Why launch a Drought Venture Studio?

• Drought has always been a challenge for farmers, and climate change means that droughts will become more frequent, more intense, and last longer than we have known.
• Australia already invests in the knowledge and R&D on drought and climate-resilient agriculture. Our challenge, however, is the low rate at which IP is successfully commercialised and turned into products and services to help farmers.
• There is no pathway that allows IP owners to remain in full-time work while validating the commercial potential of their IP or beginning to properly commercialise. A very small percentage of IP owners decide to commercialise their work full time. A much larger cohort does not take this risk or cannot make this commitment.
• At the same time, there is a growing community of skilled professionals with a deep understanding of startup creation who are motivated to transition their career toward creating impact. They are competing for limited opportunities in the market, and often lack access to IP to found a venture.
• The Beanstalk Venture Studio connects IP owners with a flexible pathway for commercialisation that does not require them to leave their full-time role. It connects IP owners with experienced founders and a dedicated venture building team to commercialise their I

What is the Drought Venture Studio?

• Specialised Venture Studio Model: The Drought Venture Studio, launched by Beanstalk Ventures, is the world’s first venture studio focused on agriculture to enhance drought and climate resilience for farmers. Unlike a startup accelerator, it’s involved in the earliest stages, from IP validation to startup formation, using a repeatable methodology for market validation and venture creation.
• Collaboration with Universities and Research Institutes: Over the next two years, the studio will work with around 100 IP owners from universities and research institutions to validate the commercial potential of their IP. Phase 1 lasts 90 days, during which Innovators collaborate with Venture Builders to validate their IP and pitch their ventures to an Investment Committee.
• Role of Innovators and Founders: During Phase 1, Innovators are introduced to potential Founders who will lead the commercialisation in Phase 2 if selected. Innovators can stay involved as Co-Founders or Scientific Advisors, retaining equity while managing their existing commitments. Phase 2 offers full-time opportunities for Founders and flexible, part-time roles for Innovators.
• Partnerships and Industry Connections: The Drought Venture Studio leverages its global network of industry partners and Beanstalk’s advisory connections to provide new ventures with access to trial partners, customers, and investors, ensuring strong support for successful commercialisation.

Who should apply to participate in Beanstalk Drought Venture Studio?

For the 2nd round of Expressions of Interest closing on 29th September,  the Drought Venture Studio is prioritising the recruitment of Innovators. These are participants with ideas and intellectual property (IP) that can underpin new drought resilience products and services for Australian farmers.

 Innovators are likely to be:

• Researchers: Individuals working at universities or research institutes who have developed IP relevant to drought. These Innovators might be research scientists, fellows, professors, or associate professors who wish to stay in their current roles rather than focus full-time on commercialisation.

• Technical Experts: Professionals with IP or technological solutions that could be used to build drought resilience in agriculture that are yet to be successfully commercialised, possibly due to a lack of funding, organisational priority, or commercial support.

• University Students: Masters or PhD candidates working on IP related to drought or climate resilience who are looking to explore commercialisation opportunities.

 Why should Innovators participate in the Drought Venture Studio?

• The Drought Venture Studio provides Innovators with an effective new pathway to remain in full-time work while commercialising their IP alongside an expert team, with funding and a validated methodology.
• Unlike other IP commercialisation programs, the Drought Venture Studio does not require a full-time commitment from Innovators at any stage of commercialisation.
• The Drought Venture Studio offers substantial support to new ventures at their earliest stage. Selected ventures can receive up to $250,000 of support and be supported to recruit a qualified Co-Founder. Participation is free of cost.
• Unlike other accelerator or commercialisation programs, the Drought Venture Studio does not take equity in new ventures. All financial support provided within the program is non-dilutive.
• The Venture Studio approach to venture building is not a startup education program. Our Venture Builders, each with their own unique experience building and scaling new companies, will work within new ventures to maximise commercial outcomes.