Sparklabs Cultiv8

SparkLabs Cultiv8 is a leading agri-food technology accelerator based in Orange, New South Wales, Australia. Established in 2017 by co-founders Malcolm Nutt and Jonathon Quigley, in partnership with Asia's prominent SparkLabs Group and the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI), the entity is dedicated to nurturing and accelerating early-stage agri-food tech and cleantech startups. Its mission is to integrate growth-stage companies with researchers, farmers, investors, and global corporate partners to drive the digitisation of agriculture and contribute to a more sustainable future.

The accelerator distinguishes itself through its strategic location within the Global AgTech Ecosystem (GATE) at the Orange Agricultural Institute, which fosters close collaboration with farmers and researchers and provides access to 25 research stations across 13,000+ hectares of agricultural trial sites. This unique positioning allows participating startups to prototype, test, and validate their innovations in real-world agricultural settings. SparkLabs Cultiv8 operates a hybrid program, requiring on-site presence in Orange, NSW, for intensive workshops at the commencement and conclusion of the six-month program, while offering flexibility for other activities.

Since its inception, SparkLabs Cultiv8 has supported over 50 companies, with its alumni boasting a combined market capitalisation of over AUD 1.75 billion and having raised more than AUD 750 million in follow-on capital. These ventures have collectively created over 750 jobs globally, demonstrating the accelerator's significant impact on the agri-food tech sector. The program focuses on innovations that enhance farm productivity, reduce emissions, improve sustainability, and bolster supply chain resilience, encompassing diverse themes such as natural capital, AI, automation, robotics, and circularity.

Leadership at SparkLabs Cultiv8 includes co-founders Malcolm Nutt and Jonathon Quigley, who are also founding partners of Cultiv8 Funds Management. This venture capital fund, established in 2022 in partnership with Challenger Group, Australia's third-largest fund manager, invests in agri-food technology companies from seed to Series B, providing a crucial funding pathway for accelerator graduates. The accelerator also leverages a global network of over 120 expert mentors and industry advisors to provide tailored support, facilitating commercialisation and scaling for startups across all stages, from ideation to growth.