Innovators and leaders from across the agricultural landscape converged at La Trobe University's Digital Innovation Hub for a standout edition of the Industry Innovation Series.
Focusing on Smart Farming Tech Transforming Agriculture, the event offered attendees an in-depth look at how advanced technologies - including AI, robotics, data automation, and drone pollination - are actively reshaping the landscape of food production.
Industry leaders from Agriculture Victoria, Driscoll’s Australia, Polybee, and the University shared insight into their fields. Bringing together industry leaders, researchers, and aspiring innovators, the evening was a platform for collaboration and knowledge-sharing. Attendees gained insights into how these advancements are being applied on the ground, reshaping farming systems to meet the challenges of the future.
Highlights
A dynamic lineup of speakers representing leaders in agricultural technology and research, brought a unique perspective to the evolving narrative of smart farming.
The full session video:
Summary of the presentations, below.
Professor Simone Warner, Agriculture Victoria – AgBioTech Research Across SmartFarm Ecosystems
Professor Simone Warner, Head of Agriculture Victoria Research and Co-Director at the Centre for AgriBioscience, set the tone of the event by exploring how AgBiotech integrates into smart farming ecosystems. She highlighted examples from Victoria’s SmartFarms where biotechnology innovations are supporting agricultural productivity and biosecurity. Her research illuminated how targeted scientific advancements can meet the increasing global demands for sustainable and effective farming solutions.
Roberto Barajas, Driscoll’s Australia – Automation in the Berry Industry
Roberto Barajas, Operations and Planning Director at Driscoll’s Australia, dove into the tangible impacts of automation in berry farming. His session titled ‘Automation in the Berry Industry: A Necessity, Not a Luxury’ sparked a conversation on how smart technologies like robotics and AI are no longer optional for the sector. From optimising harvesting to ensuring consistent supply chain efficiency, Mr Barajas underscored the urgency for growers to adopt these tools in the face of mounting consumer and environmental pressures.
Siddharth Jadhav, Polybee – Autonomous Pollination and AI Insights for Fresh Produce
Founder and CEO of Polybee, Siddharth Jadhav, took attendees into the future of agricultural efficiency. His presentation focused on ‘Increasing Profits in Fresh Produce through Automation and Intelligence’, and highlighted how Polybee’s drone technology is transforming pollination and yield forecasting. Jadhav showcased real-world examples where autonomy and AI reduced decision-making uncertainty while dramatically improving profitability for fresh-produce farmers.
Professor Mathew Lewsey, ARC Centre of Excellence in Plants for Space and La Trobe University – Plant Biology on Earth and Beyond
The evening concluded with an inspiring session by Professor Mathew Lewsey, Node Director at ARC Centre of Excellence in Plants for Space. Addressing the potential of agriculture beyond Earth's boundaries, Professor Lewsey’s talk, ‘Advancing Plant Biology on Earth and in Space’, discussed how advanced technologies originally designed for extreme environments are now being applied to Earth-based farming systems like protected cropping and vertical farming. From outer space to urban settings, Lewsey emphasised innovation’s role in solving geographic and climatic challenges.
Amid the thought-provoking presentations, the event offered ample opportunities for networking. Industry professionals, researchers, and students shared ideas, discussed applications of these technologies, and explored collaborative opportunities. The relaxed yet resource-rich setting encouraged informal conversations that could lead to future partnerships and innovation.
Alison Angleton, Director, Strategic Partnerships and Research and Innovation Precinct, explains “La Trobe is proud to work at the intersection of agriculture, technology, and food, and to work with industry to help to drive innovation and success in Australia’s $90.7B agricultural sector.”
“We strive to collaborate to deliver impactful, real-world solutions.”
The Industry Innovation Series is more than an event program; it’s a catalyst for change, designed to connect professionals, academics, and innovators passionate about creating impactful advancements in their fields. By showcasing actionable applications of technology, the series empowers stakeholders across the agricultural value chain to innovate collaboratively and sustainably.
Looking to the Future
As the agricultural sector continues to evolve, one thing is clear: technology and innovation are indispensable catalysts. Events like the Industry Innovation Series remind us of the importance of collaboration, research, and creativity in shaping the future of farming. It provides a vital meeting point for diverse stakeholders who are committed to bridging the gap between research, technology, and practical farming applications.
Whether you’re a grower, technologist, or student looking to make a mark in agriculture, staying informed and connected with such events can open doors to opportunities that redefine the industry.
For more information on the Industry Innovation Series, visit La Trobe University’s website or join the mailing list for future updates.