Startups
Developed by Hort Innovation and Artesian Venture Partners, the world’s first horticulture-specific Frontiers Venture Capital Fund empowers fresh ideas, novel technologies and approaches to make growing horticulture more sustainable and cost-effective.
Managed by Artesian, the Hort Innovation Venture Fund is open to forward-thinking startups via an Expression of Interest (EOI). Eligible applicants will have products or concepts aligned with the strategic themes of Frontiers. Applicants’ proposals should also:
- Address the unique needs of the Australian horticulture sector — or adjacent industries —while holding the power to disrupt, transform, or redefine supply chains. Technologies applicable to mixed farming enterprises that combine horticulture with other commodities, like grains, oilseeds, or livestock are encouraged.
- Contribute to the development of a thriving agrifood innovation ecosystem, building lasting, far-reaching benefits for the entire horticulture industry.
Partner benefits include:
- Grower access: Tap into an engaged grower and farm community, located in diverse geographic and climatic regions across Australia.
- Advantaged partner network: Our partners have access to a village of experts from early adopters and tech innovators to established local and global disruptors. –
- Rapid amplification of research outcomes: Partners can trust that the research outcomes delivered will be adopted by those who count.
- Gold standard ethics and integrity: Measures that ensure a seamless investment process for our partners, fostering trust and transparency every step of the way.
Startups will also be assessed on their potential for addressing industry-led challenges, high growth, financials, reference checks and other criteria.
About Artesian
Founded in 2004, Artesian Venture Partners is a global alternative investment management firm based in Sydney, Australia. Artesian has more than $1.2 billion in assets under management through in technology, climate, agrifood, health, artificial intelligence, robotics, education, and gender equality sectors in Australia and across the world.
The firm prides itself on investing responsibly, prioritising sustainable growth and long-term value creation for its stakeholders and the communities it serves.
Hort Innovation Venture Fund
Agovor
We empower growers with automation built specifically for horticulture. The Agovor® eTractor – a lightweight, 120 kilogram autonomous machine with more than ten hours of runtime and strong towing capacity – moves easily through narrow rows.
BioScout
Autonomous airborne disease monitoring and detection. BioScout has developed a patented, AI-powered platform that brings together autonomous air-sampling hardware, a real-time disease dashboard, and predictive analytics.
PlasmaLeap
PlasmaLeap is developing a decentralised, zero-emissions nitrogen production technology that synthesises ammonia and nitrate fertilisers using only air, water and renewable electricity.
GEORGIA BEATTIE
Founder, Bulla Park Mushrooms, Diggers Rest, Victoria