News

16 innovators selected to unlock solutions for Australia’s biggest horticulture challenges

Publication date: February 27, 2026

Hort Innovation Frontiers, together with Startupbootcamp and a range of industry partners, is pleased to announce the first Incubate cohort for 2026 as part of the Australian‑Grown Innovation program.

Designed for Australian growers and businesses across the horticulture supply chain, the program supports the development of grower‑led innovation through three stages of structured mentoring. The goal is to help turn strong ideas into commercially viable products and services that deliver real impact on‑farm and across the sector.

The 16 innovators selected for the 2026 Incubate cohort will take part in a six‑week program providing hands‑on guidance to refine, test and strengthen their concepts.

Participants will explore:

  • How to identify customers and understand their needs
  • Techniques for testing and validating ideas to achieve product‑market fit
  • Pathways for securing the inputs, partnerships and support required for commercialisation
  • The foundations of financial modelling to support long‑term sustainability
  • Practical skills in storytelling, marketing and promotion

Meet the Incubate cohort

  • Australian Farm Robotics (QLD): Developing robots to automate banana packing.
  • Chandan Dhir (SA): Converting farm waste into energy and fertiliser.
  • Cropwise (VIC): Consolidating farm tasks and data into a single platform.
  • Farnsfield Fungi (QLD): Transforming farm waste into gourmet mushroom production and soil enhancers.
  • Fruit Share Adelaide (SA): Redirecting surplus fruit to support community food programs.
  • GasSan (VIC): Extending food freshness using gas decontamination technology.
  • Geelong Mushroom Company (VIC): Repurposing rejected produce into health and beauty ingredients.
  • Greentech Innovators Australia (TAS): Converting potato waste into valuable sugars.
  • Insurable (SA): Offering protection against weather‑related losses for growers.
  • Lush Lychees (QLD): Turning imperfect fruit into year‑round revenue opportunities.
  • Melons Australia (QLD): Creating value‑added melon snacks on‑farm.
  • Natural Branding Australia (VIC): Replacing plastic fruit stickers with sustainable laser labelling.
  • Novolo Co (WA): Reducing spoilage with a natural, edible coating.
  • Peniel FG Pty Ltd (VIC): Supporting better pricing and market access through shared supply data.
  • Realfoodprice (NSW): Improving grower returns by offering transparent market insights.
  • Western Sydney University (NSW): Pollinating crops using robotic sound technologies.

Get involved

Missed out this time? The journey starts with at the Engage stage. These open masterclasses are available to all growers, producers and supply‑chain businesses keen to explore problem‑solving approaches or develop early‑stage ideas.

The program is funded and delivered by Hort Innovation Frontiers, Startupbootcamp and industry partners, making it free of charge for participants..

For more information or to register your interest for the next Engage session, visit:
https://www.frontiers.au/agi/ 

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