Powering Positive Impact
AgCatalyst 2024 will be staged at Brisbane Powerhouse, 19 - 20 November
AgCatalyst 2024 is CSIRO’s premier biennial event to showcase the latest in agrifood innovation and science with an eye to the future.
This year’s event, at Brisbane Powerhouse on the banks of the Brisbane River, will be a unique intersection of science, art, and theatre.
We acknowledge that this event will be taking place on the Traditional lands of the Turrbal, Yuggera and Jagera Peoples.
What's in store for AgCatalyst 2024
A showcase of the latest innovations in agriculture and food – from sustainability to soil, novel foods to new trends in livestock, futuristic farming to fish production. We will be shining a light on how we are creating impact for a positive future in ag and food, including:
- A dynamic on-stage program
- An art exhibition with a difference shining a light on the latest in agriculture and food innovation
- A mini farm installed inside Brisbane Powerhouse to engage your senses
- A dedicated tech area with the latest ag innovations
- Cooking on stage with a world-class chef
Program
Tue 19 Nov 2024 - 5.00–7.30pm
Opening night event and a chance to network with delegates and sponsors.
Wed 20 Nov 2024 - registrations/exhibitions/coffee open - 8am for a 9am start till 5pm
Full day program
8.45am Theatre opens
Early Morning Session — 9.00am – 10.30am
Welcome to Country
Welcome - MC Dr Anneline Padayachee welcome
Official Opening - CSIRO Future Industries Executive Dr Michael Robertson
Ag2050 – what lays ahead
Join us on a storytelling journey into the future, looking at four scenarios that we could be facing for agricultural industries in 2050. Featuring CSIRO scientists and special guest Australian Farm Institute Director Katie McRobert.
The road to net zero is long and winding
A discussion exploring how we can incentivise and support the agricultural sector to play a key role in Australia’s energy and circular economy transition featuring guests from the Clean Energy Finance Corporation and Bega Valley Regional Circularity Cooperative.
Ripe for the picking - low carbon liquid fuels
From aviation to farm machinery - a look at how low carbon liquid fuels from crops can provide a key to a clean, green future with Bioenergy Australia.
Embedding Indigenous perspectives for Australia’s future
An enlightening discussion exploring the why and how of embedding Indigenous perspectives for the future success of Australia’s landscape and agrifood industries featuring key Indigenous leaders.
10.30am - 11.30am Morning Tea
Time to network, explore our living farm, our exhibition area and talk to our scientists via the live research portal.
Late Morning Session — 11.30am – 1.00pm
Time for a holistic approach to our food systems
A creative look into thinking differently about how our food systems can be systems that support everyone - sustainably, for health outcomes, equity, and productivity.
CSIRO late-night: Pests and Diseases under threat
Perturbed pests and disgruntled diseases! A candid look at the other side of crop protection.
Seafood for the Future
Join us for an early Christmas lunch as we explore what your festive table might look like in the decades ahead.
Everything old is new again – a dive into Precision Fermentation
Join us on a journey through time, as we chew over the age-old fermentation process and its possibilities to create foods and beverages of the future.
Extending the lifecycle of food
A third of all food we produce in Australia currently goes to waste. Join us for an important discussion on how we are turning this around.
Food Feud – buzz in to learn more
Get excited for a fun quiz highlighting how aligning ag & nutrition can be a game changer for creating healthy and sustainable food systems. No doubt, this quiz will leave you hungry for more!
Let the animals do the talking: using tech to understand livestock
Using smart sensors and AI, our researchers are decoding what animals are telling us through their behaviour. From cattle speech recognition to Fitbits for cows, join our panel of experts to hear the latest on high-tech in the livestock sector that will mooooove and inspire you.
Paradigm Shift and the Wow Factors
Will synthetic biology revolutionise agriculture? Watch friends argue as the old morphs into the new in this thought-provoking segment taking you on a wild ride into the cutting edge of commercial plant science. With special guests.
1.00pm - 2.30pm Lunch
Time to network, explore our living farm, our exhibition area and talk to our scientists via the live research portal.
Afternoon Session: 2.30pm – 4.00pm
How can we innovate and ensure we’re doing it responsibly?
This thought-provoking conversation will look at the four ingredients of responsible innovation with a very remarkable fish as a shining example.
Infusing traditional knowledge with deep tech: Rainstick's innovation journey
Discover how CSIRO’s innovation pathways have blended Indigenous knowledge with modern science to create sustainable agricultural solutions that respect Country and drive growth.
A cook up on stage with our special guests MasterChef’s Andy Allen and WildPie’s Jo Barrett
Learn more about what the future of sustainable aquaculture looks like featuring a special fish with a bright future.
4.00-5.00pm
Afternoon Power Down
Before we turn the lights out on AgCatalyst2024, join us to debrief on the day’s program and share those light bulb moments! Join us from 4:00 – 5:00pm for refreshments in our exhibition areas.
Download a copy of the AgCatalyst full day program
Who should attend
AgCatalyst is unmissable for leaders in the agriculture and food sector from industry, government, the tertiary sector, agri-business, and anyone interested in the innovative future of this sector.
Attendance at the event is by invitation only – please contact agcatalyst@csiro.au if you would like to attend.
Interested in talking to us about partnering for this exciting event?
Please contact Amie Herring about customising and adding your own inventive ways to showcase your ideas.
Some information that may assist you when planning your trip to our event
We can't wait to see you at Brisbane Powerhouse in November for our AgCatalyst 2024, where we'll celebrate science, innovation, sustainability (and have some fun!). We’ve compiled a list of the information we think may help you when planning for the event.
We’re aiming for maximum sustainability, so we’ve also got a few requests to help us reduce our carbon footprint and make this event as green as possible.
What to bring
- Your own reusable coffee cup and water bottle: If you’re like us and love to be prepared, pack these eco-friendly essentials. But hey, life happens! If you forget, no worries – you might just “win” one of our CSIRO-branded cups and bottles.
- Your own notepad and pen: To jot down all those brilliant ideas. Digital note-takers, your phone or tablet is your BFF.
- A camera or your phone: To capture the highlights and engage with our Event App and QR codes throughout the day and share on your social networks. Snap away!
What NOT to bring
- Food: We’ve got you covered with coffee on arrival, morning tea, afternoon tea, and lunch – all for our registered delegates. Hydration stations will also be available to refill your water bottle.
- Bugs: If you’re feeling under the weather, we’ll miss you, but we ask that you sit this one out. Health first, always!
What to wear
- Let's keep it sustainable: raid your wardrobe instead of buying something new.
- Brisbane can be hot and humid in November, but fear not, the venue is fully air-conditioned.
Transport to and from Brisbane Powerhouse
- Our venue sits right on the scenic Brisbane River, so why not arrive in style on the Brisbane ferry City Cat? It’s a fun ride from the city centre or South Brisbane/South Bank hotels.
- If ferries aren’t your thing, cars, rideshares, and public buses will get you here too.
- From Brisbane Airport: There is a direct train to South Brisbane and South Bank areas.
- Grab a go-card to access all public transport, and you’re good to go! And don’t forget Brisbane has 50c fares on all public transport.
- If you consider bike riding to the event, you can find your bike route.
- Consider carpooling. Details regarding parking at the event
Accommodation recommendations
- We haven’t partnered with any hotels, but we suggest staying somewhere that makes the most of Brisbane’s public transport. (see above)
- If you want to stroll to the event and get those steps up, consider booking a place in the New Farm area – just a short walk to the Powerhouse!
Accessibility information
- We picked this awesome venue for AgCatalyst 2024 because its accessibility game is on point! They’ve thought of everything to make your experience as inclusive as possible.
- Check out the full accessibility details at the Brisbane Powerhouse.
- If there is anything you’d like to chat about, please give our events team a shout via agcatalyst@csiro.au.
Networking Opportunities
- AgCatalyst 2024 is a networking bonanza! Make sure you’re signed up for the welcome event on 19th November 2024, to get you warmed up.
- At the main event – 20th Nov 2024, we’ve packed in long breaks and an extra-long lunch – also an hour from 4pm-5pm, perfect for mingling with exhibitors and fellow delegates. You’ll have plenty of time to connect, chat, and maybe even make a few new friends.
First time in Brisbane – here’s a guide on things to do
Highlights from AgCatalyst 2022
CSIRO partners
Powering Positive Impact
AgCatalyst 2024 will be staged at Brisbane Powerhouse, 19 - 20 November
AgCatalyst 2024 is CSIRO’s premier biennial event to showcase the latest in agrifood innovation and science with an eye to the future.
This year’s event, at Brisbane Powerhouse on the banks of the Brisbane River, will be a unique intersection of science, art, and theatre.
We acknowledge that this event will be taking place on the Traditional lands of the Turrbal, Yuggera and Jagera Peoples.
What's in store for AgCatalyst 2024
A showcase of the latest innovations in agriculture and food – from sustainability to soil, novel foods to new trends in livestock, futuristic farming to fish production. We will be shining a light on how we are creating impact for a positive future in ag and food, including:
- A dynamic on-stage program
- An art exhibition with a difference shining a light on the latest in agriculture and food innovation
- A mini farm installed inside Brisbane Powerhouse to engage your senses
- A dedicated tech area with the latest ag innovations
- Cooking on stage with a world-class chef
Program
Tue 19 Nov 2024 - 5.00–7.30pm
Opening night event and a chance to network with delegates and sponsors.
Wed 20 Nov 2024 - registrations/exhibitions/coffee open - 8am for a 9am start till 5pm
Full day program
8.45am Theatre opens
Early Morning Session — 9.00am – 10.30am
Welcome to Country
Welcome - MC Dr Anneline Padayachee welcome
Official Opening - CSIRO Future Industries Executive Dr Michael Robertson
Ag2050 – what lays ahead
Join us on a storytelling journey into the future, looking at four scenarios that we could be facing for agricultural industries in 2050. Featuring CSIRO scientists and special guest Australian Farm Institute Director Katie McRobert.
The road to net zero is long and winding
A discussion exploring how we can incentivise and support the agricultural sector to play a key role in Australia’s energy and circular economy transition featuring guests from the Clean Energy Finance Corporation and Bega Valley Regional Circularity Cooperative.
Ripe for the picking - low carbon liquid fuels
From aviation to farm machinery - a look at how low carbon liquid fuels from crops can provide a key to a clean, green future with Bioenergy Australia.
Embedding Indigenous perspectives for Australia’s future
An enlightening discussion exploring the why and how of embedding Indigenous perspectives for the future success of Australia’s landscape and agrifood industries featuring key Indigenous leaders.
10.30am - 11.30am Morning Tea
Time to network, explore our living farm, our exhibition area and talk to our scientists via the live research portal.
Late Morning Session — 11.30am – 1.00pm
Time for a holistic approach to our food systems
A creative look into thinking differently about how our food systems can be systems that support everyone - sustainably, for health outcomes, equity, and productivity.
CSIRO late-night: Pests and Diseases under threat
Perturbed pests and disgruntled diseases! A candid look at the other side of crop protection.
Seafood for the Future
Join us for an early Christmas lunch as we explore what your festive table might look like in the decades ahead.
Everything old is new again – a dive into Precision Fermentation
Join us on a journey through time, as we chew over the age-old fermentation process and its possibilities to create foods and beverages of the future.
Extending the lifecycle of food
A third of all food we produce in Australia currently goes to waste. Join us for an important discussion on how we are turning this around.
Food Feud – buzz in to learn more
Get excited for a fun quiz highlighting how aligning ag & nutrition can be a game changer for creating healthy and sustainable food systems. No doubt, this quiz will leave you hungry for more!
Let the animals do the talking: using tech to understand livestock
Using smart sensors and AI, our researchers are decoding what animals are telling us through their behaviour. From cattle speech recognition to Fitbits for cows, join our panel of experts to hear the latest on high-tech in the livestock sector that will mooooove and inspire you.
Paradigm Shift and the Wow Factors
Will synthetic biology revolutionise agriculture? Watch friends argue as the old morphs into the new in this thought-provoking segment taking you on a wild ride into the cutting edge of commercial plant science. With special guests.
1.00pm - 2.30pm Lunch
Time to network, explore our living farm, our exhibition area and talk to our scientists via the live research portal.
Afternoon Session: 2.30pm – 4.00pm
How can we innovate and ensure we’re doing it responsibly?
This thought-provoking conversation will look at the four ingredients of responsible innovation with a very remarkable fish as a shining example.
Infusing traditional knowledge with deep tech: Rainstick's innovation journey
Discover how CSIRO’s innovation pathways have blended Indigenous knowledge with modern science to create sustainable agricultural solutions that respect Country and drive growth.
A cook up on stage with our special guests MasterChef’s Andy Allen and WildPie’s Jo Barrett
Learn more about what the future of sustainable aquaculture looks like featuring a special fish with a bright future.
4.00-5.00pm
Afternoon Power Down
Before we turn the lights out on AgCatalyst2024, join us to debrief on the day’s program and share those light bulb moments! Join us from 4:00 – 5:00pm for refreshments in our exhibition areas.
Download a copy of the AgCatalyst full day program DOCX (47 KB)
Who should attend
AgCatalyst is unmissable for leaders in the agriculture and food sector from industry, government, the tertiary sector, agri-business, and anyone interested in the innovative future of this sector.
Attendance at the event is by invitation only – please contact agcatalyst@csiro.au if you would like to attend.
Interested in talking to us about partnering for this exciting event?
Please contact Amie Herring about customising and adding your own inventive ways to showcase your ideas.
Some information that may assist you when planning your trip to our event
We can't wait to see you at Brisbane Powerhouse in November for our AgCatalyst 2024, where we'll celebrate science, innovation, sustainability (and have some fun!). We’ve compiled a list of the information we think may help you when planning for the event.
We’re aiming for maximum sustainability, so we’ve also got a few requests to help us reduce our carbon footprint and make this event as green as possible.
What to bring
- Your own reusable coffee cup and water bottle: If you’re like us and love to be prepared, pack these eco-friendly essentials. But hey, life happens! If you forget, no worries – you might just “win” one of our CSIRO-branded cups and bottles.
- Your own notepad and pen: To jot down all those brilliant ideas. Digital note-takers, your phone or tablet is your BFF.
- A camera or your phone: To capture the highlights and engage with our Event App and QR codes throughout the day and share on your social networks. Snap away!
What NOT to bring
- Food: We’ve got you covered with coffee on arrival, morning tea, afternoon tea, and lunch – all for our registered delegates. Hydration stations will also be available to refill your water bottle.
- Bugs: If you’re feeling under the weather, we’ll miss you, but we ask that you sit this one out. Health first, always!
What to wear
- Let's keep it sustainable: raid your wardrobe instead of buying something new.
- Brisbane can be hot and humid in November, but fear not, the venue is fully air-conditioned.
Transport to and from Brisbane Powerhouse
- Our venue sits right on the scenic Brisbane River, so why not arrive in style on the Brisbane ferry City Cat? It’s a fun ride from the city centre or South Brisbane/South Bank hotels.
- If ferries aren’t your thing, cars, rideshares, and public buses will get you here too.
- From Brisbane Airport: There is a direct train to South Brisbane and South Bank areas.
- Grab a go-card to access all public transport, and you’re good to go! And don’t forget Brisbane has 50c fares on all public transport.
- If you consider bike riding to the event, you can find your bike route.
- Consider carpooling. Details regarding parking at the event
Accommodation recommendations
- We haven’t partnered with any hotels, but we suggest staying somewhere that makes the most of Brisbane’s public transport. (see above)
- If you want to stroll to the event and get those steps up, consider booking a place in the New Farm area – just a short walk to the Powerhouse!
Accessibility information
- We picked this awesome venue for AgCatalyst 2024 because its accessibility game is on point! They’ve thought of everything to make your experience as inclusive as possible.
- Check out the full accessibility details at the Brisbane Powerhouse.
- If there is anything you’d like to chat about, please give our events team a shout via agcatalyst@csiro.au.
Networking Opportunities
- AgCatalyst 2024 is a networking bonanza! Make sure you’re signed up for the welcome event on 19th November 2024, to get you warmed up.
- At the main event – 20th Nov 2024, we’ve packed in long breaks and an extra-long lunch – also an hour from 4pm-5pm, perfect for mingling with exhibitors and fellow delegates. You’ll have plenty of time to connect, chat, and maybe even make a few new friends.
First time in Brisbane – here’s a guide on things to do
Highlights from AgCatalyst 2022
CSIRO partners
Event Partners for AgCatalyst 2024:
