The development of industry-led solutions for Australian horticulture is one step closer with the launch of the first Build phase of the Australian-Grown Innovation initiative - a program designed by Hort Innovation Frontiers to deliver real impact for Australian horticulture. 

Following the successful Incubate phase in July and August, the Build phase will see a cohort of ten - including growers, researchers, and entrepreneurs – work to refine and scale their concepts. These participants will be supported through tailored mentoring, technical guidance, and commercialisation pathways to ensure their ideas are viable, valuable, and ready to deliver tangible benefits to industry. 

The Australian-Grown Innovation program is part of Hort Innovation’s broader commitment to fostering a culture of innovation across the horticulture sector. It is designed to empower industry participants to take ownership of challenges and opportunities, and to co-create solutions that are practical, scalable, and aligned with grower needs. 

Brett Fifield, CEO at Hort Innovation, explained what this means for the industry: “Innovation is not just about technology - it’s about people. The Build phase is where ideas become solutions, and where collaboration turns into impact. We’re excited to support this cohort as they take their concepts to the next level and help shape the future of Australian horticulture.” 

Anna Barlow, Food and Agriculture Innovation Partner at Startupbootcamp, shared how this phase of the program will support participants: “The Build phase is designed to give our cohort the tools, connections, and confidence to turn their ideas into reality. It’s about creating a safe space for experimentation, while also driving toward outcomes that matter to growers and the broader supply chain.” 

The cohort includes Mark Trzaskoma, Ace Apples; Jenn Honnery, Bowen Gumlu Growers Association; Alastair Duncan, Bunya Nut; Rachel Davis and Michaela Alexander, Bureau of Meteorology; Luke Nelson, FieldBound Engineering; Martin Kaderavek, Pectin 360; Aiden van den Berg, SMA Marketing; Corina Javier and Elizabeth Blotevogel, Summit Laboratory Services; Jessica Brunner, The Bee Buddy; and Ceilidh Meo, Long Road Olive Co-operative - each bringing unique perspectives and expertise to the program. 

Australian-Grown Innovation is funded through Frontiers with co-investment from Startupbootcamp and contributions from the Australian Government. 

This program will run over the next five years. Those wishing to participate in future Engage, Incubate, or Build stages can learn more or sign up at https://www.frontiers.au/agi/