Innovation often moves faster than funding can keep up, leaving groundbreaking ideas stuck in limbo during critical development phases. This is especially true for businesses relying on programs like the R&D Tax Incentive, where the gap between investment and reimbursement can create significant cash flow challenges.
A new approach is addressing this issue: non-dilutive strategic funding, designed to bridge these timing gaps without requiring founders to sacrifice equity. Alex Knight, Managing Director of Advanced, describes this as “capital as a service,” providing tailored funding solutions when entrepreneurs need them most—right at the intersection of innovation and opportunity.
By covering timing gaps like those in the R&D Tax Incentive, this model empowers businesses to move forward confidently, accelerating progress while maintaining ownership.
Hear our conversation with Alex on "APAC Weekly" on SBS On Demand on Sunday, or click the link in comments to watch the full interview.
#ConversationsShapingOurFuture #FundingGap #Entrepreneurs #StartUps #R&D #TacIncentives #Technology #Innovation
The future of farming is here, and it’s being shaped by robotics. With global food demand projected to increase by 70% by 2050, technology is stepping in to ensure agriculture can meet the challenge. Robots are no longer just a vision of the future—they’re working alongside farmers today, transforming how we grow and harvest food.
As Andrew Bate, Founder and CEO of SwarmFarm Robotics, explains, advanced machines equipped with AI and sensors are doing more than reducing labor costs—they’re enabling precision farming at an unprecedented scale. From automating planting and harvesting to monitoring crops with pinpoint accuracy, robotics is helping farmers minimize pesticide use, improve yields, and tackle pressing challenges like labor shortages and sustainability.
You can catch our interview with Andrew this Sunday on "APAC Weekly" on SBS On Demand. Or click on the link in comments to watch the full interview.
#ConversationsShapingOurFuture #FutureofFood #FutureofFarming #Robotics #AI #AdvancedMachines #Technology #Innovation
Technology is reshaping the insurance landscape in profound ways. Traditionally complex and rigid, insurance is transforming into a more flexible and customer-focused industry.
Modular platforms and digital solutions are enabling insurers to adapt quickly, creating tailored coverage that moves away from the one-size-fits-all model. This evolution is about more than efficiency—it’s about fostering resilience and security in a rapidly changing world.
The real challenge lies in how fast the industry can embrace these changes to meet growing demands for personalization and accessibility.
Nigel Fellowes-Freeman, Founder and CEO of Kanopi explains that innovation in legacy industries like insurance and banking, is finally catching up.
Catch our chat with Nigel this Sunday on "APAC Weekly" on SBS On Demand. Or click the link in comments to watch the full converation.
#ConversationsShapingOurFuture #Insurtech #FutureOfInsurance #DigitalTransformation #Innovation
With technology transforming nearly every sector, the food industry is seeing its own digital revolution.
Globally, the food sector is projected to grow at a significant rate, reaching over $11 trillion by 2030—and yet, compliance processes in food management have largely remained outdated and paper-based.
Squizify CEO and founder Daniel McDouall explains how as more consumers demand transparency, safety, and sustainability, modern solutions are needed to meet the high standards of food safety and quality.
Hear what Daniel has to say about his solution to the problem, and more broadly, the Future of Food, on "APAC Weekly, airing on SBS On Demand on Sunday.
You can also watch the full interview by clicking the link in comments.
#ConversationsShapingOurFuture #FoodTech #Innovation #DigitalTransformation #FoodSafety #Sustainability
As the world’s biggest challenges intensify, the call for genuine social and environmental impact from business has never been louder. Investors are recognizing that companies driven by purpose aren’t just good for the planet—they’re smart business.
Backing startups with a mission to make a difference taps into something powerful: customer loyalty that goes beyond transactions. Purpose-driven companies hold the potential to build deeply engaged communities, strengthening their prospects for lasting growth and resilience in an ever-evolving market.
Wayne Gerard, founder of Prtnr, shares his approach to identifying which companies to support, looking for those rare ventures capable of scaling positive impact. He’s proving that investing with purpose isn’t just an ethical choice; it’s a strategic one with the power to shape industries and improve lives.
Our conversation with Wayne will air on "APAC Weekly" this Sunday on SBS On Demand. Make sure to tune in!
You can also watch the conversation with Wayne by clicking the link in comments.
#ConversationsShapingOurFuture #Investing #ImpactInvesting #VentureCapital #ClimateChange #PositiveImpact
The retail sector accounts for nearly 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, yet over 80% of retailers remain unprepared to meet critical sustainability targets. As consumer demand for transparency and accountability grows, businesses face mounting pressure to take real action.
With the ambitious goal of removing one gigaton of CO2 from the atmosphere by 2030, innovative solutions like Klean Technologies are stepping up to help retailers accurately track their ESG performance and effectively reduce emissions.
Coming up this Sunday on "APAC Weekly" on SBS On Demand... an interview with Shan V., Founder and CEO of Klean Technologies, to explore how they are leading this change.
#ConversationsShapingOurFuture #Sustainability #RetailInnovation #ClimateAction #ESG #SustainableRetail #CO2Reduction #CleanTech #LeadershipInAction
Child trafficking is a global crisis affecting 1.2 million children each year, with Africa accounting for 20% of the victims. The MX4 Foundation has taken up the fight.
Dedicated to strengthening government agencies and local communities to combat child trafficking and sexual exploitation, the foundation focusses on prevention, protection, prosecution, and partnership. The team providing vital support to vulnerable children while prosecuting perpetrators using innovative technology and AI.
Watch our conversation with co-founder Dean Morgan this Sunday on "APAC Weekly" on SBS On Demand.
#ConversationsShapingOurFuture #Foundation #SavingLives #ProtectingChildren #MX4Foundation Kali Morgan
In the race to net-zero, sustainable procurement is a game-changer. With supply chains responsible for up to 80% of harmful environmental impacts, procurement teams have the power to drive meaningful change.
Planet Price | B Corp, co-founded by Debbie O'Byrne, is revolutionizing this space by providing real-world metrics that empower teams to measure and assess the true economic, environmental, and social impacts of their decisions.
Watch the conversation with Debbie by clicking the link in comments.
#ConversationsShapingOurFuture #PlanetPrice #SustainableProcurement #Innovation #Innovators #Tech #AI
Delivering a climate-positive Brisbane 2032 Olympics is a game-changer. UQ researchers are leading the charge, exploring innovative solutions to set a new standard for sustainable mega-events. As Dr. Tony Heynen explains, it’s about more than reducing emissions—it’s rethinking infrastructure, energy, and community engagement. Watch the full conversation via the link in bio.
#ConversationsShapingOurFuture #Sustainability #Brisbane2032 #ClimateAction #Innovation
Don't miss "APAC Weekly" on SBS on Sunday... we're talking to Kevin Trenberth from NSF NCAR & UCAR and The University of Auckland - Waipapa Taumata Rau about how critical it is that we act on global warming -- he warns that "hacking the planet" is NOT the answer.
The The University of Queensland's Peter Mumby explains why the recent coral bleaching on the Great Barrier Reef is so significant, and Sebastian Pfautsch GAICD of the Western Sydney University explains that we can help reduce the impact of global warming in our cities, AND cut our power bills... by changing the colour of our roof.
And UNSW Sydney’s Denis O'Carroll gives a concerning account on the impact of "forever chemicals".
#conversationsshapingourfuture #research #science #marinescience #greatbarrierreef #solarpower #geoengineering #foreverchemicals #cityshaping #urbanwarming #globalwarming
On this International Women's Day we, at APAC Network, are recognising the extraordinary contributions of women everywhere, along with all of the men who support us.
A special shoutout to all of the incredible and inspiring women who have shared their expertise, their time and their knowledge with us at APAC Network -- helping us to spread awareness on how we all can shape a more sustainable future.
Let's stand together for equality, empowerment, and inclusivity.
#IWD2024 #Empowerment #inclusivity #knowledge
Alex Hyndman Hill Jillian Whiting
The climate crisis that all of us face, every country, every community across the globe, is so urgent, so complex and so devastating – particularly in developing countries – that we have to tackle this as a global community.
This original series "Investing for a Greener World" produced by APAC Network, showcases how International Financial Institutions are striving to shape a sustainable future for our planet. A collaboration of the Asian Development Bank, The World Bank, Nordic Investment Bank (NIB), European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), Caribbean Development Bank, Islamic Development Bank Group - isdb.org, Inter-American Development Bank and the African Development Bank Group.
Watch the series highlights here: https://apacnetwork.com/story/series-overview-cop28-global-campaign/
#conversationsshapingourfuture #climatechange #climatechangesolutions #climatefinance #mdbs #frontierscience #decarbonisation #netzero #collaboration #internationaldevelopment