You bring the problem, we’ll help you solve it.

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Australian horticulture is among the most innovative in the world, yet it can take 2X longer and cost up to $200K more for regional innovation to get to market.

We’re here to change that.

The program is open to everyone who works in horticulture and its value chain to help you you solve challenges on-farm and in the supply chain.

And, in doing so, grow your business and the future of Australian horticulture.

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Globally

proven programme

Local

mentors with industry experience

Backed

by the power of Hort Innovation

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A three part program, run twice annually.

Australian Grown Innovation is designed in three parts. Join one part or apply for them all. There is something for everyone, whether you are a seasoned innovator or complete beginner.  

All stages are 100% free, co-funded by Hort Innovation Frontiers, Startupbootcamp and our program partners.

Part 1

Engage

One day workshops and online sessions to help you come up with your idea, or improve one.

Learn more

Part 2

Incubate

A six week intensive to help you turn your idea into a validated product plan.

Learn more

Part 3

Build

A twelve week program to build a prototype of your idea and prove it in market.

Learn more

Who should join in?

Australian Grown Innovation is open to everyone who works in horticulture. You can be new to innovation or a seasoned creator. You don’t have to be good at computers or have earned great marks at school. Just the willingness to learn and make your business stronger. Past participants include everyone from apple growers to weather predictors. If you or your business is part of the horticulture value chain, Australian Grown Innovation is for you.

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Growers

Growers looking to improve their business

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Producers

Companies looking to bring a new product or process to market

Suppliers

New ideas for improving the horticulture supply chain

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Researchers

New technologies looking to commercialise

Part 1: Engage

New to innovation? Begin here.

In less than a day, you’ll learn the fundamentals of innovation, how it can drive your business forward and get practical tools to begin.

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Time commitment:

5 hours, in person or online.

What you’ll learn:

  • What is innovation

  • How it can help you

  • How to design a business-changing idea

Who should join:

  • First time innovators

  • Business owners

  • Those who have an idea or problem but aren’t sure where to begin

  • Industry bodies wanting to learn to help their members innovate

Sessions happen across the country all year round, with new ones added regularly.

Find a session

Part 2: Incubate

Prepare your idea for success.

Build the basics of a successful product. Learn to test assumptions and adapt your idea to create a product the world wants.

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Time commitment:

3 hours a week for six weeks, all online.

What you’ll learn:

  • How to plan and test different variations on your idea

  • What it takes to achieve product-market fit

Who should join:

  • Anyone with an innovation that is outlined but needs proper planning

Cohorts run twice annually. Express your interest and we’ll tell you when applications open.

Express interest

Part 3: Build

Build a prototype and test it in market.

Create, test and iterate a working prototype of your product. Learn to pitch it to customers then present it live to industry and investors at Demo Day.

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Time commitment:

3 hours a week online for 12 weeks, plus time spent on your build.

What you’ll learn:

  • How to create and iterate a prototype of your idea

  • What to put in a pitch deck and how to present it

  • Who to connect with to commercialise successfully

Who should join:

  • Anyone with an innovation looking to move from concept to market

  • Innovators looking for investment

  • Innovators looking to accelerate the adoption of their solution by the horticulture industry

Cohorts run twice annually. Express your interest and we’ll tell you when applications open.

Express interest

Which part of the program should I join?

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Send us an email

Frequently asked questions

  • If you’re a grower, researcher or part of the horticulture supply chain, this program is for you. As long as your goal is to create or grow an idea that helps improve the industry, this program is for you.

  • There are three parts to the Australian-Grown Innovation program.

    Part one is Engage Workshops designed to help you learn the fundamentals of problem solving in a fun, four hour session. Whether you are an absolute beginner or simply want some practical tools, these sessions are for you.

    Part two is the Incubate stage of the program. This is for people who have an idea and want to explore if it has what it takes to be commercialised. It’s a six week intensive to help you turn your idea into a validated product plan.

    Part three is the Build stage. This twelve week program helps you build a prototype of your idea and prove it in market, ready for commercialisation.

    So, whatever your past experience, there’s a stage of the program for you.

  • Australian-Grown Innovation is free to join and be a part of thanks to funding and co-funding from Hort Innovation Frontiers, Startupbootcamp and our program partners.

    Your only out of pocket expenses will be to travel to events (if necessary) and of course to develop your idea as needed.

  • Australian-Grown Innovation does not directly fund ideas, however we provide you the tools and coaching support to get your innovation pitch-ready for investment.

    Investment is possible via Hort Innovation and the wider Australian horticulture industry, however it is not guaranteed to participants.

    If you participate in the Build stage of the program you will also be given the opportunity to pitch your idea to dozens of investors, industry leaders, government representatives, growers and key stakeholders who are passionate about the sector.

  • Absolutely.

    The Australian-Grown Innovation program supports promising startups by connecting ambitious founders with the resources, mentors, industry leaders and investors they need to scale.

    As the leading innovation program for Australian horticulture we are well placed to connect you with the people and companies you need to succeed.

  • A great program. Digital learning provides what you need. Masterclasses reaffirm learning. 1-2-1 meetings top it off.

    Mark Trzaskoma, Ace Apples

  • The program taught me excellent tools, provided great support and advanced our project significantly.

    Jenn Honnery, North Queensland Farmers

  • It gives non-business people the encouragement and skill to start to validate an idea or theory that could enhance the industry.

    Drew Trouw, Cropwise

Have questions? Let's talk

Send us a note and we’ll get back to you shortly

The innovation program by horticulture, for horticulture.

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