Agnition Ventures backs global agri-tech expansion through Land x Launch™ ANZ

Melbourne, Australia – 18 February 2026

A new crop of farm innovators will be given a boost to test and scale their agri-tech across Australia and New Zealand as the Land x Launch™ ANZ program opens applications for 2026. 

Powered by Farmers2Founders and Agrifood Futures in partnership with Agnition Ventures (the corporate innovation and investment arm of New Zealand-based Ravensdown Fertiliser Co-operative), the Land x Launch™ ANZ program provides a single, integrated pathway for global agri-technologies to validate and scale their innovations in two world-class agricultural markets. The search for the 2026 program cohort was officially launched by Farmers2Founders on Tuesday as part of the iconic EvokeAG showcase in Melbourne, Australia. 

Speaking at the event’s Farmers2Founders’ International Agrifood-Tech Pitch Challenge, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Farmers2Founders Skye Raward said the possibilities were endless for the next cohort keen to test their tech’s mettle across two premier proving grounds.

“New Zealand and Australia offer ideal and diverse agricultural ecosystems to ground truth and scale agri-technology for the globe, and this program provides the springboard for ventures looking to accelerate the adoption of their tech in two world-class markets.” Ms Raward said.

“Program participants are guaranteed unparalleled access to local farmers, customers, industry leaders and our global investor network that will enable them to not only validate and scale their innovations, but continue to deliver positive gains in climate resilience and sustainable productivity for the future.”

Proven Impact: Land x Launch™ New Zealand 2025

The momentum behind the 2026 program builds on the strong performance of the 2025 Land x Launch™ New Zealand pilot. In a single cycle, a cohort of 5 international innovators spanning the USA, Israel, Germany and Argentina, delivered significant tangible commercial outcomes. From commercial on-farm trials secured and progressing well into 2026, high-value industry agreements and direct investment activity into at least two of the ventures already — reinforcing Land x Launch™ as a proven pathway for landing and scaling global agri-technologies in New Zealand.

The 2026 Land x Launch™ ANZ program is open to innovators in the dairy, beef, sheep and arable sectors.

“With rapidly shifting geopolitical dynamics, our sector must demonstrate the strength of international collaboration through practical, real‑world initiatives such as Land x Launch. We are proud to open our doors to innovators from around the world who are delivering solutions that farmers and growers genuinely need. Last year’s programme delivered strong results, and we are confident it will be even better in 2026..” Jasper van Halder, CEO Agnition Ventures.

Applications for cohort one of the 2026 Land x Launch™ ANZ program close on 29 March, with expressions of interest to be submitted via the Farmers2Founders website.