Hort Frontiers Strategic Partnership Initiative

Purpose and Program Overview

The Hort Frontiers Strategic Partnership Initiative is a program by Hort Innovation. It facilitates collaborative, cross-industry investments. The program’s intent is to drive innovation and address long-term challenges in Australian horticulture. It focuses on research and development (R&D) that has the potential for significant industry impact.

The program is a key part of Hort Innovation’s strategy. It attracts co-investment from private, commercial, and government partners. The goal is to accelerate the delivery of solutions to Australian growers and businesses. It works to transform the horticulture sector.

A recent refresh of the program has aligned its investments with four key themes. These themes are based on the Australian-grown Horticulture Sustainability Framework. They include Nourish & Nurture, People & Enterprise, Planet & Resources, and Less Waste.

Key Grant Details

• Grant amount or funding range: A specific amount per entity is not published. The program operates on a co-investment basis.
• Application open and close dates: The program is ongoing. It does not have fixed application dates. Opportunities are advertised as they arise.
• Eligible industries or business types: The grant is for businesses in the horticulture sector. This includes growers, startups, researchers, and tech businesses.
• Required co-contributions: The program operates on a co-investment model. It is designed to attract private, commercial, and government funds.
• Location/state/territory applicability: The program is for businesses and projects in Australia.

Priority Sectors

The grant is for a broad range of sectors within Australian horticulture. The Hort Frontiers Strategic Partnership Initiative specifically focused on four strategic investment themes: Healthy Living, Adaptation and Resilience, Market Growth and Security, and Disruptive Technologies.

Funding Scope

• Minimum and maximum amounts per stream: There are no specified minimum or maximum amounts. Funding depends on the project’s scale and scope.
• Categories or streams of funding: Funding is for innovation, research, and development. It supports ventures and partnerships.
• Project timeline or eligible funding duration: This depends on the specific project. Some projects can run for several years.

Grant Amount in Total

Hort Innovation has set an ambitious goal to invest an additional $500 million over the next decade through this program.

Eligibility Criteria

• Business structure or size: The program is open to a range of entities. This includes growers, businesses of all sizes, and research organisations.
• Registered business location: Applicants must operate in Australia.
• ABN/GST status: An ABN is required.

Eligible Activities and Expenses

The program supports a wide variety of activities. Eligible activities include:

• Research and development.
• New technology development and commercialisation.
• Supply chain improvements.
• Strategic partnerships and collaborative projects.
• Innovation in business operations and sustainability.

Assessment Process

The program is competitive. It is administered by Hort Innovation. Applications undergo a rigorous review process. Key criteria include:

• Strategic alignment with the program’s themes.
• Potential for significant impact and commercial outcomes.
• Demonstrated capability of the applicant.
• Value for money.
• The potential to drive change in the horticulture sector.

Recent Program Updates

Hort Frontiers Strategic Partnership Initiative has undergone a significant refresh. It has been aligned with new investment themes. This includes the establishment of the Hort Innovation Venture Fund to support startups. The program’s focus is on long-term transformation.

Application Tips

• You should align your proposal with one or more of the four investment themes.
• Be ready to show how your project will deliver a significant impact for the horticulture industry.
• Demonstrate your ability to attract co-investment.
• Highlight the potential for high growth and commercial viability.

Where to Get Help

Consider consulting with a professional grant specialist like Pattens Group. We offer initial assessments to review your business’s eligibility and evaluate how well your project aligns with the grant’s objectives. You can also visit the Hort Frontiers website for EOI templates, theme briefs and webinar recordings.