Calling all young agrifood movers and shakers: evokeAG. 2026 Groundbreakers applications now open
The next generation of young agrifood innovators is being called on to be a part of the evokeAG. 2026 Groundbreakers program, with applications now open.
The program serves as a launchpad for emerging talent from Australia and New Zealand who are committed to delivering positive impact across the agrifood sector – which encompasses the entire system involved in producing, processing and distributing food, fibre and agricultural products.
Five innovators aged 18 to 30 will be given the opportunity to present on stage at evokeAG. 2026 in Melbourne on 17 and 18 February, sharing their innovation or research with a global audience of industry leaders, innovators, investors and producers.
Each Groundbreaker will receive a $3,000 bursary to support their professional or project development, along with one-on-one mentoring from industry experts. The program also includes professional video and photography support, and a post-evokeAG. strategy session to build on connections and momentum gained during the event.
Australian and New Zealand residents that are considered changemakers in their rural communities and have an innovation or research project that is demonstrating impact are encouraged to apply.
From sustainable seaweed aquaculture and permaculture initiatives in Cape York to sustainable indoor plant factories and the development of recyclable livestock ear tags, evokeAG. Groundbreakers alumni have been challenging convention and driving change across the agriculture sector since 2019.
AgriFutures Australia Acting General Manager, Global Innovation Networks, Angela Wakeman, said the Groundbreakers Program empowers emerging changemakers who are tackling complex challenges and sets them up to drive lasting change across rural industries.
“There is no shortage of inspiring young talent across Australia and New Zealand’s agrifood sector,” Ms Wakeman said.
“The Groundbreakers Program connects these innovators with the right people, tools and platforms to elevate their ideas and accelerate their impact.”
evokeAG. is entering its sixth year in 2026 with a new evergreen tagline: Invest. Innovate. Impact which underpins the philosophy of the Groundbreakers Program.
“It’s about unlocking potential and backing the next wave of young innovators who are driving positive impact across the agrifood sector,” Ms Wakeman said
“At the same time, the program supports the development of a skilled, connected and future-ready agricultural workforce.”
evokeAG. 2025 Groundbreaker Alisa Milhaila
2025 Groundbreaker alumni and sustainable seaweed aquaculture researcher Alisa Milhaila described the program as a launching pad for her career, providing the visibility, mentorship and momentum to take her research to the next level.
“Being part of the evokeAG. Groundbreaker program has been transformative, not just for my career, but for me personally. The exposure to such a wide network of producers, innovators, investors, and policymakers across the agrifood sector has opened doors I didn’t know existed. It’s helped me grow professionally, but more importantly, it’s given me the confidence, perspective, and connections to evolve personally too,” said Alisa.
Applications open today, Monday 14 July 2025, and will close on Sunday 3 August 2025.
For more information on how to apply for the Groundbreakers Program click here.
KEY DATES:
Applications open: Monday, 14 July 2025
Applications close: Sunday, 3 August 2025
Program announced: Thursday, 9 October 2025
evokeAG. presentation: 17-18 February 2026
Media enquiries
Jordana King | p: 0426 294 221 | e: [email protected]
Key information
The AgriFutures Groundbreakers Program empowers five emerging leaders (18 to 30 years old from Australia and New Zealand) who are driving innovation or research in the agrifood sector.
The 2026 Groundbreakers Program recognises the contributions of young industry leaders and provides them with the support systems, networks, and connections to continue to deliver impact and thrive for a sustainable rural future.
About evokeAG
evokeAG. is powered by AgriFutures Australia and funded by the Australian Government, Platinum Partner Elders and Host State Partner, Agriculture Victoria.
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 bold ideas, groundbreaking innovations and disruptive science driving agriculture towards a better future.
AgriFutures’ evokeAG. will bring together the leading minds in agriculture, food production, research, and investment for two days of bold discussions, immersive sessions, and groundbreaking ideas that promise to reshape the sector’s future.
evokeᴬᴳ⋅ 2026 will be held on Tuesday 17 February and Wednesday 18 February 2026 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. evokeᴬᴳ⋅ is powered by AgriFutures Australia and funded by the Australian Government, Platinum Partner Elders and Host State Partner, Agriculture Victoria.
Tickets are now on sale at evokeag.com