Grants up to $5 million to support startups develop hardware, software and business model innovations that boost the profitability and sustainability of Australian grain growers.
On this page you will find
What is the GrainInnovate Fund (GIF)?
The GrainInnovate Fund (GIF) supports startups in Australia and globally to develop technology-enabled innovations that will help drive the future profitability and sustainability of Australia’s grain growers.
The fund will invest from seed to growth stages for startups developing software, hardware or new business models applicable to Australian grain growers.
GIF level of support
Grants
- Seed: $25,000 to $100,000
- Angel: $100,000 to $500,000
- Series A: $500,000 to $5 million
In addition to funding, GrainInnovate provides technical expertise, grain industry knowledge and networks, specialist advice and support.
GIF important dates
Applications are open on a rolling basis.
GIF important details that you will need to know
GIF objectives
The fund aims to identify and support technology-enabled innovations being developed by startups in Australia and globally with the potential to deliver transformational impact on grain grower profitability and sustainability.
Organisations eligible for GIF support
The fund is looking to invest in world-leading agrifood technology startup businesses that:
- are building a technology-enabled early-stage business
- have applicability to Australian grain growers
- could benefit from early-stage venture capital growth funding
Startups may be founded anywhere but they will demonstrate their commitment to developing the profitability and sustainability of Australian grain growers.
Additional criteria for each funding stage are as follows:
Seed
- participation in or referred by partner accelerators, incubators and university programs
- referred by industry/corporate partners or other VC firms
Angel
- previously invested in by the GIF at seed stage
- participation in or referred by partner accelerators, incubators and university programs
- referred by industry/corporate partners or other VC firms
Series A
- previously invested in by the fund at seed and/or angel stage
- referred by industry/corporate partners or VC firms
Projects eligible for GIF support
The fund may invest in startups developing software, hardware or new business models applicable to Australia’s grain growers.
Areas of interest include:
- genetic tools and technologies
- crop and environmental sensing
- grain storage logistics
- renewable technologies
- task automation
- crop protection technologies
- water and nutrient use efficiency
- crop management logistics
Applying for GIF
Applications are submitted via the Decode System portal.
Book a no obligation discovery session with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
GIF resources
Scroll down for a sample of GrainInnovate investments.
How do I get GIF?
You should read and understand the guidelines.
You need to ensure your organisation is eligible for the funding. Organisations that do not meet all of the eligibility criteria outlined above will not be considered.
Successful applicants will demonstrate:
- alignment with the fund objectives and the support of relevant stakeholders
- a clear role for their innovation in driving the profitability of Australian grain growers
- a need for funding, supported by a sound project plan
- the financial capacity and necessary expertise to support successful completion of the project within the agreed timeline
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Sample of GrainInnovate investments
| Business | Innovation |
| Bioscout | State-of-the-art tech to detect and prevent airborne diseases for use in proactive disease management |
| Farmlab | A platform to help agronomists, consultants and farmers better map, sample and analyse soil using the latest in soil science and digital soil mapping techniques |
| Growave | Microwave system controlling weeds through microwave energy, offering the potential to cut herbicides out of farming |
| Laconik | Applies machine learning algorithms to existing farm data to help put the right fertiliser rates in the right spots |
| Sustinent | Turns green waste into high-value products, initially focused on animal feed but also potentially on packaging, construction, textiles and more |
| ZoomAgri | Quality assessment of agricultural commodities to all participants of the agri supply chain via AI, Computer Vision and Internet of Things |
See the GrainInnovate portfolio page for full details of investments to date.
