis, and interconnectivity to help
meet Asia’s increasing demand for food.

Today, Rabobank reveals the top 15 innovative agri-tech start-ups and innovators across China, India and Southeast Asia in Rabobank’s compelling initiative towards a sustainable agri-food supply chain. Known as SustainableAg Asia Challenge, this platform by Rabobank aims to promote integrity and interconnectivity across the region’s vital agriculture and food supply chains.

“We have been delighted by the calibre of submissions to our SustainableAg Asia Challenge. The 15shortlisted companies all represent diverse, exciting and emerging agri-tech solutions that can drive effective changes for more efficient agri-food supply chains to ensure a more sustainable food production practice. Together with our partners and these innovative companies, we can contribute to feeding the world more sustainably.” -Ms. Alaïs Faucon, Sustainable Solutions Development Manager at Rabobank

The agri-tech solutions received through SustainableAg Asia Challenge will benefit Asia’s agriculture and food industries. For instance, the adoption of agri-tech solutions will empower farmers, as well as food and agriculture companies to make better-informed decisions for smart farming, processing techniques, and food distribution. In addition, benefits trickle down to the region’s vast number of smallholder farmers, enabling them to improve crop production and access to markets for increased incomes.

With Asia’s population expected to increase from 4.6 billion to 5.3 billion in 2050 and with limited arable land and natural resources available for increased food production, Rabobank believes data and innovation are key to feeding this growing population sustainably.

The Rabobank SustainableAg Asia Challenge is supported by Rabo Foundation, and in partnership with ADB Ventures, Archer Daniels Midland Company, Bayer, Bits & Bites, COFCO International, DSM, Future Group, Temasek and Olam International who are also acting as judges.

Evaluated based on factors such as technology innovation, market readiness, scalability and extent of addressing integrity in the agri-food value chain in Asia, the shortlist of 15 entries cover wide-ranging solutions, from helping smallholders with their crops to financing options, and the creation of technology platforms across the agricultural supply chain that will boost productivity, efficiency and income for the farmers. Below is the list of the 15 shortlisted companies:

The shortlisted companies will have the opportunity to attend the Rabobank SustainableAg Asia Challenge Pitch Day in Singapore on 10 October 2019 for a chance to win a cash prize from a pool of US$20,000. More importantly, they will also stand to win exclusive invitations to present their innovations at Rabobank Asia’s annual Food & Agribusiness Advisory Board Meeting in Shanghai on 31 October 2019. This meeting is Rabobank’s annual premier event bringing together chairmen and CEOs of leading food and agribusiness companies and commodity traders from the Asia Pacific region.

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