Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, has partnered with Thailand’s Food Innopolis and the Research University Network (RUN) to launch the new Thailand-Australia Venture Exchange Program. Applications are now open, and close 31 July.
The Thailand-Australia Venture Exchange Program aims to connect emerging agrifood innovators in both countries, opening doors for joint growth, research investment and food sustainability. Round 1 of the program will focus on Sustainable Agrifood Systems Development, accepting up to 15 companies, and aiming for an equal number between Thailand and Australia.
Aiming to accelerate business growth for organisations developing solutions to shared national challenges in sustainable agrifood systems development, 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 will support 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.
CSIRO director Southeast Asia, Amelia Fyfield, said the program demonstrates the strength of Australia’s collaboration with Thailand under the Innovation for Food Sustainability 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 Fyfield.
This partnership is sponsored by the Australian Government’s Southeast Asia and Australia Government Partnerships program. It 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.
Applications are now open online at csiro.au for Round 1, and close on 31 July 2026. Additional rounds will be delivered in 2027, with dates to be announced soon.
