AgTech leaders across Queensland are invited to apply for the Liz Alexander Bursary for Leadership in AgTech and Innovation, a $3000 opportunity to attend evokeAG 2026, the Asia Pacific’s premier agrifood innovation event.
The bursary is designed to empower Queensland AgTech leaders by providing access to cutting-edge ideas, global networks and industry-leading insights.
Created in honour of Liz Alexander, a visionary leader from Emerald who helped shape Queensland’s AgTech ecosystem, the bursary celebrates her legacy of leadership, collaboration and innovation.
Ms Alexander was instrumental in driving the growth of the state’s AgTech ecosystem, playing a pivotal role in initiatives such as the AgFrontier program and i4Connect.
She also served on multiple boards including Cotton Australia, Plant Health Australia and QRIDA.
Department of Primary Industries Agtech Innovation Manager Alicia Dunbar said the bursary was an apt tribute to Liz Alexander’s extraordinary contributions to Queensland’s agricultural and innovation landscape.
“Liz was a trailblazer in AgTech, known for her vision, leadership and dedication to building a world-class AgTech ecosystem across Queensland,” said Ms Dunbar.
“This bursary not only honours her legacy but also inspires the next generation of innovators to continue driving change in our primary industries as we work towards the ambitious goal of boosting primary production output to $30 billion by 2030.”
Ms Dunbar encouraged nominations from emerging AgTech leaders who embodied Ms Alexander’s values of innovation, collaboration and community engagement.
“Liz believed in the power of bringing people together – producers, innovators, researchers or industry leaders – to help cultivate a culture of innovation across Queensland,” Ms Dunbar said.
“Through her work, Liz empowered others to think differently, embrace technology, and build the connected ecosystems that continue to drive agricultural innovation today.
“The bursary ensures that Liz’s values of openness, leadership and community-driven progress inspire future generations.”
Sonya Comiskey, chair of the Agtech Advisory Group that works with the Department of Primary Industries to collaborate with farmers on AgTech innovations, said Ms Alexander’s leadership, vision and dedication to fostering innovation in agriculture was “second to none”.
“Liz has left a legacy that continues to shape the industry today,” Ms Comiskey said.
“This bursary will honour her contributions and inspire future generations of AgTech and regional leaders.”
In February, the Crisafulli Government announced the bursary in Ms Alexander’s name at evokeAG. 2025.
“Liz Alexander was a true pioneer and a passionate advocate for Queensland’s AgTech sector,” said Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett.
“Liz championed not only technology and innovation, but also the people behind them — the start-up founders, investors and enablers working to supercharge the productivity and sustainability of our primary industries.
“This bursary is about recognising those who continue to lead in that space and drive meaningful change in Queensland’s primary industries.
“I look forward to seeing the next generation of AgTech leaders emerge and continue the work that Liz so passionately championed.”
For more information or to submit a nomination visit the Department of Primary Industries eHub.
