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DEADLINE: AEA Ignite Grants

AEA Ignite provides funding for projects at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3 to 5, and from $50,000 to $500,000 for up to 12 months per project.

Ignite grants support early-stage research commercialisation through competitive grants of up to $500,000 for a maximum period of 12 months. These grants are available for researchers at Australian universities to complete basic research, laboratory testing and establish proof-of-concept in an industry-relevant environment.

The eight focus areas are:

  • critical and strategic minerals processing
  • sustainable fuels
  • agriculture and food technology
  • quantum
  • artificial intelligence (AI)
  • advanced manufacturing
  • space
  • renewable energy.

Applications for AEA Ignite Round 2 will close at 5:00pm AEST Wednesday 3 September 2025.

Convergence Esperance 2025

DEADLINE: evokeAG Groundbreakers Program

The Groundbreakers Program is a platform for bold ideas and emerging talent shaping the future of agrifood technology.

The Groundbreakers Program 2026 empowers five emerging leaders (aged 18-30 from Australia and New Zealand) who are committed to delivering impact for Australia’s agrifood system, ensuring food security, nutrition and sustaining environmental and economic resilience.

With mentoring, professional storytelling support, and a $3,000 bursary, the Groundbreakers are equipped to amplify their impact beyond the event. This program is designed to spotlight the future leaders, foster lasting industry connections and accelerate meaningful change across the agrifood technology ecosystem.

Applicants must be available to travel to Melbourne around 17-18, February 2026 to participate in evokeAG.

Learn more and apply here by 4 August 2025

CORE Connect – Perth X AARP Bots & Bevs – July

Join CORE Innovation Hub as they head to the Australian Automation and Robotics Precinct to explore some of the big ideas in the robotics, net-zero technology and the energy and mining sector.

CORE is excited to be co-hosting the AARP’s Bots and Bevs Networking Evening bring you a robotics tech showcase featuring current AARP users and CORE Hot 30 Awards Winners!

PropaGATE Innovator Showcase

Spotlighting the Top 4 Innovators shaping the future of wastewater management in breweries.

PropaGATE is a bold new challenge-led innovation program bringing the world’s best technologies and solutions to Western Australia.

After two months of deep industry consultation, one challenge rose to the top: wastewater treatment in breweries. Wastewater isn’t just a brewery problem—it affects entire water systems, from farms to communities and ecosystems. Many brewers are eager to improve their wastewater treatment but don’t know where to start or what technologies are available.

That’s where PropaGATE comes in. This program is on a mission to find and implement cost-effective, sustainable wastewater treatment solutions that help the brewing industry reduce its environmental impact while promoting resilience in agriculture and beyond.

At this Showcase, we are proud to be presenting the Top 4 Innovators and their innovations. More information will be released soon.

Electrify Ag 25

Get ready to spark innovation in agriculture at Electrify Ag 25 – Embracing the opportunities of a clean energy economy for rural WA.

Hear from a diverse range of speakers on how we, in agriculture and our communities embrace the opportunities of a clean energy economy and thrive in a changing climate.

They’ll  cover the full spectrum, from the the state of play of the energy transition, the challenges and opportunities of community engagement and transition, pathways for financing the energy transition in agriculture, to Indigenous Economic Development (Noongar Land Enterprise and Yued Aboriginal Corporation), the electrification of farms and the agri-supply chain – and to finish the day, an active display of a range of electric vehicles.

Growers, community, government and private sector employees are invited to attend. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to learn and connect with others passionate about electrifying agriculture!

Sponsored by Department of Energy & Economic Diversification, Collgar Renewables and AgDots.

DPIRD Workshop – Concept to Launch: New Product Development

The “Concept to Launch” Workshop is designed to empower small to medium sized food and beverage businesses with the tools and knowledge needed to successfully scope, research, and launch new products.

The Stage-Gate process is a globally recognised framework used to manage innovation and new product development in large food businesses and retailers.

Delivered over two half days this workshop will use the Stage Gate principles to guide participants through concept ideation, market validation, product development planning and commercialisation – ensuring a higher likelihood of success in competitive markets.

These practical, structured workshops include the opportunity to work through realistic scenarios and be guided to successfully turn ideas into commercially viable products. Participants will receive tools and templates that can be adapted to their unique business needs, and leave with the know-how to reduce risk, stay focused and make informed decisions.

This workshop is open to Food and Beverage Manufacturers only, with a maximum of two participants per business.

2025 Industry Forum: The next 20 years of R,D&E in agriculture

All are invited to attend The UWA Institute of Agriculture’s 19th annual Industry Forum at The University Club of WA on 6 August 2025.

This event will be tackling the urgent and oft-controversial question: The next 20 years of R,D&E investment in agriculture in Australia – Who will bankroll it?

Program includes 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.

Presenters

Panellists

The panel will be facilitated by Independent Chair of WAARC’s Steering Committee Terry Hill AM.

Carly Veitch, Farm Management Consultant at AgAsset and member of the IOA Industry Advisory Board will serve as MC.

This event is supported by CSBP and Farmers Ltd Jubilee of Agriculture Science Fellowship

Learn more and register: 2025 Industry Forum: The next 20 years of R,D&E in agriculture

FaBA Growth Hub (Info Session)

Join for an online information session to learn everything you need to know about the FaBA Growth Hub 2025 Program, Australia’s premier scale-up experience for founders in the food and beverage sector. Learn about the 12-week program structure, eligibility, key selection criteria, and the step-by-step application process. You’ll also get the chance to ask live questions and hear what makes a successful application stand out.

Delivered by UQ Ventures, the FaBA Growth Hub Program is designed to help food and beverage startups:

  • Dedicate one full day per week to grow, de-risk and position their venture for investment
  • Receive hands-on coaching from Entrepreneurs-in-Residence and mentors
  • Participate in targeted workshops and founder talks each week
  • Build traction, refine their pitch, and connect with potential investors
  • Access support from Australia’s leading food and ag innovation community
  • Pay no equity for participating—just bring your full commitment

DEADLINE: FaBA Growth Hub 2025 Program

The FaBA Growth Hub is a 12-week virtual program built to accelerate Australian food and beverage SMEs and startups ready to innovate, scale, and meet the demands of a changing market.

Designed as a one-day-per-week commitment, the program provides access to a powerful support system that helps founders de-risk their venture, refine their product, and get investor-ready.

Participants receive tailored, in-kind support including expert mentorship, industry workshops, and strategic introductions to investors and partners. Working closely with Entrepreneurs in Residence, they also benefit from shared learning alongside a cohort of ambitious founders tackling challenges across ingredients, packaging, nutrition, and more.

By the end of the program, ventures are positioned for real commercial growth — ready to raise capital, grow confidently, and lead the transformation of Australia’s food and beverage sector.

Sectors may include:

  • Analytics & data services for F&B
  • Digital F&B platforms & software
  • Food safety & traceability tech
  • F&B Manufacturing improvements
  • Novel food & beverage (B2C)
  • Novel ingredients (B2B)
  • Packaging innovations
  • Processing tech
  • Supply‑chain & logistics solutions

The Program will be delivered virtually on Tuesdays for 12 weeks (Tuesday, July 22, 2025 to Tuesday October 7, 2025).