Powering the 
growth of agri-food tech companies

Sparklabs Cultiv8 is one of the world’s leading agri-food techaccelerators, and we’re growing every year.
Applications for 2024 are now open!
Apply Now
designed for

Ag-Tech Startups

program duration

Six Months

METHOD

On Site/ Virtual

From ideation to commercialisation
We support companies from pre-seed to those who are well established at home and looking to enter new markets at speed.

Welcome to our Cleantech agri-food accelerator

2024 is our second cleantech-focusedaccelerator, responding to the critical need to reduce emissions fromagriculture and adapt our food systems to a changing climate.

Flexible investment of up to AUD$100,000

We offer founder friendly investment terms tailored to your company's stage and potential. With investments up to $100,000, we provide a financial foundation without demanding immediate returns or high equity stakes.

Learn from the best

We have an unparalleled local, national and global network. From farmers to industry bodies, international experts to unicorn founders, we have access to the best minds and markets to help your company grow.

Elevate your fundraising opportunities

Encompassing VCs, angel investors, corporates, Government funding sources and more, our program matches you with the right funding opportunities. We have a strong focus on  communication and engagement, elevating your skills in pitching and selling your vision, and increasing your chances of successful fundraising.

Strategic partnerships and real-world piloting

Engage in valuable collaboration opportunities with leading agricultural corporates and RDCs. This offers direct access to practical piloting experiences and strategic partnerships, fostering innovation and real-world application of your innovation.

Selection & eligibility

The accelerator selection process is competitive and evaluates each company’s potential impact; the team’s capabilities, and experience; and the feasibility and scalability of the business model.
The applicants must meet
the following criteria:
The applicants must meet
the following criteria:

Address challenges in agriculture and food production.​​

At a minimum, have a proof-of-concept working prototype.​​

Be available for the onsite workshops in Orange, NSW.​

Committed to participating in all accelerator activities and events.​

Areas of interest

Our program opens the door to purpose-driven founders by delivering practical solutions that enhance sustainable production, distribution and uptake across agriculture and food systems.

Climate Adaptability and Emissions

Data and Connectivity

Natural Capital and Biodiversity

Energy Transition and Adoption

Automation and Robotics

What should I expect from Sparklabs Cultiv8?

SparkLabs Cultiv8 exists to increase our founders’ speed and success rate in solving important problems. Here’s how we do that:
01

Week ZERO

Embark on your acceleration journey with Week ZERO, an immersive multi-day workshop in Orange, NSW that blends rigorous training with global networking, laying a robust foundation for your acceleration journey.

Scale fast with our support

Our program is engineered to turbocharge your growth, leveraging both our intensive curriculum and an expansive network. Delivered virtually, during the first half of our program you'll be delivered a bespoke program tailored to your company’s unique needs. This comprehensive support system is designed to accelerate your journey from an emerging startup to a commercial success, guiding you through testing and validating; customer acquisition, product marketing, funding strategies and more.
02
03

Midpoint

We come together again at our Midpoint event in Sydney, where our cohort shares their insights with each other, and we deliver in-person sessions with mentors specific to your business.

Showcase

Our program culminates back in Orange, with a focus on pitch preparationand rehearsal ahead of your debut at the Showcase event, attended every year byinvestors, corporates and partners.

A long-term commitment

Our commitment extends beyond the program'sduration. With SparkLabs Cultiv8, you gain a lifelong partnership. Continuedaccess to our ecosystem ensures your venture thrives in the long term. We'renot just building startups; we're fostering enduring success in the globalagri-food tech landscape.
04

Founder testimonials

Don't just take it from us. Hear from phenomenal people who’ve participated in our program.

"It’s been a real benefit for us to have mentoring from the SparkLabs Cultiv8 team, and also to meet with other companies that are also at the startup stage and to learn from their experiences."

John Mottram

CO-FOUNDER, WOLLEMAI

"There have been so many different opportunities for us to work with other people to really improve our cost effectiveness, and also to improve our product."

Simone O'Sullivan

CEO, AUSBIOENERGY

"SparkLabs has a very strong network, they have introduced me to the right people to improve my business. I don’t think you will find another program that can do that."

Cong Vu

FOUNDER & CEO, NANOSOILS

"You get access to an unbeatable ecosystem for Australia as well as a wider ecosystem internationally. The SparkLabs brand is globally respected, from Silicon Valley into Asia."

Santiago Navarro

CEO, PACKAMAMA

“The program delivered invaluable insights, partnerships, opportunities, and customers. It also helped us connect and develop relationships with strategic and financial investors.”

Dan Winson

CEO ZETIFI

Program participants

A selection of Agri-food tech startupswho’ve gone before.

FAQs

Do you want to know more about what to expect when joining one of our programs and how we operate? Find the answers to all your questions below.
My start-up isn’t making money yet, is it eligible for the program?

Absolutely! Our program will help pre-revenue start-ups develop and refine their product/service to fast-track commercialisation and sales.

I am based interstate/overseas, can I still apply?

Certainly! The program is delivered via ahybrid model. For successful applicants we work with you to determine the bestarrangements to add value for your company. However, all participants arerequired to be in Orange, NSW for Week ZERO and Demo Week.

When do applications close?

Submissions for the 2024 cohort close in February 2023. We are always searching for interesting ideas so be sure to submit an application at any time.

When will I hear back about the outcome of my application?

After submitting your application, our board of advisors will review your submission and get in touch to update you on the progress.

Will I need to provide a pitch deck or present a live demo of my product?

Depending on the product or service you are offering, we may request further information to assist in our decision-making process.

How long is the accelerator program and what are the requirements?

Our Clean Technology Accelerator program runs for 6 months, from May to October/November 2023, and participants must be available on-site for Week ZERO and Demo Week. We will work with you on a case-by-case basis to determine what other arrangement are required ensure your company gains the maximum value from the program.

Who will own the intellectual property created by our company during the Program?

You retain ownership of all intellectual property developed prior to and during the program. Our program is dedicated to supporting the enhancement of your intellectual property strategy, and any changes to intellectual property ownership will be documented in separate agreements between the parties involved.

What networking opportunities do I get during the program?

We offer world-class networking opportunities with our global network of investors, entrepreneurs, corporate partners, agricultural and food technologists, and expert mentors. These opportunities are available for one-on-one meetings or in group settings.

Accelerate your
agri-food company

If you have a great innovation that can help achieve a future of sustainable food security, please get in touch.
Apply Now