Applications Now Open For EvokeAG. 2026 Groundbreakers Program

Now in its sixth year, the evokeAG. 2026 Groundbreakers program has established itself as a national platform for emerging talent in the agrifood sector, supporting young innovators across Australia and New Zealand who are committed to shaping the future of food, fibre, and agriculture.

Run by AgriFutures Australia, the program invites applications from young changemakers aged 18 to 30 who are making an impact in rural industries or communities. Five successful applicants will have the opportunity to present their innovation or research at evokeAG. 2026 in Melbourne next February, connecting directly with a global audience of industry leaders, investors, and producers.

As part of the program, each Groundbreaker receives a $3,000 bursary to support their professional or project development, along with one-on-one mentoring from industry experts. The package also includes professional video and photography support, and a post-event strategy session to help build on new connections and momentum.

Angela Wakeman, Acting General Manager of Global Innovation Networks at AgriFutures Australia, says the program empowers young innovators who are tackling some of the sector’s most complex challenges.

“There is no shortage of inspiring young talent across Australia and New Zealand’s agrifood sector,” said Ms Wakeman. “The Groundbreakers Program connects these innovators with the right people, tools and platforms to elevate their ideas and accelerate their impact.”

evokeAG. has introduced a new evergreen tagline for 2026 — Invest. Innovate. Impact. — underpinning both the event and the Groundbreakers program’s philosophy.

Since its launch in 2019, the program’s alumni have led projects ranging from sustainable seaweed aquaculture and indoor plant factories to the development of recyclable livestock ear tags, demonstrating the diversity and ambition driving the sector forward.

Alisa Milhaila, a 2025 Groundbreaker and sustainable seaweed aquaculture researcher, describes the program as transformative: “The exposure to such a wide network of producers, innovators, investors, and policymakers has opened doors I didn’t know existed. It’s helped me grow professionally and given me the confidence and connections to evolve personally, too.”

Key Dates:

• Applications open: Monday, July 14th 2025
• Applications close: Sunday, August 3rd 2025
• Program announced: Thursday, October 9th 2025
• evokeAG. presentation: February 17th – 18th 2026

Applications are now open and close on Sunday, August 3rd 2025. For full details and to apply, visit the Groundbreakers – evokeAG. website.