Applications now open for evokeAG. 2026 Startup Program offering 50 agritech companies free global showcase opportunities.
What’s happening: AgriFutures Australia has opened applications for the evokeAG. 2026 Startup Program, offering 50 agrifood technology startups free passes to showcase innovations at Melbourne’s premier agricultural technology event on 17-18 February 2026.
Why this matters: The program connects startups with investors, corporates and producers through three streams, with a track record of supporting over 170 local and global startups since 2019 in securing investment, partnerships and international expansion.
The evokeAG. 2026 Startup Program offers founders three distinct opportunities to accelerate their businesses through targeted networking and exposure.
Startup Alley serves as the heart of evokeAG., featuring a dynamic exhibition space for 50 of the most innovative startups tackling agriculture’s biggest challenges. Culinary Capital provides an exclusive networking dinner where startups pitch their solutions directly to investors, corporates and potential customers in a rotating table format.
The evokeAG. Australian Landing Pad, formerly AgVenture Downunder, offers a tailored program for 10 international startups ready to enter the Australian market, providing business support, market insights and connections with producers and trial partners.
Angela Wakeman, Acting General Manager, Global Innovation Networks at AgriFutures, said the evokeAG. Startup Program is designed to give agrifood startups and scaleups tackling agriculture’s biggest challenges a platform to showcase their innovation and drive positive change for the sector.
“evokeAG. is more than an event – it’s a launchpad for the technologies and ideas that have the potential to transform agriculture. The Startup Program is designed to connect founders with the networks and opportunities they need to scale and succeed,” Wakeman said.
Proven track record
Since launching in 2019, the evokeAG. Startup Program has supported the growth of more than 170 local and global startups, helping them secure investment, partnerships and international expansion opportunities.
Notable alumni include Rainstick, Cropify, People in Paddocks, CropX and RHST, companies that have leveraged their participation to foster growth and secure funding.
Edward Barraclough, Founder of livestock management technology startup Drone-Hand, credited the program with accelerating his business trajectory.
“The evokeAG. Startup Program gave us exposure to the right people – investors, trial partners, customers and everyone in between – at exactly the right time. It was pivotal in creating pathways and securing partnerships that have led to the completion of our investment round and accelerated our move towards commercialisation,” Barraclough said.
Investment connections
The program’s structure provides multiple touchpoints for startups to engage with potential investors and corporate partners throughout the two-day event.
Wakeman emphasised the program’s focus on addressing agricultural challenges through innovation.
“The evokeAG. Startup Program is designed to give agrifood startups and scaleups tackling agriculture’s biggest challenges a platform to showcase their innovation and drive positive change for the sector,” she said.
Global market access
Hosted by AgriFutures Australia, evokeᴬᴳ. is the premier global agrifood technology and innovation event, bringing together the brightest minds, breakthrough technologies and bold ideas shaping the future of agriculture.
The event attracts participants from across the agricultural value chain, including producers, technology developers, investors and corporate partners seeking innovative solutions.
Applications for the evokeAG. 2026 Startup Program opened on Monday, 15 September 2025, and close on Friday, 24 October 2025 at 5.00pm AEDT.
Visit evokeag.com/startups for program details, eligibility criteria and application information.
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