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Agristart – Meet the Founder – FreshChain Systems

AgriSpace is pleased to be hosting this Meet The Founder online session with FreshChain Systems co-founder and director Greg Calvert. Greg will run through an overview of the business and the fundraise followed by Q&A.

FreshChain Systems are currently doing a seed fundraise round. This is an AgriSpace syndicate investment opportunity currently live on the platform – www.agrispace.com.au – to find out more and subscribe.

CERIously Overbooked

This marks CERI’s inaugural meetup for 2026, uniting kindred spirits hungry to push boundaries, shake up norms, and leave a mark on the world. Expect lively discussions, shared insights, and a sprinkle of laughter as we learn together in a way that’s not just educational but downright enjoyable.

The first book featured will be For Foods Sake, a book that pulls back the curtain on the food industry, revealing how processed foods are made, marketed, and manipulated to sway your choices.

“Centre for Entrepreneurial Research and Innovation (CERI) guides innovators to create impact. A social enterprise supporting the next generation of Western Australia’s entrepreneurs. Our programs are curated to educate and empower early-stage entrepreneurs, PhD students, and visionaries within the Western Australian community. We offer a range of services to help your startup grow. From education to mentorship, workplace residency, industry exposure, and access to an extensive network of experts and like-minded people”

2026 Industry Forum: 2030 Agrifood Opportunity

All are invited to attend The UWA Institute of Agriculture’s 20th annual Industry Forum at The University Club of WA on 8 July 2026.

The UWA Institute of Agriculture warmly invites all interested members of the public to register to attend its 20th annual Industry Forum at The University Club of WA.

This year, we will be tackling the urgent and oft-controversial question: 2030 agrifood opportunity: Can we capitalise on $200 billion growth?

The event will feature a lively discussion between agriculture industry leaders and analysts, innovative researchers and working farmers. Following the formal program, all attendees are invited to join us for a fully-catered networking sundowner.

DEADLINE: AusSRC HPC Funding Applications Close

The Australian SKA Regional Centre (AusSRC) is proud to launch the Astronomy Resources for Industry Applications (ARIA) Program, a new initiative designed to accelerate innovation through access to high-performance computing (HPC).
AusSRC is Australia’s contribution to the international SKA Regional Centre Network (SRCNet). The SRCNet will support the global flow of data and processing needed for the SKA telescopes – the two most advanced radio telescopes in the world, located in Australia and South Africa.
One of AusSRC’s goals is to support discovery and delivery of impact beyond radio astronomy. By working with industry to foster data-intensive innovations across sectors, AusSRC aims to leverage astronomy capabilities to generate broad benefits to the Australian economy and community.

The ARIA Program has been established to provide Australian start-ups and small to medium businesses with access to HPC resources to enable innovation in products and services aligned with key technical priorities.

For the 2026 inaugural funding round, AusSRC will support projects focused on:

  • Data Management
  • Data Visualisation
  • Data Compression

We are seeking applications from SMEs and start-ups that would benefit from HPC capability but face barriers accessing research-based or large-scale infrastructure schemes.

Applications are open to organisations from any industry excluding astronomy that can demonstrate how covering HPC-related expenses would directly enable innovation in one or more of the priority areas.

For a full explanation of the ARIA Program, please refer to the ARIA Program Guidelines and ARIA Program Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

Agtech Innovation Workshop

This one day interactive workshop will provide networking opportunities for innovators in the Agtech sector, exploring industry challenges, identifying target customers, refining value propositions, and validating ideas.

Topics Covered:

  • Agtech sector challenges and opportunities
  • Target customers across the ag industry value chain
  • Value propositions for agricultural end users
  • Validation strategies tailored for ag industry stakeholders
  • Funding, investment and support services for commercialising agtech
  • Creating and protecting Intellectual Property
  • Applying for the HARVEST Agtech Accelerator program (currently open for applications)

DEADLINE: CRC-P Grants Round 19

Cooperative Research Centres Projects (CRC-P) grants fund short-term industry-led collaborative research projects for up to 3 years. These are open to all sectors. As part of the AI Accelerator initiative, CRC-P round 19 includes up to $20 million for projects to help businesses and researchers across Australia accelerate AI development and commercialisation.

Learn more about the grant and apply here: https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/cooperative-research-centres-projects-crcp-grants

WA Food Industry Education Collaboration Program (WAFEC) Information Session

The WA Food Industry Education Collaboration (WAFEC) program connects WA food and beverage businesses with talented Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) students to tackle real business projects – bringing fresh thinking and practical support to help you get projects moving.

Our local facilitators provide one-on-one support at every stage:

  • Project scoping – We help identify where STEM expertise can make the biggest impact and define a 200+ hour project scope
  • Full recruitment facilitation – We promote your opportunity, then source, screen and present a shortlist of high-calibre candidates
  • You choose – The final decision on who will join your team is yours
  • Ongoing support – Regular check-ins to help you get the most from your WAFEC experience
  • $2,500 payment – Paid to your business upon project completion. Regional businesses may also be eligible for additional funding for student travel

WAFEC is delivered by CSIRO on behalf of the WA Government’s Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.

DEADLINE: HARVEST Program

HARVEST is designed to accelerate the growth of your innovative startup by giving you expert guidance, deep industry insights, critical tools, and strategic connections.

Heading into its ninth year, HARVEST has supported over 90 businesses. The program is valued at over $10,000 and is FREE for successful applicants.

Apply by 30 April 2026

(IGP: Cluster Connect) Grant Readiness: Mastering the Art of Grant Applications

Join Cluster Connect and Successful Grants for an engaging workshop designed to empower businesses with the tools and insights needed to proactively prepare for grants and funding opportunities. Whether you’re new to grants or looking to improve your success rate, this session will provide practical advice and actionable tips.

Key Topics:

  • Understanding the Grant Landscape: Explore common grant types and their requirements.
  • Building a Basic Business Case: Learn the essential elements of crafting a compelling application.
  • Financial Documentation Tips: Discover strategies to present strong, clear financials.
  • Success Stories: Gain inspiration from real-world examples of successful grant applications.

Cluster Connect is the Industry Partner Organisation for Food, Beverage and Agribusinesses for the Industry Growth Program.