Simon takes BANDICOOT® to the next level

Soil CRC researcher Simon Edwards (University of Tasmania) has been selected to participate in the Beanstalk Drought Venture Studio, a three-month program funded by the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund, aimed at helping innovators commercialise new technologies to improve the drought resilience of Australian farmers.
 
Simon is part of the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture’s ag tech team leading the development of the Soil CRC’s BANDICOOT® soil profiling tool. This novel technology simultaneously measures soil moisture, penetration resistance (compaction), salinity, soil type and apparent conductivity (like an EM38).

The team is working on a Soil CRC project that is progressing the technical development of the BANDICOOT® and initiating its commercial readiness. Commercialisation and manufacturing of the device will put easy-to-use technology in the hands of farmers.

Simon said he is excited about the significant impact the cost-effective and user-friendly tool will have on farmers.

“By enabling informed soil management decisions, it ensures that crops can better withstand challenging conditions and thrive in the long term,” he said.

Participation in the Beanstalk program will help Simon to validate the commercial viability of the BANDICOOT® and develop a clear pathway to commercialisation.

He joins 23 other innovators in the first Drought Venture Studio cohort to explore and quantify how their innovations can be successfully commercialised. They will receive expert mentoring, a suite a resources and services, and will participate in field work to investigate commercialisation risks.

At the end of the three months, Simon will have a documented and clearly articulated plan of the BANDICOOT®’s pathway to commercialisation.

We wish Simon all the best on his latest venture and look forward to sharing an update on his experience later this year.

Find out more

Project overview: Commercialising the smart penetrometer (BANDICOOT®)

Beanstalk Venture Studio is now accepting applications for Innovators to join their 2nd Cohort, launching in November 2024. Don’t miss out—apply by 29th September, 9pm AEST!