Now in its sixth year, HARVEST is open to Western Australian (WA) agrifood-tech startups, businesses and farmers seeking innovative solutions in the agrifood sector.
Having supported more than 80 businesses to date, the program will cover topics including:
- Growth positioning.
- Investment strategy.
- Intellectual property.
- New technology commercialisation.
- Export strategies.
- ‘Pitch’ coaching.
Over the 12-week program, HARVEST aims to grow agrifood innovators by offering opportunities to accelerate the commercialisation of their innovations, connect with fellow entrepreneurs, and expand access to 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,” said Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) Investment Services manager Peter May.
“The 12-week accelerator program will provide participants with networking opportunities, workshops and field trips aimed at fostering innovation, connections and developing their business skill,” he said.
The program will include a two-day intensive business training session alongside fortnightly masterclasses to support participants in pitching their tech ideas.
“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,” May added.
“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.”
The program is one of the examples of DPIRD’s continued support for advancing innovation in the agrifood-tech community and regional areas.
Applications close 5 May 2025.