The newly launched Thailand-Australia Venture Exchange Program will connect emerging agrifood innovators in both countries, opening doors for joint growth, research investment and food sustainability.
Delivered by CSIRO, Australia's national science agency, in partnership with Thailand's Food Innopolis (part of the National Science and Technology Development Agency) and the Research University Network (RUN), the program is open to eligible Thai and Australian startups and small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) working across the agrifood value chain.
Over twelve weeks, the funded program supports participating organisations with:
- online and in-person learning opportunities to explore new markets
- funded travel to Australia and Thailand for two market immersion weeks, including attendance at industry events and networking sessions
- coaching to identify research and industry collaborations and value chain opportunities
- connection to research, industry, investor and customer networks in both countries
- developing an effective go-to-market strategy.
The goal is to accelerate business growth for organisations developing solutions to shared national challenges in sustainable agrifood systems development.
Driving cross-border innovation
CSIRO Director Southeast Asia Amelia Fyfield said the program – alongside food innovation forums and research grants – demonstrates the strength of Australia's collaboration with Thailand under the Innovation for Food Sustainability program . This partnership is sponsored by the Australian Government's Southeast Asia and Australia Government Partnerships program.
"By working with our partners at Thailand's Food Innopolis and the Research University Network, we're creating clear pathways for Australian and Thai agrifood innovators to access research facilities, scientific expertise and real market opportunities to help accelerate sustainable food industry development across our region," said Ms Fyfield.
The new program builds on the success of CSIRO's Venture Exchange Program delivered in Singapore , which supported participating organisations to expand international partnerships, strengthen investment readiness and access new markets.
"The program provides a vital platform for Thai and Australian startups to scale their solutions through shared research expertise and market insight, supporting their pathway into international markets," said Dr Akeanong Jangbua, Director of Food Innopolis at Thailand's National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA).
"By uniting CSIRO's scientific leadership, the academic excellence of the Research University Network, and NSTDA's Food Innopolis innovation ecosystem, we are leveraging collective strengths to support agrifood startups with global ambitions."
Who should apply
The Thailand-Australia Venture Exchange Program is suitable for Australian startups and SMEs and Thai organisations affiliated with RUN Thailand, developing or supplying solutions in areas including:
- agrifood innovation systems
- food sustainability
- agriculture
- aquaculture
- future food
- alternative proteins.
How to apply
Applications are now open for Round 1 Sustainable Agrifood Systems Development and close on 31 July 2026. Up to 15 companies will be selected, aiming for an equal number between Thailand and Australia.
Additional rounds will be delivered in 2027 – the application portal will remain open for these opportunities. Round 2 and 3 dates to be announced soon.
Learn more and apply: Thailand-Australia Venture Exchange Program
