The technology behind Owls Eat Rats is more RI (raptor intelligence) than AI-based, but it solves a big agricultural problem and won the $50,000 grant prize at the Hatch: Taronga Accelerator Program pitch last week.
Six startups were involved in the annual program, which culminated in the pitch night at Taronga Zoo Sydney.
Owls Eat Rats is based in the Northern Rivers region of NSW and supports barn owl populations as a natural, long-term solution for rodent control in agriculture.
Founder Alastair Duncan instals nesting boxes, hunting roosts, and ecological monitoring, to restore habitat and promote the return of owls as native predators on farms, collaboratively with farmers to encourage more sustainable farming practices and cut chemical inputs
We’re thrilled to be awarded the $50,000 prize from Taronga’s incredible Hatch program,” Duncan said.
“It’s been a privilege and fantastic opportunity to engage with likeminded changemakers, subject matter experts and the wider Taronga network. We’re excited to continue our mission of supporting healthier landscapes and reducing reliance on harmful chemicals by working with more farmers to create owl-friendly habitats through this funding.”
Hatch, now in its fifth year, is the world’s only accelerator program led by a conservation zoo. It’s designed to help eco-preneurs take their idea from vision to reality , supporting innovator tackling some of the planet’s most pressing environmental and conservation challenges.
Taronga Conservation Society CEO, Cameron Kerr said the judges were particularly inspired by Owls Eat Rats founder, Alastair Duncan.
“His deep understanding of ecological systems, commitment to biodiversity, and the potential to scale this innovative approach across agricultural landscapes made a strong impression,” he said.
“Supporting native owl populations as a form of natural rodent control is a simple yet powerful idea—one that promotes healthier farms, reduces reliance on harmful chemicals, and helps re-balance ecosystems.”
REUSABLY founders Matt Bowie and Mary Kelly with Cameron Kerr (centre).
Kerr said they were “incredibly impressed” by the calibre of the 2025 Hatch cohort and the nine founders involved in the six startups.
Each of the startup founders offered thoughtful and practical solutions to some of the most urgent environmental challenges—from rescuing surplus food and reducing packaging waste, to restoring degraded land and reforming the floristry industry for a more sustainable future,” he said.
Others were recognised with $5000 prizes. People’s Choice Award, decided by public vote, which was presented to Reusably; and the LG Life’s Good Award, which went to ALBON.
Hatch has now granted $488,000 in funding and has connected 29 teams with more than 100 mentors and subject matter experts. Previous startups involved include edible coffee cups Good-Edi and Xylo Systems, which simplifies biodiversity measurement.
Taronga CEO Cameron Kerr and Hatch Accelerator Program founders
