Groundbreakers program
Closes Sunday 3rd August 2025
The Groundbreakers Program is a platform for bold ideas and emerging talent shaping the future of agrifood technology.
The Groundbreakers Program 2026 empowers five emerging leaders (aged 18-30 from Australia and New Zealand) who are committed to delivering impact for Australia’s agrifood system, ensuring food security, nutrition and sustaining environmental and economic resilience.
With mentoring, professional storytelling support, and a $3,000 bursary, the Groundbreakers are equipped to amplify their impact beyond the event. This program is designed to spotlight the future leaders, foster lasting industry connections and accelerate meaningful change across the agrifood technology ecosystem.
Program questions
What is the 2026 Groundbreakers Program?
The 2026 Groundbreakers Program is designed to build the capacity and capability of Australia and New Zealand’s current, and emerging leaders. The leaders are committed to delivering impact for Australia’s agrifood system, ensuring food security, nutrition and sustaining environmental and economic resilience.
Why is it important?
The 2026 Groundbreakers Program recognises the contributions of young industry leaders and provides them with the support systems, networks, and connections to continue to deliver impact and thrive for a sustainable agrifood system.
Through their mentoring sessions, the Groundbreakers will gain valuable skills and foundations for presenting with impact at evokeAG. 2026 and developing a clear strategy for progressing their message, innovation, or research.
Who should apply?
Australian and New Zealand residents between the ages of 18-30 that are considered changemakers in their rural communities, are making an impact on our rural industries and have an innovative message, innovation, or research project they are currently working on. This can be at any stage of development but must already be demonstrating impact.
Program criteria
Applicants from Australia, and New Zealand
Applicants must be between the ages of 18-30 years (as of 31 December 2025)
Applicants must be available to travel to Melbourne around 17-18, February 2026 to participate in evokeAG.
Applicants must not have participated in the evokeᴬᴳ⋅ Groundbreakers program in previous years however applicants that applied and were not successful are eligible to apply for the 2026 program
Applicants must have read and understood the evokeAG. Groundbreakers Program terms and conditions
