Australian-Grown Innovation 2025 Build phase: Mid-program update

The Australian-Grown Innovation 2025 Build phase is making significant strides in its mission to accelerate innovation across Australia’s horticulture and food sectors. Led by Hort Innovation Frontiers and powered by Startupbootcamp and Cluster Connect, the program brings together a dynamic cohort of companies, each tackling some of the industry’s most pressing challenges - from sustainability and supply chain transparency to biosecurity and automation. 

What’s happened so far 

Since its launch, the program has delivered a robust schedule designed to foster collaboration, creativity, and commercial impact. Participants have engaged in weekly meetings that blend business model development with hands-on experimentation, supported by expert-led masterclasses and targeted pitch training sessions. These sessions have covered everything from refining value propositions and understanding market dynamics, to designing minimum viable products and mastering the art of storytelling. 

One of the program’s hallmarks has been its emphasis on mentorship and personalised coaching. More than 60 one-on-one meetings have connected cohort members with industry leaders, while more than 100 mentor relationships have been established to guide teams through technical, commercial, and strategic challenges. The collaborative environment has enabled companies to test ideas, gather feedback, and pivot rapidly  ensuring that solutions are not only innovative but also grounded in real-world needs. 

As the program progresses, participants are preparing for upcoming sessions focused on measuring results, developing product roadmaps, and honing their go-to-market strategies. The journey will culminate in a series of pitch practices and final presentations, where teams will showcase their progress and vision for the future. 

Key ideas being explored 

The cohort is exploring a diverse range of breakthrough concepts, all aimed at driving positive change for growers, industry, and consumers. From digital platforms that boost supply chain transparency and traceability, to upcycling initiatives that transform waste into valuable ingredients, the program is nurturing ideas that promise to enhance sustainability and efficiency.  

The program also features projects focused on natural pest control, accessible beekeeping, and community-driven processing—each contributing to a more resilient and forward-thinking horticulture sector. 

What’s next? 

The Australian-Grown Innovation 2025 Build phase is now past the halfway mark, and the energy, collaboration, and creativity on display signal a bright future for Australian horticulture. With strong support, a talented cohort, and a pipeline of promising ideas, the program is well on its way to delivering lasting impact for the industry. 

Want to find out more? 

If you’re keen to see the program’s impact firsthand, don’t miss the upcoming Build Demo Day - scheduled for 24 November 2025 at 5-7:30 PM AEDT. Demo Day will bring together the cohort’s innovators to pitch their solutions, share their journeys, and connect with industry leaders, investors, and the broader horticulture community. It’s a showcase of the ideas and progress made during the Build phase, and a chance to network with those driving change in Australian horticulture. You can sign up for the event to attend in person or online here: https://luma.com/pp5j0mdh 

In addition to Demo Day, the program continues to run Engage sessions - dynamic, in-person workshops designed to help growers learn about innovation in horticulture, and gain insights and a practical toolkit from real people in the industry with lived experience of innovating.  The sessions are open to all growers and people across the horticulture supply chain. Upcoming workshops include: 

Whether you’re interested in joining the next cohort, attending a workshop, or simply learning more about the program, there are plenty of ways to get involved. For more details, visit the program’s website at: https://www.frontiers.au/agi/