Applications open for Startup Alley at the Australian Cotton Conference (29 May 2018)

CRDC and the 2018 Australian Cotton Conference have teamed up to offer innovative startup businesses a chance to showcase their ideas to over 2000 delegates during the industry’s showcase event in August.

This exciting new element of Conference, Startup Alley, is dedicated to showcasing the industry’s investments in startups, and the emerging technologies that are being developed specifically for cotton and agriculture. 

Applications are now open for businesses, teams and entrepreneurs with an idea or product that could drive impact in cotton production or the cotton supply chain to participate in Startup Alley.

Twelve places are up for grabs, with great prizes on offer including:

  • A dedicated booth for your business on Startup Alley
  • Opportunity to pitch your business to conference delegates during the “Pitch from the Paddock” session, led by Chief Queensland Entrepreneur Steve Baxter
  • Support and coaching in the lead up to the pitch session from CRDC partners and startup experts, Cotton-X
  • Full 3-day registration to the conference


“We’re very pleased to be able to partner with Cotton-X on this exciting new Conference initiative. As an investor in innovation, digital and disruptive technologies and entrepreneurs, CRDC is constantly on the lookout for innovations that will further push the boundaries of Australian cotton. This is a great way to showcase the exciting ideas and innovations emerging from the startup space, and to connect cotton growers seeking solutions with businesses who may be able to help,” CRDC Executive Director, Mr Bruce Finney said.

“We’re particularly looking for startups with near-to-market innovative products or services with great application to cotton production or the supply chain and strong customer validation,” he said.

Applicants will be judged by a panel of four including Steve Baxter and representatives from CRDC, Cotton-X and the Australian Cotton Conference. Applications close at 5:00pm on 15 June 2018. 

For more information on Startup Alley, or to apply, visit the Cotton-X website

CRDC is a foundation sponsor of the 2018 Australian Cotton Conference.