Turn a great idea into reality via the Australian-Grown Innovation Build Program

Australian-Grown Innovation is running a free 12-week Build Program to help growers, horticulture businesses and industry innovators turn promising ideas into functional prototypes, test them with the market, and build a clear pathway towards commercialisation.

Designed for Australian growers and the broader horticulture value chain, the Australian-Grown Innovation program accelerates grower-led innovation by turning great ideas into commercially viable products and services that deliver real impact on the ground.

Running from 2025-2030, the program supports multiple cohorts each year through a three-stage pathway – Engage, Incubate and Build – combining mentorship, capability development and industry connections to develop solutions to key challenges such as climate resilience, value-added products, AI-driven technologies, and supply chain improvements.

The program is delivered by Startupbootcamp and is supported through a matched funding model with Hort Innovation Frontiers, ensuring strong alignment with national industry priorities while leveraging global innovation expertise.

All innovations developed through the program align with one of the five Frontiers themes: healthy living, adaptation and resilience, market access, disruptive technologies, and capability building.

The Build program

The Build Program is a 12-week, hands-on acceleration phase designed to help participants take validated ideas and turn them into real-world solutions through pilots, trials, and industry collaboration.

During the program participants will:

• Develop and test their solution in-market through pilots or trials with industry partners;
• Work closely with mentors, growers, and experts to refine their product, business model, and go-to-market strategy;
• Build commercial readiness by focusing on traction, partnerships, and scalability;
• Connect with key stakeholders across the horticulture ecosystem to support long-term growth.

The Build Program is focused on execution, moving beyond ideas into tangible outcomes that can create real impact on-farm and across the supply chain.

Ready? Get Building!

If you’re ready to move from idea to real-world trials and execution, you can submit an Expression of Interest for the Build Program here.

And you can find out more about the Australian-Grown Innovation program and the opportunities on offer here.