Six tips for a winning evoke^AG. Startup Program application

The evoke^AG. Startup Program won Startup Event of the Year at Startup Daily’s Best in Tech Awards in 2024 – and now’s your chance to get amongst that award-winning action.

We want to hear your big ideas at evoke^AG. 2025 on 18-19 in Brisbane, Queensland, but first we want to see your application.

Whether you’re looking to impress investors at the Culinary Capital – an interactive dinner for 10 selected startups to connect with investors, corporates, and producers – or showcase your breakthrough tech in Startup Alley alongside 40 leading startups, the evoke^AG. Startup Program is the ultimate platform to connect with industry leaders, investors, and partners.

Brand new to the program in 2025 is the Agventure Downunder Program which offers ten international agrifood tech startups an immersive experience in the Australian market.

The nine-day immersion program includes business matching, tours, and workshops, access to grow^AG. for increased visibility and networking opportunities, and ongoing post-program support for market entry and collaboration

Applications are now open and will close on Sunday, 27 October 2024.

1. Don’t race against the clock

Sure, there’s a deadline, but a rush job won’t do you any favours. Block out time in your schedule to complete and carefully proofread your application — then add some extra buffer.

“We receive so many last-minute applications, and often it’s clear that people didn’t give themselves enough time to check everything,” Dallas explains.

“When you invest the time and effort, it’s very obvious in your application.”

2. Keep it crystal clear

Imagine the person reading your application knows nothing about your business – absolutely nothing. No fancy terms, no insider acronyms, no assumptions. Just the basics. So ditch the jargon and give it to us straight.

“Make it super simple,” Dallas says. “Put all the info out there in a way that anyone can pick it up, read it, and say, ‘Got it.’”

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This year, an independent panel is reviewing the applications (so even if Dallas and the AgriFutures Australia team know you, they’re not the ones assessing)

Think of your application as a story anyone can follow. Keep it clear, direct and obvious.

3. Define your unique selling point

A standout application will clearly illustrate how your technology tackles a challenge in the agrifood sector, Dallas explained.

“I really urge applicants to keep it simple and straightforward,” she said.

“Break down the problem you’re addressing and show how your tech or innovation offers a solution.

This not only highlights your market savvy but also demonstrates that you get what your customers are up against.”

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Dallas also encouraged applicants to tackle the questions in the application form head-on and keep it relevant.

“We’ve carefully crafted these questions, and they’re judged based on specific criteria. So, make sure you answer each one fully before throwing in any extra info that doesn’t hit the mark.”

4. Keep it real in your writing

Telling your story means embracing your unique voice — so ditch the copy-and-paste from your website or marketing materials.

6. Be bold – what will you bring to evoke^AG.?

Finally, there’s so much for founders to gain in the evoke^AG. Startup Program.

To truly make a splash in the application pool, showcase the value you’ll bring to your fellow attendees at evoke^AG. 2025 in Brisbane.

“How will delegates benefit from your insights? What can your ideas do for the industry and rural communities? Who’s going to be lining up to chat with you after your spotlight moment on the demo stage evoke^AG. 2025?” Dallas asked.

Applications for the evoke^AG. 2025 Startup Program are open from Monday, 16 September 2024, until Sunday, 27 October 2024.

For more information on eligibility criteria, the program, and how to apply, visit Startup Program