Event puts future in focus

More than 100 guests attended the Regional Innovation Summit at Busselton’s Hilton Garden Inn earlier this month, to hear from thought leaders, innovators, and investors sharing insightful discussions and innovative ideas for the future.

Sixteen speakers and industry panellists from across Australia and overseas spoke about pioneering advancements in alternative proteins and adopting regenerative farming practices to unlocking the potential of our unique coastlines.

Susie O’Neill, Head of Industry Engagement at Food Frontier, highlighted the challenges of current food production.

“Global food production accounts for 26 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions,” she said. “Half the world’s habitable land is used for agriculture, and 70 percent of freshwater withdrawals are used for agriculture.

“We can’t keep producing food in the same way to feed the estimated 9.7 billion people expected by 2050.”

She emphasised the critical role of alternative proteins and plant-based food innovation in addressing the global food system’s impact on the environment and climate change, advocating for a shift to sustainable practices.

The Summit’s agenda also featured sustainability startup pitches, investor perspectives, and interactive feedback forums, all culminating in a networking sundowner with panoramic views over the Busselton foreshore.

Speaking at the Summit, Sandra Draper, Director of Innovation at the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation, emphasised the importance of collaborative efforts in driving Western Australia’s growth.

“Events like this Summit are very important for WA as they bring together a nexus of industry, government, academia, and the promotion of conversation and opportunities,” Draper said. “Innovation Cluster delivers many initiatives across WA, with a focus on regional WA, supporting agtech and sustainability.

“The Government requires industry partners to work with, and this is a significant landmark in building the innovation ecosystem and developing capability more broadly in WA.”