Agrifood innovation accelerator, Farmers2Founders, has launched a new initiative to support Queensland-based female founders. TekWomen QLD aims to provide Queensland-based women with the tools and support to build, launch, and scale startups in the agrifood-tech sector.
Despite the growing potential in agrifood-tech, only 15 per cent of STEM jobs in Australia are held by women and just 2.1 per cent of venture capital funding went to female-led startups in 2022.
Yet, research shows that female-led agrifood startups deliver 35 per cent greater returns on investment compared to their male counterparts. TekWomen QLD aims to close this gap by offering a structured pathway for women to succeed in the fast-growing sector, supported by industry partnerships and the Advance Queensland Initiative.
Applications are now open for the organisation’s inaugural program – TekWomen QLD Startup Studio, a 15-month incubator designed to support early-stage, female-led agrifood-tech startups. It will provide expert mentorship, industry access, and strategic support to help participants scale their businesses and prepare for investment.
The organisation told FDB that the Startup Studio was particularly unique in this space, as most programs only last 8 weeks to 4 months.
“We understand early stage founders rarely get sustained financial backing; especially over critical phases. That’s why we built the 15 month startup studio tailored to women’s entrepreneurial journeys, offering adaptable support to help them grow through key milestones, without sacrificing flexibility or accessibility. The $750 studio fee is heavily subsidised by ourselves and Advance QLD,” said a Farmers2Founders spokesperson.
“We have many industry collaborators in the pipeline to support the entire program experience, in tandem with the 'community' we are building. We have already had over 200 people request to join the community, which is open to any women in the agrifood tech sector, to more effectively share knowledge and support one another.”
Key focus areas for the Startup Studio program will include;
- Animal health & productivity
- Carbon market solutions
- Data optimisation & analytics
- Drought resilience
- Field & crop monitoring/productivity
- Precision farming & conservation
- Robotics & automation
- Supply chain & traceability
- Sustainability
- Biomaterials
- Waste reduction & circular economies
- Novel food & bioprocesses
TekWomen QLD aims to be more than just a pathway to create business, but one of the foundations to build a movement. By supporting women from early-stage idea development through to investment readiness, the program is positioning female founders to shape the future of agrifood-tech in Australia and on the international stage.
“Female founders are a better bet – but they still face systemic barriers in securing funding and industry recognition,” said TekWomen QLD co-founder Skye Raward.
“Our program equips women with the skills, networks, and confidence to lead and thrive in agrifood-tech.”
Farmers2Founders also announced several planned upcoming programs through TekWomen QLD;
- Fast Track – A 48-hour intensive program helping female founders validate and refine their business ideas (launching mid-2025).
- Agri-Rise – A 12-month career accelerator helping young women (18–25) build confidence and step into exciting careers in agrifood-tech (applications opening in April 2025).
- Agri-Elevate – An 8-week program designed for mid-to-late career women exploring leadership and portfolio career opportunities in agrifood-tech (launching in July 2025).
Applications for the TekWomen QLD Startup Studio are now open, and close on 27 April 2025. To learn more and apply, visit farmers2founders.com/tekwomen-qld-startup-studio.
