Ararat Jobs and Technology Precinct

Our mission

We aim to contribute effectively to the development of a sustainable regional economy and generate positive change, with a major focus on agribusiness, renewable energy, health and well-being, inclusive wealth, and promoting a circular economy. We want to drive regional innovation and economic growth through collaborative, industry‑connected research that addresses real‑world challenges in the Ararat region.

About the precinct

The Ararat Jobs and Technology Precinct brings together Federation University, Ararat Rural City, local industry, and the community to support economic growth and job creation in the region.

Similar to the Horsham Research Hub, the precinct focuses on collaboration to address regional challenges and opportunities, with an initial emphasis on agribusiness. Key research areas include climate resilience, regenerative agriculture, smart technologies, and biomass energy. The precinct connects local partners with national and global networks to deliver research with real‑world impact.

This includes projects like the GrainSupp tool, which uses AI and blockchain technology to improve grain traceability and has been developed in collaboration with local farmers, industry groups, and international partners. Through this work, the precinct is helping to drive innovation and strengthen regional communities.

AJTP’s vision is to be nationally and globally recognised as the premier source of evidence-based, industry-relevant knowledge and resources for regional economic development.

Objectives

Conduct high-quality research and produce evidence-based and industry-relevant research outputs
Translate research findings to effectively engage with industry, engineering positive impacts for end-users
Nurture early career researchers and develop their capacity to promote their research with the aim of attracting external research incomes
Strengthen existing strategic partnerships with government agencies, profit and non-profit organisations with the aim of securing repeatedly funded research projects
Seek new strategic partnerships with large and private organisations in targeted industries with the aim of seeking industry partners for funding project-based research students

Goals

Develop an inclusive economic model for regional economic development
Set up industry-co-founded higher degree by research projects and recruit quality candidates.
Generate growth in research income
Achieve an increase in research outputs in quality outlets
Research engagement and impact

Contact us

If you have any questions about the Ararat Jobs and Technology Precinct, please contact Professor Harpinder Sandhu via harpinder.sandhu@federation.edu.au.

AJTP in action

Destination Australia
Centre for Australia India Relations
Ararat Rural City
Wyndham Park Community Centre
Parks Victoria
CSIRO
International Food Policy Research Institute
FAO Fiat Panis
United Nations Environment Program
Food Agility
Inrae
Global Alliance for the Future of Food
FES
Aleph Farms
Gist Impact
The University of Adelaide
Bordeaux Sciences Agro
University of Essex
IIT Bombay
University of South Australia
University of East Anglia
Sikh Volunteers Australia
PPS
IBM