The development of industry-led solutions for Australian horticulture is advancing with the launch of the first Build phase of the Australian-Grown Innovation initiative, a program coordinated by Hort Innovation Frontiers.
Following the Incubate phase earlier this year, the Build phase brings together ten participants, including growers, researchers, and entrepreneurs. The cohort will refine and scale their concepts with the support of mentoring, technical input, and commercialisation pathways aimed at ensuring outcomes that are practical and relevant to the sector.
The initiative is part of Hort Innovation's broader strategy to encourage innovation within horticulture and to develop solutions aligned with grower needs. According to Hort Innovation CEO Brett Fifield, the Build phase provides a framework for participants to move from concept to solution. "The Build phase is where ideas become solutions, and where collaboration turns into impact," he said.
© Hort Innovation
Anna Barlow, Food and Agriculture Innovation Partner at Startupbootcamp, said the program is structured to guide participants in developing their projects further. "The Build phase is designed to give our cohort the tools, connections, and confidence to turn their ideas into reality," she noted.
The selected cohort includes Mark Trzaskoma from Ace Apples, Jenn Honnery from the Bowen Gumlu Growers Association, and Alastair Duncan from Bunya Nut. Rachel Davis and Michaela Alexander represent the Bureau of Meteorology, while Luke Nelson is participating from FieldBound Engineering. Martin Kaderavek is part of the program with Pectin 360, and Aiden van den Berg represents SMA Marketing. Corina Javier and Elizabeth Blotevogel are with Summit Laboratory Services, Jessica Brunner is with The Bee Buddy, and Ceilidh Meo is involved through the Long Road Olive Co-operative.
The Australian-Grown Innovation initiative is funded through Hort Innovation Frontiers, with co-investment from Startupbootcamp and contributions from the Australian Government.
This program will run over the next five years. Those wishing to participate in future Engage, Incubate, or Build stages can learn more or sign up at www.frontiers.au.
© Hort InnovationFor more information:
Shannon O'Mara
Hort Innovation
Tel: +61 427 142 537
Email: [email protected]
www.horticulture.com.au
