In a fusion of Indigenous wisdom and cutting-edge technology, Darryl Lyons, a respected Maiawali man, and inventor Mic Black have launched Rainstick, an Indigenous biotech startup.

The venture is seeking to redefine sustainable agriculture by combining traditional Aboriginal practices

with modern science to enhance crop yields, minimise pesticide use, and fortify Australia's food systems.

The team has recently been highlighted as part of the upcoming SOUTHSTART 2024 festival held on 6 March in Adelaide, where they will narrate their unique journey in a session titled "Infusing Traditional Wisdom with Deep Tech: A Founder Fireside," sponsored by Australia's national science agency, CSIRO.

Rainstick originated from a shared vision in January 2022 when the concept of electro-culture sparked a conversation between Mr Lyons and Mr Black.

The technology, inspired by the natural process of lightning, aims to supercharge plant growth by enriching the soil with nitrogen-rich energy.

Mr Lyons, whose lineage is deeply connected to rainmaking traditions, saw an immediate connection to his heritage.

"Maiawali people...did rainmaking ceremonies to influence the systems to create electrical activity," he noted, highlighting the synergy between ancient practices and modern agricultural needs.

Translating this ancestral wisdom into a scalable solution posed challenges, and so the founders turned to CSIRO's ON Accelerate program, which transformed their approach by providing mentorship, resources, and an extensive network of experts and investors. This program has helped bring the concept to life and position it into a potential commercial venture.

The innovative leap didn't stop there; Rainstick's ambitions were further nurtured through the CSIRO Kick-Start program, enabling the founders to work with the country's leading agricultural scientists.

Mr Lyons reflects on the journey with pride and optimism, emphasising the integration of traditional Aboriginal knowledge to address global environmental issues.

"As we go forward trying to solve issues surrounding climate and biodiversity, I'm so passionate about creating a global solution," he said.

This collaborative spirit underscores the potential of blending ancient customs with contemporary science to lead sustainable agricultural practices into the future.

More information about SOUTHSTART 2024 is available online.