Calling all agrifood innovators: evokeAG. Groundbreakers applications are now open
The search is on for the next generation of agrifood innovators with applications now open for the evokeAG. Groundbreakers 2025 cohort.
Formally known as the Future Young Leaders program, the 2025 evokeAG. Groundbreakers Program will give five young agrifood innovators the opportunity to present their ideas, innovations, or research to an international audience at evokeAG. in Brisbane on 18 and 19 February 2025.
The 2024 Groundbreaker cohort, Dr Katia Taylor, Sam Labert, Natalie Bell, Dr Roberta Marcoli and Guy Coleman.
Australian and New Zealand residents aged between 18 and 30 years old that are exploring, researching, or implementing innovative ideas in rural industries or communities are encouraged to apply.
The 2025 evokeAG. Groundbreakers Program is designed to build the capacity and capability of Australia and New Zealand’s current and emerging leaders who are committed to delivering impact for Australia’s rural industries and its communities.
AgriFutures General Manager, Global Innovation Network, Harriet Mellish, said the Groundbreakers Program links the bright minds of emerging changemakers with industry experts and peers to foster innovation and establish the next generation of leaders in agrifood tech and innovation.
“There are so many inspiring young minds in our food, fibre and fuel production systems,” said Ms Mellish.
“We want to help give them the skills, platform and network to share their ideas, innovations and research so we can continue to build a diverse and sustainable future for Australian agriculture.
“The Groundbreaker program helps them to further their potential, providing them with the support systems, networks, and connections to thrive in their efforts toward positioning Australia as a global leader in agrifood tech and innovation.
evokeAG.’s theme for 2025 is Common Ground. The event will be a coming together of the agrifood tech and innovation community to find common ground on universal challenges and collectively translate innovation into action.
Ms Mellish said this program empowers new waves of changemakers who are building solutions to address diverse and complex sectoral challenges.
“In this next intake we hope to see applicants from all walks of life. No matter what your background is – if you have an innovative idea, innovation or research related to the agrifood tech sector, we encourage you to apply.”
The program is now in its fifth year and the experience and calibre of its alumni speaks for itself.
Natalie Bell, 2024 Groundbreaker and founder of Hylo Ag
Natalie Bell, 2024 Groundbreaker and founder of Hylo Ag – a startup aiming to provide a recycling pathway for livestock ear tags – credits the program for boosting her startup’s success.
“Participating in the Groundbreakers Program and connecting with incredible mentors has bolstered my confidence in launching Hylo Ag and has helped me overcome the imposter syndrome that often accompanies being a young female founder,” said Miss Bell.
“The program has refined my elevator pitch, enhanced my project communications, and expanded my vision beyond the domestic market to look at international opportunities.
“I wholeheartedly recommend Groundbreakers to anyone who has a curious, problem-solving mindset, and is eager to make a difference in the world. The program’s strength lies in recognising potential – both in people and ideas.”
Selected Groundbreakers will receive a series of mentoring sessions and workshops, professional video and photographer support, media training, the opportunity to present at evokeAG. 2025 in Brisbane and post-event bursary supporting their goals to enhance rural communities and advance Australian agriculture.
Applications are open from Friday 2 August 2024 and will close on Monday 2 September 2024.
For more information on how to apply for the Groundbreakers Program, head to: evokeag.com/evokeag-2025/groundbreakers.
Early bird tickets for evokeAG. 2025 are on sale and close on Saturday, 31 August 2024 and can be purchased via evokeag.com.
Media enquires
Ellie McCarthy
Dentsu Creative PR
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About evokeAG.
evokeAG. is powered by AgriFutures Australia and funded by the Australian Government, Platinum Partner Elders, and Host City Partner Brisbane Economic Development Agency and Host State Partner the Queensland Government.
The event is a leading global agrifood technology and innovation event that unites the agrifood innovation community across the Asia Pacific and around the world. It is a showcase of the most forward-thinking ideas, innovation and technologies to future-proof the agrifood sector.
The 2025 evokeAG. theme, Common Ground, invites the global agrifood innovation community to find common ground on shared challenges and opportunities to help drive a more productive, sustainable, and profitable agrifood supply chain.
The 2025 event is set to take place at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on 18 and 19 February, shining a spotlight on Queensland’s $23bn thriving agricultural industry.
Tickets are now on sale for evokeAG. 2025 to be held on 18-19 February 2025 in Brisbane, Queensland. Following a sell-out event in 2024 we are encouraging delegates to secure their tickets, flights and accommodation early.
We look forward to seeing you in Brisbane for evokeAG. 2025. In the meantime, catch up on the other conversations about sustainability, climate resilience and the role of agtech in meeting those challenges from here.