On Monday 13 July, I hosted the formal launch of the Bridge Hub Trans-Tasman Water Challenge during Fieldays Online.

The focus of the Challenge is to identify current research being undertaken in both Australia and New Zealand designed to address the issue of our most precious natural resource; water. Its availability, its management and its quality.

The Challenge is encouraging research organisations and start-ups on both sides of the ditch to take part in the initiative. In New Zealand, Zespri has offered $25,000 prize money to the winning submission from a research organisation. A further $5,000 is being offered as a prize for the best start-up submission. The Bridge Hub are making up to $100,000 of investment available as an additional equity incentive. This initiative has serious legs.

Cash prizes though are only part of the story. The really valuable part of the outcome, in my opinion, is the potential trialing of applications on-farm in both New Zealand and Australia. Another very valuable component here. Through their ecosystem, the Bridge Hub has secured to interest and support of some key players in the Israeli agritech ecosystem.

You can find out more information about the Challenge and register your interest by visiting www.waterchallenge.co

We hope you can join us on this exciting journey.

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