Western Australian agrifood-tech startups, businesses and farmers who are developing innovative solutions in the agrifood sector are remined to apply for the 2025 HARVEST program, with applications closing soon.
Now in its sixth year, HARVEST has supported more than 80 businesses, offering an exciting program to help accelerate the growth of agrifood innovators.
Delivered by industry experts, the program covers topics such as positioning for growth, investment, intellectual property, commercialising new technology, export strategies and ‘pitch’ coaching.
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) Investment Services manager Peter May said the program provided great opportunities for participants to accelerate the commercialisation of their innovation, connect with like-minded entrepreneurs, expand their industry networks and access new markets.
“HARVEST helps businesses which are developing a product or have a product in market and are looking to explore new opportunities to innovate, value add and scale up,” Mr May said.
“The 12-week accelerator program will provide participants with networking opportunities, workshops and field trips aimed at fostering innovation, connections and developing their business skills.
“In 2025, HARVEST will include a two-day intensive business bootcamp to be held at the Muresk Institute in mid-June, followed by fortnightly masterclasses and tech demos held in Perth.
“HARVEST will culminate in late August with a regional WA field trip, where participants will get to connect with farmers, growers and potential users of their tech in the field and a showcase event in Perth.
“Both the field trip and the showcase will provide participants the opportunity to pitch their tech and showcase their learnings.”
Mr May said that the program highlighted the department’s continued support for developing innovation in the regions and building the State’s emerging agtech community.
Applications close 5 May 2025. More information about the program or to apply is available online.
