Agricultural innovation in controlled environment horticulture

What makes controlled environment agriculture a game-changer for food security?

Save the date • March 28 2025 • UNE Armidale campus

Join year 10 students, university students, industry leaders, and expert researchers to explore next-gen agtech, robotics and space farming.

Fueled by imagination, creativity and tech-savviness, participants will form teams to ideate and problem-solve together. Whether you’re a student eager to learn, an industry leader ready to share your expertise, or a researcher looking to inspire, your involvement is crucial. This is also a fantastic opportunity for networking and discovering new talent for your industry or research.

Building on the success of our 2024 Agmentation in Schools program—which saw students across the New England North West develop innovative solutions for agricultural challenges—we're excited to announce our next initiative focused on controlled environment horticulture innovation.

 

Program background
The 2024 program delivered in partnership with the NSW Government, culminated in the AgTech Youth Innovation Summit at UNE SMART Farm. Students tackled real-world agricultural challenges using AI and modern technology, with Narrabri High School winning the pitch competition for their innovative floating solar panel solution. Their success led to an exciting opportunity to pitch their idea on the national stage at evokeAG 2025, demonstrating how these programs can open doors for regional students to showcase their innovations at a national level.

Industry insight day
This immersive day brings together leading industry partners including Australian Natural Therapeutics Group, Costa Group, the Berry Farm, and UNE's advanced glasshouse facilities.
Date: Friday 28 March
Location: UNE, Armidale

For schools outside Armidale

  • Arrival: March 27 evening

  • Accommodation: UNE colleges

  • Evening activities: Campus tour and networking dinner

Program highlights

  • Breakfast at UNE Potting shed

  • Industry insight sessions from leading agricultural innovators

  • Guided tour of UNE's state-of-the-art glasshouse facilities

  • Interactive design-thinking and ideation workshop

  • Networking opportunities with industry professionals

  • Program concludes at 2pm to facilitate return travel

Note: Industry speakers are currently being confirmed. Full program details, including confirmed speakers, will be provided following your expression of interest.

This program is proudly delivered by the Office of Regional Economic Development and Training Services NSW under the Regional Investment Attraction Program, Targeted Workforce Development Scheme.

 
 
 

  • Year 10 students, university students, industry leaders, and expert researchers.

  • Fueled by imagination, creativity and tech-savviness, participants will form teams to ideate and problem-solve together.

  • Free - but make sure to register your interest!

  • Contact the UNE SRI team via email

 

Future program components (May 2025 - Week 4 and 5)

Building on the March industry day, we will deliver two additional program elements, teacher professional development sessions and the mini-augmentation in schools program.

Teacher professional development

  • Afternoon sessions at participating schools

  • Focus on AI in education

  • Program context and implementation

  • Teaching resources and support materials

Mini-Agmentation in schools program

  • Returning to Moree, Narrabri, Tamworth, and Armidale

  • Hands-on innovation workshops

  • Building on March industry insights

  • Practical application of learning