Expressions of Interest are now open for our 2024 GRDC GroundUp program aimed at accelerating technologies to benefit Australia’s grains sector.
Supported by Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), GroundUp is for founders committed to working with industry to take their solution to the next level.
With access to the extensive networks of the Agtech and Logistics Hub, AgriBusiness Connect and industry-specific mentors, founders get pitch ready and validate their tech for market fit.
Through this GRDC supported accelerator, technologies underpinned by biotech or decision support are sought to innovate productivity, decision-making, and/or operations within the supply chain. These technologies are to complement Australian grain growers and their commitment to sustainable, responsible farming.
The focus commodities are grains, pulses and oilseeds.
If your solution speaks to these objectives and your business or product requires further development this accelerator is for you.
If you’re interested in applying but would like to learn more about the program, the application process and what we’re looking for, we encourage you to watch our online information session below.
Program benefits
- Access to the industry and supply chain network of the Agtech and Logistics Hub and AgriBusiness Connect
- Participation in field demonstrations to learn from growers and hear about their challenges
- Tailored support in industry validation and deployment
- Access to the Agtech and Logistics Hub, including co-working spaces
- Access to an industry-specific mentor network
- Investment readiness support and investment facilitation
- Opportunities for profile and promotion locally and nationally, including at a ‘Demo Day’ event
- Hybrid-model accelerator delivered weekly
- Online mentoring sessions available weekly with real-world knowledge and experiences
GroundUp dates
The intensive GRDC GroundUp Program runs over the course of 12 weeks, with weekly 2-hour sessions scheduled on Wednesdays.
The program begins on April 17 and wraps up on August 29, with weekly sessions, taking a break over the school holidays.
The program culminates in an industry Demo Day event where innovators demonstrate their solutions to potential investors and growers.
Eligibility and criteria
- You are a founder with a clear understanding of the problem the grains sector is trying to solve
- Your application should demonstrate your skills, and that of your team, to implement your solution
- You must demonstrate a willingness to collaborate and engage with other stakeholders in the sector, including farmers, industry, and other technology companies
- You must be open to feedback about your solution and willing to adapt as required
- You can demonstrate any/some market validation for your proposed solution. This can include industry engagement you have conducted and feedback you have received on your product
- Your solution must solve a real problem
- Is your solution underpinned by biotech and decision support to innovate productivity, decision-making, and/or operations within the supply chain?
- Does your solution complement Australian grain growers and their commitment to sustainable, responsible farming?
- How do Australian grain growers’ benefit?
GroundUp application and selection process
Founders must complete and submit an online application form by March 15, 2024.
A selection committee will assess the applications and produce a shortlist of innovators who will be invited to participate in the next stage.
The short-listed innovators will be invited to participate in an onboarding interview with AgriBusiness Connect. This will provide additional opportunities to understand fit for the program and expectations.
Successful applicants will be notified in the first week of April with formal Letter of Offer and Program Agreement provided.