From revolutionising the way we process barley to transforming cooking with non-electric thermal technology, a wave of Australian startups is leading the charge in sustainable food and biotech innovation. Here’s a look at four forward-thinking companies changing the way we eat, cook, and think about food systems—from Melbourne to Brisbane.
Grainstone
Grainstone is on a mission to transform the humble barley grain into a powerhouse of possibilities. With its integrated, multi-product biorefining technology, the company is reimagining the barley value chain to produce everything from food ingredients and health supplements to aquafeed, bioplastics, and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). This diversified approach not only maximises the crop’s economic potential but also reduces waste and mitigates risk—making it a compelling model for circular economy solutions in agri-foodtech.
Barley, often overlooked in favour of more high-profile grains, is gaining new relevance in a climate-challenged world. It’s a low-input, climate-resilient crop that grows in abundance, making it an ideal candidate for large-scale biorefining. Grainstone’s technology is helping redefine barley’s role from a basic staple to a high-value, climate-smart resource for a sustainable future.
Hàli
Hàli brings artificial intelligence into the world of nutrition with a smart, personalised approach to dietary health. Acting as a digital dietitian, Hàli uses AI to deliver tailored nutrition advice, helping users make better food choices based on their health goals, medical needs, and lifestyle. The platform empowers individuals to take control of their wellness journeys with data-driven insights, all from the convenience of their mobile device.
The brains behind Hàli come from strong multidisciplinary backgrounds in engineering, medicine, and software development. Their goal? To bridge the gap between personalised healthcare and daily nutrition. With chronic lifestyle-related diseases on the rise, Hàli’s proactive approach offers a tech-powered path to prevention, and for those with existing conditions, better dietary management.
EasyOven
EasyOven is bringing innovation to the simplest of kitchen appliances with its non-electric, thermal heat retention cooker. This lightweight, fabric-based product is designed to retain heat and continue cooking food after it’s been removed from a traditional stove or oven—saving up to 90% of energy use in the process. It’s eco-friendly, economical, and ideal for off-grid living or emergency situations.
Weighing just 230 grams, the EasyOven is portable, washable, and folds away for easy storage. What started as a solution for reducing household energy bills and carbon footprints has evolved into a game-changing product with global potential. Whether used in developing regions without reliable electricity or in modern homes seeking sustainable solutions, EasyOven is proof that low-tech can still mean high impact.
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