An AgTech Finder initiative
AgTech Finder Support Fund
Backing emerging agtech. Connecting real-world adoption.
Helping practical agtech businesses move from online discovery to meaningful conversations, demonstrations and adoption at agricultural field days.
$5,000
Confirmed funds raised
$0
Support awarded
0
Businesses supported
0
Field-day activations funded
Figures will be updated as commitments are confirmed and support is awarded. A prospective MLA contribution is awaiting approval and is not included above.
Why the Fund was established
Many useful agtech businesses can be discovered online but face real cost and logistical barriers when trying to exhibit at agricultural field days. Those events remain one of the most valuable places for farmers to see technology demonstrated, ask practical questions and decide whether a solution belongs in their business.
The AgTech Finder Support Fund is being established to reduce those barriers and create a practical pathway from digital discovery through AgTech Finder to real-world farmer engagement through Farm Gate activations.
Who is behind it
The Fund is an AgTech Finder initiative developed with Food Agility CRC, REALM Group and industry representatives. Field-day relationships and activation opportunities will be developed with the Association of Agricultural Field Days of Australasia (AAFDA) and participating events.
Proposed operation of the Fund
The following operating model is proposed and remains subject to confirmation by the Fund committee.
- Applications remain open: eligible businesses may register interest throughout the year.
- Monthly assessment: the committee will schedule a 30-minute review meeting at the beginning of each month. Meetings may be adjourned when there are no submissions.
- Initial management: Food Agility CRC is proposed to manage the funds during the Fund’s establishment phase.
- Initial field-day focus: for the first 18 months, funding may be prioritised or restricted to qualifying field days hosting an AgTech Finder Farm Gate activation.
- Transparent decisions: applications will be assessed against agreed criteria, available funding, event suitability and the potential for meaningful farmer engagement.
- Outcome reporting: recipients will be asked to provide simple post-event feedback covering participation, farmer engagement and practical outcomes.
Who the Fund may support
Final eligibility will be approved by the committee. The proposed principles are designed to open discussion while keeping the Fund focused on practical agricultural outcomes.
Potential applicants
- Emerging agtech businesses
- First-time or early-stage field-day exhibitors
- Regional agtech businesses
- Student or research-backed ventures
- Early commercial-stage companies
Proposed assessment principles
- A clear agricultural use case
- A product, service or prototype ready to demonstrate
- Relevance to farmers or agricultural businesses
- Commitment to attending and activating at the event
- An AgTech Finder listing, or willingness to create one
- Evidence of readiness for real-world engagement
Fund committee
The proposed committee will establish eligibility, assess submissions, oversee conflicts of interest and help ensure funding decisions remain practical, transparent and aligned with the purpose of the Fund.
- Steve Agi
- Bruce Wright
- Chris “Chips” Komorek
- Britta Marsh
- Rebecca Bradford
- Agritech New Zealand representative—Brendan or an appointed proxy
Committee membership and governance arrangements are proposed and will be confirmed before formal assessment begins.
Become a Support Fund partner
Support practical agtech adoption with visible, measurable outcomes. Partnership opportunities can include Fund recognition, AgTech Finder exposure, Farm Gate field-day activation, content and recipient stories.
Foundation Partner
For major partners helping establish and grow the Fund.
Supporting Partner
For organisations contributing directly to the funding pool.
Field Day Partner
For participating events supporting live agtech activation.
Request the Sponsor Pack
The Sponsor Pack includes partnership options, benefits and contribution details. To protect the document and help us respond appropriately, access is provided after supplying an email address and mobile number.
The automated email-and-mobile access form will be activated once the approved Sponsor Pack and data-handling workflow are confirmed.
Register interest in receiving support
Applications are not yet formally open while the committee confirms eligibility and operating guidelines. Emerging agtech businesses can register interest now and will be contacted when the process is finalised.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Fund currently accepting applications?
Businesses may register interest, but formal applications and assessments will begin after the committee approves the operating and eligibility guidelines.
What could the Fund cover?
Support is expected to focus on eligible field-day participation costs associated with qualifying Farm Gate activations. Exact inclusions and funding limits are still to be confirmed.
How will recipients be selected?
The proposed committee will review applications against the approved eligibility principles, available funding and the potential for meaningful farmer engagement.
How can an organisation support the Fund?
Organisations can contribute to the funding pool, support a participating field day or discuss a broader founding partnership with AgTech Finder.