Our team at Agricultural Robotics had the privilege of attending the AusAgritech Gala Awards Night at the beautiful Rivershed, Howard Smith Wharves. Representing our work in mango orchard automation and grower-led innovation, William Pagnon and Amanda White were proud to stand alongside many of Australia’s most passionate and forward-thinking ag-tech leaders.
A standout moment of the evening was the announcement of The Liz Alexander Ecosystem Builder Award, to be presented for the first time in 2026.
This announcement touched us personally. Liz was our Accelerating Commercialisation (AC) Grant Facilitator, and much more than that. She was a strategist, a believer, a straight-talker, and above all, a connector. Her mentorship during the early stages of Agricultural Robotics played a formative role in shaping who we are today. Her support came not just through process and advice, but in her unwavering belief that the vision we had was worth backing.
Her passing has left a genuine absence. Not only in our team, but across the wider Australian ag-tech community.
In a twist of fate, we shared our table with Vivienne McCollum, the very first AC grant recipient Liz ever worked with. We were, in effect, the bookends of her AC journey. Vivienne and Liz shared both professional wins and personal milestones, and being able to reflect together on Liz’s legacy was so moving.
Why Ecosystem Builders Matter
In agriculture, no innovation happens in isolation. The sector is vast, interconnected, and regionally diverse. Ag-tech thrives not just on great ideas, but on strong ecosystems built by growers, technologists, investors, and mentors. Ecosystem builders like Liz Alexander are the critical glue. They help founders bridge the gap between technical possibility and industry relevance. They help turn vision into value, and potential into real-world results.
That’s why programs like the Farmers2Founders Queensland Scale Accelerator, powered by the QIC VCDF, are so vital. They offer startups like ours the strategic support, investor access, and community connections needed to grow with confidence. We’re grateful to be part of a program, and a sector, that values both innovation and the people who make it possible.
A Night of Well-Deserved Recognition
Congratulations to SwarmFarm Robotics on their incredible recognition across multiple award categories. Liz often spoke with admiration about their achievements, and it felt fitting that their success was celebrated on a night that also honoured her legacy. It was a proud moment for Central Queensland, and a reminder of the global potential of regional innovation.
Thank You, AusAgritech
To AusAgritech: thank you for recognising the vital role Liz played in building this sector. Your tribute ensures her impact will not be forgotten, and that future changemakers will be supported in the same spirit she brought to everything she did.
Here’s to innovation, connection, and legacy.
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Agricultural Robotics is proudly commercialising grower-led automation solutions for Australian horticulture, including the mango sector, with special thanks to Hort Innovation, Farmers2Founders, and AusIndustry.
