Business
David talks with RapidAIM co-founder and co-inventor Dr Nancy Schellhorn, on her journey from CSIRO scientist to CEO with $1.25million of funding.They discuss the impact on Australian farmers that RapidAIM has had in a very short time, minimising labour and food waste, with solutions that solve an estimated $300million problem area for the nation’s horticulture sector and economy.Nancy reflects on the pathway from her first steps into customer discovery and commercialisation, to onboarding talent as an unknown new business in Australia, and the support and mentoring she valued along the way to make it happen.They also chat about how Australian scientists are the best-placed people to help make a genuine difference in the world, with the step-change, skills, support and network.Dr Schellhorn is a scientist with over 30 years in entomology. A former CSIRO scientist, Nancy has contributed to many national and international committees and advisory panels and served 10 years on the Federal Office of Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) Technical Advisory Committee, the GRDC National Grains Pest Advisory (GPAC) Committee, the Cotton Industry Bt Technical Advisory Committee, and the OECD Integrated Pest Management Advisory Committee. Host: David Burt Producer and Editor: Sarah Frazer