Expressions of interest open again for drought commercialisation

Apply now. Deadline: Sunday 29th September, 9pm AEST.

Researchers with IP in drought and climate-resilient agriculture are invited to apply for Round 2 of the Drought Venture Studio program.

Created by Beanstalk, with support and funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund, the world-leading Venture Studio focuses on commercialising new drought-resilience products and services for farmers.

The Drought Venture Studio is recruiting researchers and industry experts with IP that has commercial potential, but who might not be able to commit to full time commercialisation. This provides a flexible pathway for commercialisation that doesn’t require participants to leave their full-time role, and connects IP owners with experienced founders and a dedicated venture-building team to commercialise their IP.

Successful applicants will receive up to 12 months of dedicated venture building support, and up to $250,000 in non-dilutive support.

Apply now. 

Deadline: Sunday 29th September, 9pm AEST.

What is the Drought Venture Studio?

• Guest speaker, Specialised Venture Studio Model: The Drought Venture Studio, launched by Beanstalk Ventures, is the world’s first venture studio focused on agriculture to enhance drought and climate resilience for farmers. Unlike a startup accelerator, it’s involved in the earliest stages, from IP validation to startup formation, using a repeatable methodology for market validation and venture creation.
• Collaboration with Universities and Research Institutes: Over the next two years, the studio will work with around 100 IP owners from universities and research institutions to validate the commercial potential of their IP. Phase 1 lasts 90 days, during which Innovators collaborate with Venture Builders to validate their IP and pitch their ventures to an Investment Committee.
• Role of Innovators and Founders: During Phase 1, Innovators are introduced to potential Founders who will lead the commercialisation in Phase 2 if selected. Innovators can stay involved as Co-Founders or Scientific Advisors, retaining equity while managing their existing commitments. Phase 2 offers full-time opportunities for Founders and flexible, part-time roles for Innovators.
• Partnerships and Industry Connections: The Drought Venture Studio leverages its global network of industry partners and Beanstalk’s advisory connections to provide new ventures with access to trial partners, customers, and investors, ensuring strong support for successful commercialisation.

Who should apply to participate in Beanstalk Drought Venture Studio?

For the 2nd round of EOI’s, the Drought Venture Studio is prioritising recruiting innovators. These are participants with ideas and intellectual property (IP) that can underpin new drought resilience products and services for Australian farmers. Innovators are likely to be:

• Researchers: Individuals working at universities or research institutes who have developed IP relevant to drought. These innovators might be research scientists, fellows, professors, or associate professors who wish to stay in their current roles rather than focus full-time on commercialisation.
• Technical experts: Professionals with IP or technological solutions that could be used to build drought resilience in agriculture that are yet to be successfully commercialised, possibly due to a lack of funding, organisational priority, or commercial support.
• University students: Masters or PhD candidates working on IP related to drought or climate resilience who are looking to explore commercialisation opportunities.

Why should innovators participate in the Drought Venture Studio?

• The Drought Venture Studio provides Innovators with an effective new pathway to remain in full-time work while commercialising their IP alongside an expert team, with funding and a validated methodology.
• Unlike other IP commercialisation programs, the Drought Venture Studio does not require a full-time commitment from Innovators at any stage of commercialisation.
• The Drought Venture Studio offers substantial support to new ventures at their earliest stage. Selected ventures can receive up to $250,000 of support and be supported to recruit a qualified Co-Founder. Participation is free of cost.
• Unlike other accelerator or commercialisation programs, the Drought Venture Studio does not take equity in new ventures. All financial support provided within the program is non-dilutive.
• The Venture Studio approach to venture building is not a startup education program. Our Venture Builders, each with their own unique experience building and scaling new companies, will work within new ventures to maximise commercial outcomes.