The Genetics of Fruit Sensory Preferences project, funded by Hort Innovation Frontiers, involved creating language similar to that used by winemakers, so plant breeders had a consistent way to assess flavour and identify traits consumers valued most. The ‘flavour wheels’ aimed to help breeders identify promising varieties earlier in the breeding process, accelerating the development of fruit consumers would enjoy.
Early RoBird trials in Australian almond orchards recorded an 89 per cent reduction in fruit loss within monitored trial blocks and a 94 per cent bird displacement rate following engagement with the technology. Now, the biomimetic drone is being put to the test in strawberries. In this video, Tim Harris takes us onto his farm…
The third cohort of the Australian-Grown Innovation (AGI) Build program will work closely with growers, industry experts and mentors to develop and validate solutions addressing real challenges across Australian horticulture. The AGI Program, co-funded by Hort Innovation Frontiers and Startupbootcamp, supports growers, researchers, startups and industry innovators to transform early-stage ideas into commercially viable opportunities…
Horticulture growers are bringing the future to their farms, trialling wearable exoskeleton technology. The aim? To reduce physical strain on workers and lift productivity around the most demanding on‑farm tasks. Launched today by Hort Innovation, the new Frontiers project will test how exoskeleton “exosuits” can support workers carrying out repetitive and physically intensive horticulture jobs,…
Australia’s horticulture sector is strengthening its global competitiveness as the Fresh and Secure Trade Alliance (FASTA) completes its second year. “FASTA is building the evidence, tools and capability that underpin Australia’s access to high value markets. In just two years, we’re seeing tangible outcomes that will benefit growers for decades to come,” Hort Innovation GM…
From idea to impact: horticulture innovators enter next phase The third cohort of the Australian-Grown Innovation (AGI) Incubate Program has today been announced, bringing together 12 Australian horticulture growers and innovators to explore new technologies, validate innovative ideas and develop solutions that strengthen the future of the industry. The AGI Program, co-funded by Hort Innovation…
Hort Innovation Frontiers, in partnership with Startupbootcamp, is pleased to announce the ten innovators selected for the upcoming Australian-Grown Innovation Build Program. The Build Program marks the next stage of the Australian-Grown Innovation pathway, supporting promising solutions to move from concept development into practical testing with industry. Across the program, participants will work with growers,…
We’re excited to announce Australian-Grown Innovation’s first Incubate cohort of 2026! 🌱 These innovative participants will go through a 6-week program designed to bridge the gap between a great horticultural idea and a market-ready solution. Interested in learning about how the program can help your business grow? Register here: https://luma.com/australiangrowninnovation
PlasmaLeap Technologies, the Australian company pioneering zero-emissions production of ammonia and nitric acid, said its recent A$30 million ($21 million) fundraising shows strong support for technology that can safeguard fertiliser supply from leading Australian agribusinesses and industry organisations. The Series A round attracted investment from Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), Hort Innovation, and GrainCorp…
Agovor, a New Zealand founded horticultural robotics company, has closed a pre-seed funding round, raising AU$3 million. The round has been led by Tenacious Ventures with co-investment coming from Hort Innovation Australia via the Hort Innovation Investment Fund, managed by Artesian, and from an individual investor via the Active Investor Plus (AIP) scheme facilitated by Invest New Zealand.…