News
From idea to impact: Horticulture innovators enter next phase
Publication date: July 15, 2026
The third cohort of the Australian-Grown Innovation (AGI) Incubate Program has today been announced, bringing together 12 Australian horticulture growers and innovators to explore new technologies, validate innovative ideas and develop solutions that strengthen the future of the industry.
The AGI Program, co-funded by Hort Innovation Frontiers and Startupbootcamp, supports growers, researchers, startups and industry innovators to transform early-stage ideas into commercially viable opportunities for Australian horticulture.
Over the coming weeks, participants will work alongside experienced coaches, entrepreneurs and industry experts to better understand customer needs, test assumptions, refine their value propositions and explore pathways towards commercialisation.
Anthony Kachenko, General Manager of Production and Sustainability Research & Development at Hort Innovation, explained why supporting emerging innovators is critical for the future of the industry: “Australian growers have always been innovative, but turning a promising idea into a viable business or industry solution takes the right support, networks and expertise. The AGI Incubate Program helps participants test assumptions, validate market needs and build the foundations required to take their ideas further."
“By supporting innovators at this early stage, we're helping accelerate the development of practical solutions that can improve productivity, sustainability and adaptability across Australian horticulture, ultimately delivering long-term benefits for growers and the wider industry.”
The 2026 cohort represents the diversity and breadth of Australia’s horticulture sector, with participants working across macadamias, potatoes, berries, dragon fruit, beekeeping, digital agriculture, crop nutrition, agricultural technology and sustainable food innovation.
The cohort includes:
“The strength of this cohort lies in its diversity. From artificial intelligence and digital agriculture through to value-added food products, plant nutrition and sustainable packaging, these innovators are tackling some of the biggest opportunities and challenges facing Australian horticulture today,” said Mr Kachenko.
Throughout the program, participants will focus on:
The AGI program forms part of Hort Innovation’s investment in building a stronger, more resilient and globally competitive Australian horticulture industry by connecting innovators with the expertise, networks and support required to turn promising ideas into real-world outcomes.
As the cohort progresses, participants will continue developing their concepts and will go on to pitch their ideas at a demonstration day later this year.
For more information about Australian-Grown Innovation, visit www.australiangrowninnovation.com.au
© 2026 Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited.
