THE next generation of young agrifood innovators are invited to apply for the evokeAG 2026 Groundbreakers program.

Applications are now open for the program, which serves as a launchpad for people with emerging talent from Australia and New Zealand who are committed to delivering positive impacts for Australia’s rural industries and communities.

It is aimed at those involved in all aspects of producing, processing and distributing food, fibre and agricultural products.

Five innovators aged 18 to 30 will be given the opportunity to present on stage at evokeAG 2026 in Melbourne in February, sharing their innovation or research with a global audience of industry leaders, innovators, investors and producers.

Each Groundbreaker will receive a $3000 bursary to support their professional or project development, along with one-on-one mentoring from industry experts. 

The program also includes professional video and photography support, and a post-evokeAG strategy session to build on connections and momentum gained during the event.

Australian and New Zealand residents who are considered changemakers in their rural communities and have an innovation or research project that is demonstrating impact are encouraged to apply.

From sustainable seaweed aquaculture and permaculture initiatives in Cape York to sustainable indoor plant factories and the development of recyclable livestock ear tags, evokeAG. Groundbreakers alumni have been challenging convention and driving change across the agriculture sector since 2019.

Angela Wakeman of AgriFutures Australia said the Groundbreakers Program empowered emerging changemakers who were tackling complex challenges and sets them up to drive lasting change.

“There is no shortage of inspiring young talent across Australia and New Zealand’s agrifood sector,” Ms Wakeman said.

“The Groundbreakers Program connects these innovators with the right people, tools and platforms to elevate their ideas and accelerate their impact.”

“It’s about unlocking potential and backing the next wave of young innovators who are driving positive impact across the agrifood sector,” Ms Wakeman said.

“At the same time, the program supports the development of a skilled, connected and future-ready agricultural workforce.”

One of the 2025 Groundbreakers is sustainable seaweed aquaculture researcher Alisa Milhaila.

“Being part of the evokeAG Groundbreaker program has been transformative, not just for my career, but for me personally,” she said.

“The exposure to such a wide network of producers, innovators, investors, and policymakers across the agrifood sector has opened doors I didn’t know existed. 

“It’s helped me grow professionally, but more importantly, it’s given me the confidence, perspective, and connections to evolve personally too.” 

Applications opened on July 14 and will close on August 3.

For more information on how to apply for the Groundbreakers Program, go to evokeag.com/evokeag-2026/groundbreakers.