SWAN Systems has taken out a top prize at Rabobank’s 2020 startup awards, which recognises the achievements of global food and agriculture entrepreneurs.
SWAN, formerly a consultancy business, has developed a software platform that allows farmers to schedule, monitor and optimise their management of water, nutrients and crop health.
The Perth business was founded by directors Tim Hyde, Ivor Gaylard and Rod Campbell in 2016.
SWAN was the winning agtech company at Rabobank’s FoodBytes! Pitch 2020 event.
Rabobank said the event judges recognised the “cutting-edge nature of SWAN’s technology and its potential for significant impact on the key issue of water management”.
SWAN chairman, Mr Campbell, said water scarcity was a growing problem.
“We need to be smarter about how we produce food, so this honour from FoodBytes! Pitch is about much more than an award to us,” he said.
“Rabobank’s validation is a powerful force for engaging new customers and scaling our impact on sustainable agriculture.
“Our team has been amazed at the quality and breadth of connections we’ve made through FoodBytes! as we look to raise capital, and ultimately into North America.”
US companies Agricycle Global and Envara Health took out the consumer food and beverage, and food tech honours, respectively.
Fifteen finalists pitched their businesses at the event, held in New York on December 2.
Rabobank said all 45 applicants would become a permanent part of the FoodBytes! network, which has more than 350 startups and connections to corporate leaders and investors.
