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SeaStock Secures Federal Government Funding through Industry Growth Program

SeaStock

10/09/2024

SeaStock is delighted to announce that it has received national recognition and secured federal funding to further its mission of driving innovation in sustainable agriculture.This achievement comes as part of the Australian Federal Government’s Industry Growth Program (Program), a significant achievement that will enhance the company’s capabilities of scaling its products for commercialisation and use within the agricultural sector.

Last Tuesday, SeaStock had the honour of hosting Hon. Ed Husic, Member of Parliament and Minister for Industry and Science, at its Fremantle headquarters. Minister Husic’s visit marked an important milestone for the company as it continues to grow and develop cutting-edge solutions aimed at reducing methane emissions in agriculture.

Through the Program, SeaStock has been awarded an Early-Stage Commercialisation grant of $136,000 to conduct feasibility studies for its pilot plant, aimed at demonstrating its potential for commercialisation. The Early-Stage Commercialisation grant is designed to support businesses with innovative products, providing between $50,000 and $250,000.

More generally, the Program supports innovative small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across Australia and is designed to accelerate the growth of businesses with high potential in key sectors such as renewables, low emissions technologies, medical science, transport, value-add in the agriculture and more.

The Program’s key features include Industry Growth Program Advisers, who provide tailored advice, access to specialist advisory services from industry partner organisations and grant funding for eligible projects. These elements work together to support the commercialisation of new products and services, positioning businesses for national and international growth opportunities.

This support will be pivotal in advancing SeaStock’s production capabilities and highlights the company’s commitment to delivering solutions that meet industry needs and Australia’s broader economic and environmental goals. Additionally, it positions SeaStock for future scaling opportunities including the potential support of the National Reconstruction Fund (NRF).

SeaStock’s inclusion in the Program is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the SeaStock team, as well as its commitment to innovation and sustainability. The company is excited about the opportunities this support will unlock and looks forward to the positive impact it will have on its growth, the agriculture industry and sustainability efforts worldwide.

Tom Puddy, Managing Director of SeaStock, commented, “We are incredibly grateful to the Australian Government for their support through this federal grant, which reinforces our commitment to becoming the lowest-cost producer of bromoform for farmers. Our innovative dual-extraction method not only enhances efficiency but also makes methane-suppressing solutions more affordable for the agricultural sector. This grant will help us scale our operations and be crucial in delivering sustainable, cost-effective solutions that benefit both farmers and the environment.”

john macdonald

Founder & President of Food Security Solutions

John Macdonald is the Founder and President of Food Security Solutions and an experienced international executive with several decades of experience across the agribusiness, food and beverage, protein and food-security sectors.

John has worked extensively across global food systems, helping organisations adopt new technologies, improve productivity and develop more sustainable approaches to food production. Prior to returning to New Zealand and working across global engagements, he was based in the Middle East, where his work included projects with Almarai, the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, KAUST University and the Prime Minister’s Office in Dubai.

A significant focus of John's work has been developing commercial solutions around food security, organic waste, circular food systems and the productive reuse of organic materials. His combination of international commercial experience, food-system knowledge and focus on innovation provides SeaStock with valuable insight as the company develops opportunities across agriculture, sustainable protein and global food markets.

Izzi messina

Strategic Advisor to SeaStock

Izzi Messina is an experienced business and industry leader with a career spanning energy, resources, infrastructure and emerging markets. He currently leads Emerging Markets and Partnerships across Asia Pacific for Wood, working across complex opportunities in oil and gas, critical minerals, new energy and the broader energy transition.

Throughout his career, Izzi has worked at the intersection of business development, market strategy, stakeholder engagement and strategic partnerships, building relationships across industry, government and the wider energy ecosystem. His experience in taking large-scale industrial opportunities from strategy through to commercial development provides SeaStock with valuable expertise as the company expands its technology into global markets.

As Strategic Advisor to SeaStock, Izzi supports stakeholder management and the development of commercial opportunities, with a particular focus on Western Australian innovation and building meaningful partnerships with Indigenous communities. He is passionate about the opportunity for Australian science, infrastructure and natural resources to create high-value industries across agriculture, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and food.

DR Rob Kinley

Discovered the Asparagopsis Methane Effect

Dr Rob Kinley is an internationally recognised agricultural scientist specialising in the environmental and nutritional aspects of livestock and food production. With a background spanning analytical chemistry, soil science, environmental science and animal biology, Rob has dedicated much of his career to developing practical solutions that improve livestock productivity while reducing agriculture’s environmental impact.

During his time as a Senior Research Scientist and project leader with CSIRO Agriculture and Food, Rob played a pioneering role in the research that identified the extraordinary methane-reducing potential of Asparagopsis seaweed in cattle and sheep. His work helped drive the development and commercialisation of the technology that ultimately became FutureFeed, where he went on to serve as Chief Scientist.

Rob has more than three decades of experience across agricultural research, environmental science and livestock systems in Australia and internationally. He has authored and contributed to numerous scientific studies relating to Asparagopsis and enteric methane reduction and is widely recognised as one of the leading scientific voices in the development of seaweed-based solutions for lower-emission livestock production.

DR SANJANA SENTHILKuMaR

Research Scientist

Dr Sanjana Senthilkumar is a Ph.D. graduate of Philosophy in Biosciences and Bioengineering, from the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, and holds a Bachelor of Technology in biochemistry from Sathyabama University, in India. During this time Sanjana gained vast research knowledge on plant secondary metabolites and their physiochemical properties. Her nearly decade-long experience spans across plant tissue culture, natural product chemistry, photo-physics, and various analytical techniques. She possesses skill in experimental design, research review, execution, data analysis, and scientific writing. She has led and executed a research entrepreneurship project, which involved design, development, and patenting of an innovative apparatus for use in chemistry laboratories. Additionally, she has undertaken several roles as a trainer, teaching assistant, supervisor, instrument operator, and laboratory demonstrator. Sanjana has been appointed to the position of Research Scientist to support the next phase of the Company’s commercial growth. Tasked specifically with helping establish a scientific approach to developing sustainable and commercially viable biomass growth of macro algae.

Zoe HOpKINSON

Production Technician

In 2023 Zoe completed a Bachelors in Coastal and Marine Science at Curtin University. During her study Zoe also gained work experience as an aquaculture volunteer, including roles with PhD students and Department Primary Industry Resource Development (DPIRD).  In addition Zoe worked at the Geraldton TAFE commercial hatchery, which introduced her knowledge to cultivate Asparagopsis seaweed and aquaculture operations.
Within completing Zoe's degree, she also completed field work studies on fish behaviours and interacted with multiple marine based professionals.  Zoe had access to innovative technology that made her learning & experiences much more immersive and accessible, enabling her to gain experience in technologies, equipment and platforms used within the aquaculture research industry.  Zoe is thrilled to be a part of the Seastock science team, which has further ignited her passion for the ocean and participating in work which will benefit the state of our climate. Working towards a more positive future for all.