Calling agrifood tech innovators: Applications now open for 2024 evoke^AG. Startup Program

Applications are now open for the evoke^AG. Startup Program, where 29 startups will get a free pass to participate in evoke^AG. 2024 in Perth on the 20-21 February 2024. The flagship component of the program, Startup Alley powered by Syngenta, will showcase the most innovative and exceptional companies in agrifood tech innovation from Australia, and across the globe.

Ten of these startups will also be selected by AgriFutures to demonstrate their technology to event-goers at evoke^AG. 2024 on the demo stage in the exhibition space, and a small contingent of Australian and New Zealand companies will be selected to present to potential customers and investors at the event’s invite only Culinary Capital Dinner.

AgriFutures General Manger, Global Innovation Networks, Harriet Mellish said startups and scaleups, both locally and globally, who are creating solutions to benefit and drive positive change to Australian agriculture, are encouraged to apply.

“We want to see applications from companies that will, or already are, helping to revolutionise the agrifood sector, have strong market potential, and a clear vision for the future,” Ms Mellish said.

“evoke^AG. 2024 is about showcasing our exceptional edge to the world and helping our delegates – especially producers – find their cutting edge.

“Through the Program, startups and scaleups with exceptional technology will have an opportunity to demonstrate their exceptional edge and connect with potential investors, partners, and customers.

“Since its inception in 2019, this Program has helped foster a thriving and successful agrifood and technology sector, supporting investment in, and growth of, more than 80 Australian and global agrifood tech innovation startups.”

CEO of Zondii, Danielle Morton a 2023 participant in the evoke^AG. Startup Program said the Program springboarded their company’s success as they worked towards being the world’s first smartphone verification tool for food and handheld verification tool for fibre.

“It was an invaluable opportunity for the growth of our business, not only opening doors to investment and partnerships, but allowing us to talk directly to the people who will use and benefit from our technology – potential customers,” Ms Morton said.

“We spoke to around 30 wool producers at evoke^AG. 2023 in Adelaide and met a large sheep machinery manufacturer who we are in discussions with about potential opportunities.

“I couldn’t recommend the Program more and would strongly encourage any startups in the agrifood sector to apply. Not only did it help meet immediate needs, but helped grow our network of researchers who will be excellent collaborators in the future when we complete a future food campaign.”

For the first time ever, evoke^AG. 2024 will be accepting applications from evoke^AG. Startup Alumni to exhibit at the new Scaleup Station. Scaleups who have previously participated in Startup Alley, and have evolved from emerging agrifood tech startups to scaleup businesses, will have the opportunity demonstrate their advancements, connect with potential partners, and further accelerate their growth journey.

Applications for the evoke^AG. 2024 Startup Program open Monday, 18 September 2023, and are set to close Monday, 23 October 2023.

For more information on the evoke^AG. 2024 Startup Program and Scaleup opportunities, eligibility criteria, entitlements and to apply visit: evokeag.com/startups.

For more information about evoke^AG. 2024, and to purchase tickets visit evokeag.com/2024. AgriFutures Australia is encouraging delegates to secure their tickets, flights, and accommodation early to avoid disappointment.