Elevate
June 3rd & 4th 2025
Supported by the GRDC
Elevate: Turn Innovation into Impact
This agtech focused Elevate is a fully-funded, in-person 2-day intensive for researchers, innovators, and early-stage startups ready to explore commercialisation pathways in the grains sector - from soil to seed and everything in between.
Designed specifically for deep tech innovation in agriculture, this workshop is backed by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) and includes a supporting e-learning module to keep the momentum going beyond the room.
Across two packed days, you’ll work alongside industry leaders, seasoned entrepreneurs, and commercialisation experts who know what it takes to grow an idea into a venture that’s fundable, scalable, and farmer-ready.
You’ll walk away with:
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A clear understanding of the grains value chain - and where you fit in
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A well-defined value proposition that resonates with both industry and investors
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Insights into how to connect and co-design with growers and producers
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The confidence and tools to become “grant ready” and investment worthy
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A growing network of mentors, advisors, and potential partners
This isn’t just another workshop. It’s your launchpad.
Who should apply?
Researchers, technologists, early-stage startups, and ambitious individuals working on innovation in seeds, soil health, inputs, or ag-tech - anyone looking to transform science into sustainable commercial impact.
Application Deadline is the 11th of May 2025
Tell us about your innovation and why you’re ready to take the next step.
Grains Elevate is an immersive in person 2-day workshop with a supporting e-learning course designed to empower deep tech startups to explore their potential for commercialisation in the Grains industry.
This opportunity is fully funded by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC).
This course will give you unique access to experts, entrepreneurs and operators who will provide specialist advice on how to build a deep tech business in the Grains industry.
You will gain the knowledge and confidence to:
- Navigate the grains industry value chain
- Define and articulate your unique value proposition
- Connect with farmers and growers
- Become "grant ready" and plan ahead
- Build partnerships and find investors
To apply for Grains Elevate please complete the form below, telling us about your innovation and how this program can support you.
Applications open
Expert in residence
Brooke Sauer
AgTech Expert-in-Residence and Head of Innovation at Pure Grain Network
Brooke is the owner and director of Intellect Ag, a bespoke consulting company providing advice to farmers, agronomists, agtech start-ups, venture capitalists and technical specialists. Brooke has over 17 years’ experience across Australia including experience as an investor, collaborator, commercial partner, applied technology developer, advisor and consultant. Combining her experience of engaging with growers and leveraging her strong relationship with researchers, consultants and agronomists, Brooke has become a well-respected agriculture consultant.
Your Elevate Experts
Saron Berhane
Blackbird
Jason Whitfield
Main Sequence Ventures
Tim Byrne
Invertigo
Roozbeh Ravansari
X-Centric
Sian Priest
Cicada Innovations
Luke Wood
Escavox
"The GRDC Elevate program was thoughtfully designed and executed to vet and propel nascent business ideas like ours. The line up of content and speakers was of immense calibre and usefulness to our development. We were able to challenge our thinking in such a way that we have certainly saved ourselves 18 months of start-up pain and floundering by attending the 2 days at Cicada"
- Grains Elevate, 2024
Australia is a global leader in grains production. Supplying the world with grains for food, fuel, feedstock, renowned for the quality and varieties exclusive to Australian land.
To maintain our global leadership the grain growers need new technology to solve the industry's most pressing problems; from productivity, yield, efficiencies, costs and volatile markets. With a growing demand for food and net zero targets, we need innovations to deliver new and improved varieties, farming practices, and technologies that enable new capability to the Australian grains industry.
