HARVEST Agtech Showcase 2026 Connects Innovators with Industry
WA’s longest-running agtech showcase returned on 16 September 2026, bringing together 95 attendees at Burswood on Swan for an afternoon of innovation, networking and collaboration.
Hosted by Innovation Cluster, the 2026 HARVEST Agtech Showcase introduced an exciting new format, moving away from the traditional pitch night to an interactive roundtable lunch.
Across three courses, eight agtech startups pitched their innovations in person, with a ninth presenting via video. Founders rotated between tables, sharing their stories, showcasing their technologies and engaging directly with growers, investors and industry representatives. Technology displays also provided opportunities for guests to explore the solutions firsthand and continue conversations throughout the afternoon.
AusAgritech President Rob Hulme delivered an inspiring keynote highlighting the value of agricultural innovation in driving productivity, profitability and global competitiveness. Drawing on Australia’s rich history of agricultural ingenuity, he emphasised that while Australia has no shortage of innovative ideas, greater investment and support are needed to commercialise solutions, accelerate adoption and help agtech businesses scale.
Rob highlighted the critical role of collaboration between industry, investors and government, and the importance of programs like HARVEST in connecting startups with the people and opportunities needed to bring their innovations to market. He also reinforced Australia’s potential to become a global leader in agtech exports, encouraging continued investment in homegrown solutions that address real challenges for farmers both locally and internationally.
AgriSpace Manager Stephanie Kirchhofer also introduced guests to AgriSpace, Innovation Cluster’s agtech investment platform, highlighting opportunities to invest in emerging agricultural technologies.
The event attracted a diverse audience of growers, producers, investors, agribusiness leaders, researchers, government representatives and industry organisations. All six HARVEST program sponsors were represented: GRDC, the Department of Energy and Economic Diversification, DPIRD, Wrays, Radium Capital and EZI. Five participants from Innovation Cluster’s Future Founders program also joined the event.
The interactive format created valuable opportunities for founders to build connections, gain feedback and explore potential collaborations with the people who can help bring their innovations to market.
The 2026 HARVEST Agtech Showcase reinforced the strength of WA’s growing agtech ecosystem and the importance of connecting innovative startups with industry, investment and opportunities for real-world adoption.
Some thoughts from Innovation Cluster’s Future Founders (Emerging Agriculture) about the event:
HARVEST is proudly supported by our major sponsors Grains Research and Development Corporation, Department of Energy and Economic Diversification, Department of Primary Industries & Regional Development.
HARVEST is also proudly sponsored by Wrays | Intellectual Property, Radium Capital, and EZI Group Esperance Zone Innovation.