Announcing Our Expert Selection Committee for the Drought Venture Studio
Expressions of Interest for the inaugural cohort of the world’s-first Drought Venture Studio have closed. Across seven weeks, we received over 100 applications from researchers, farmers, and industry professionals around the country.
Every applicant shared an inspiring vision for increasing the drought and climate resilience of farmers and regional communities.
But how did we decide on the Top 24 innovators to participate in our first cohort?
Beanstalk is thrilled to announce the elite panel of agrifood tech and innovation experts on our Selection Committee.
This expert panel has been brought together to independently scrutinise every application received during the Expressions of Interest, and to deliberate over who should be selected to participate in each cohort of the Drought Venture Studio.
Having meticulously reviewed over 100 applications, the Selection Committee has confirmed who will be invited to participate in the inaugural cohort.
But before we announce our first cohort of innovators, it’s time to meet our Selection Committee.
Meet the Selection Committee
Dr. Angeline Achariya (GAICD), CEO, Innovation Gamechangers
Angeline is a global luminary in commercializing innovations in the FMCG and Agribusiness industries, boasting over 25 years of experience with multinational giants such as J.R. Simplot, Mondelez International, Yum! Brands, Fonterra, Mars Corporation, and Monash University. Her extensive background in the agrifood industry and innovative mindset make her a pivotal member of our Selection Committee.
Leanne Kemp, Founder & CEO, Everledger
Leanne is a seasoned entrepreneur and innovator with over 25 years of experience in emerging technologies. As the Founder & CEO of Everledger Leanne has pioneered the use of blockchain technology for supply chain transparency, particularly in the diamond and gemstone industry. She has held numerous advisory roles with the World Economic Forum, OECD, and the Australian Federal Government. Leanne’s passion for dual impact—combining drought resilience with sustainable food production—makes her an invaluable resource for our Selection Committee.
Paul Levins, Co-Founder, Xinova
Paul brings a wealth of experience to the Selection Committee, with a 35-year career spanning business, startups, government, and not-for-profits. He co-founded Xinova, a global innovation network, working with clients like PepsiCo, Honda, Meat and Livestock Australia, Hort Innovation, Cotton Research Development Corporation, Mars Australia, and Hyundai. Paul's expertise in open innovation is essential for identifying groundbreaking ideas that have the potential to deliver outsized returns, both commercially and in the uplift of drought resilience for farmers and supply chains.
Calum Archibald, Director, Beanstalk AgTech
Cal is a passionate advocate for 'tech-for-good' and serves as a Director of Beanstalk AgTech. Beanstalk is an agriculture innovation agency operating at the intersection of agriculture, technology, and investment sectors in Australia and across the Asia Pacific. As the driving force behind the creation of the Venture Studio, Cal's dedication to driving impactful agtech solutions makes him an additionally valuable contributor to the outcomes of the Selection Committee.
The Beanstalk Venture Studio Selection Process
Following a highly successful, seven-week long Expressions of Interest, our Venture Studio team conducted a thorough review of every submission. Applicants were reviewed and given a ranking that accounted for their team, solution/IP, market, industry-alignment, and fit for the Venture Studio. From this ranked list of applicants, the top 40 were presented to the Selection Committee for deliberation and final selection. This rigorous approach to selection ensures that the final innovators invited to participate in the inaugural cohort of the Venture Studio have been selected transparently and fairly.
The Selection Committee is confident that the chosen cohort represents the innovators with the most potential to impact drought-affected communities in Australia and around the world, and deliver outsized returns to customers and investors.
What’s Next?
Stay tuned over the coming weeks as we announce the inaugural cohort of innovators chosen by our Selection Committee to participate in the Drought Venture Studio.
