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Agrifood Technology

We are the lead government agency for investment attraction and facilitation for agribusiness and food in WA.

What is agrifood-tech?

Agrifood-tech or ag-tech is the use of developing technology, digital solutions or innovative products that address an identified need in agriculture, food or beverage production in agriculture, horticulture and aquaculture with the aim of improving yield, efficiency and profitability.

Agricultural technology can be products, services or applications derived from agriculture that improve various food production and distribution processes including:

  • Artificial intelligence solutions.
  • Automation, robotics or autonomous vehicles.
  • Data or image capture and analysis.
  • Digital connectivity solutions.
  • Farm management.
  • Food processing, food traceability or innovative food packaging technology.
  • New or alternate foods or plant based proteins.
  • Novel farming or food production systems.
  • Water or irrigation management.

Available and upcoming programs

The department has invested in and partnered with a range of programs and capability building initiatives to capitalise on the growth of technology and support businesses and individuals who are using agrifood-tech. 

Current supported initiatives

    

Harvest Accelerator - AgriStart

 A business development program supporting early-stage agrifood and agtech entrepreneurs to scale and connect with industry. More information

WA Agtech Meetups

 Regular networking events connecting agrifood innovators, entrepreneurs, and industry to share ideas and foster collaboration across Western Australia’s agtech sector. More information

 

Previously supported initiatives

    
Singapore International Agrifood Week (SIAW)   Supporting the WA delegation to the 2024 Singapore International Agri-Food Week, the department also backs these regular events to connect agrifood-tech innovators, foster collaboration, and promote WA’s capabilities locally and globally. More information
EvokeAG 2025 Following on from the success of evokeAG 2024 in Perth, the department is supporting Western Australia’s presence at evokeAG 2025 in Brisbane, a premier agrifood-tech event that connects startups, researchers, investors, and industry to drive innovation and global collaboration. More information 
NZ Fieldays 2025 The department supported WA’s presence at NZ Fieldays, the largest agricultural event in the southern hemisphere, to expand trade, research, and collaboration opportunities for WA agrifood-tech startups and industry leaders. More information

Since 2016, the department has supported Curtin Ignition, an intensive training program for aspiring entrepreneurs, academics, and innovators to develop and commercialise their business ideas. The program includes practical workshops, expert mentoring, and industry insights. The department provides scholarships for Western Australian individuals and businesses with innovative ideas in agriculture, agribusiness, fibre, fisheries, forestry, and agrifood-tech.

Who can apply How to apply  More information

Individuals or businesses with innovative ideas related to agriculture, agribusiness, fibre, fisheries, forestry, or agrifood-tech including new food and beverage products or tech-driven solutions are encouraged to apply.

  1. Review the Curtin Ignition guidelines and information   

  2. Review the department's support package criteria.

  3. Consider your stage of development and goals for participating.

  4. Applications for scholarships open in June each year.

For general enquiries, contact DPIRD Investment Services 

When applications open, apply directly through Curtin and indicate your interest in the deparment support package.

 

The department partners with leading organisations to deliver programs that strengthen capability, support commercialisation, and improve market access for Western Australia’s agrifood-tech sector. These initiatives offer targeted support for startups, scale-ups, and SMEs at various stages of growth.

ScaleUp WA

ScaleUp WA is a customised growth program for WA-based SMEs in the food, beverage, manufacturing, and agrifood-tech sectors. It is designed to help businesses scale, create more value, and better position themselves for future growth. The program combines face-to-face sessions with mentoring from industry professionals and experts in areas such as exporting, capital raising, and business strategy.

Who can apply

How to apply 

More information

WA-based SMEs in the food and beverage manufacturing or agrifood-tech sectors looking to scale their operations, access industry expertise, and build business capability.

  1. Assess whether your business is ready to grow and could benefit from expert mentoring and strategic support.

  2. Consider the financial and time commitment. The program runs over 6-8 weeks and requires attendance at in-person workshops.

  3. The department supports up to 50% of program costs (approximately $2,750 excl. GST); participating businesses must contribute the remaining 50%.

For program details and registration, contact Triangle Partners.

 

 

Harvest Agtech Accelerator

Harvest is Western Australia’s leading agtech business development program. It helps innovative startups refine their business models, strengthen their value propositions, improve investor readiness, and access new markets. The program includes intensive mentoring, pitch development, and opportunities to connect with investors and industry.

Who can apply

How to apply 

More information

Startups, scale-ups, and businesses with tech-driven ideas in agrifood-tech, agriculture, or food and beverage, seeking to commercialise innovation.

  1. Consider your business stage and whether you're ready to commit to the program.

  2. The program involves a 2-day orientation camp, several in-person workshops, and a final field trip.

  3. Evaluate your readiness to engage with mentors, experts, and other startups throughout the program.

To register interest or learn more, contact AgriStart. 

 

 

CSIRO Innovate to Grow WA (I2G WA)

Innovate to Grow WA is a free, online CSIRO program supporting SMEs that are exploring how R&D can support their innovation. It helps businesses assess the viability of their ideas, build a business case, and prepare strong funding proposals, with expert guidance throughout.

Who can apply

How to apply 

More information

WA-based SMEs in agriculture, agrifood-tech, or food and beverage manufacturing who are in the early stages of exploring research and development opportunities.

  1. Assess whether your innovation would benefit from R&D and expert guidance.

  2. Consider your current business stage and capacity to commit to a 2–3 month online program.

  3. Participation is free for eligible WA SMEs.

To learn more or express interest, visit: CSIRO Innovate to Grow

 

 

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