CBH Group and Deimos launch Acova, appoints CEO

CBH Group and Perth-based technology company Deimos Laboratory are pleased to announce the launch of Acova Pty Ltd, a joint venture established to develop, produce and commercialise advanced grain quality assessment technologies.

Acova’s flagship product is a next-generation Visual Analysis (VA) solution that automates key steps in the grain analysis process.

Using machine learning algorithms and custom hardware, the VA solution detects grain defects, foreign material and weed seeds in wheat, barley and oats.

Piloted over the past two years at several CBH receival sites, the technology has received positive feedback from growers and employees for its speed, consistency and transparency. Analysis times have been reduced, and growers benefit from real-time visibility of defect images via CBH’s CDF app.

Building on this success, CBH plans to expand the VA deployment to more receival sites for the coming harvest, with details currently being finalised.

In a milestone for the venture, Acova is pleased to announce the appointment of Marcus Ashby as its inaugural permanent Chief Executive Officer, effective 8 September 2025.

Marcus brings extensive experience in strategic leadership, transformation and growth across the technology sector. Most recently, he served as Chief Executive Officer of INX Software, where he led a successful transformation program, launched new cloud-based products, and integrated multiple acquisitions while maintaining strong financial performance.

His previous leadership roles at NEC Australia and Fujitsu further demonstrate his ability to scale operations and drive innovation in complex environments.

Marcus’s recent advisory work with a hardware-oriented energy technology venture has broadened his exposure to product development and supply chain dynamics, experience that will be invaluable as Acova continues to refine its suite of products and explore new applications in agriculture and beyond.

Acova would like to extend its sincere thanks to Dr Craig McLure, CBH Group’s Head of Grain Technology, who has served as interim Chief Executive Officer over the past three months.

Dr McLure’s leadership and deep commitment to Acova’s technology have been instrumental in establishing the joint venture and advancing its development. He will now return to his role at CBH.

Deimos won the Innovation Award at the WA Government’s 2024 WA Innovator of the Year Awards, for their contributions to the Acova VA solution.