What’s happening?
Britta Marsh has been named the recipient of the Liz Alexander Bursary for Leadership in AgTech and Innovation.
Ms Marsh, an AgTech consultant, ecosystem builder, program designer, and early-stage investment associate, will receive $ 3,000 to attend evokeAG 2026 in Melbourne as part of Team Queensland.
evokeAG is recognised as the Asia Pacific’s leading agrifood innovation event.
Ms Marsh said the award carries deep meaning.
“Liz was a visionary and a generous supporter of people and ideas,” Ms Marsh said.
“To be awarded a bursary in her name is incredibly humbling, and I’m proud to carry that legacy forward.”
She was selected for her contributions to Queensland’s AgTech sector, including work with more than 200 AgTech startups nationally, over 50 of them based in Queensland.
Her focus includes helping founders validate markets, connect with producers, and move towards commercialisation and early-stage investment.
Why it matters
The bursary honours the legacy of the late Liz Alexander, a trailblazer from Emerald in Central Queensland who helped shape Queensland’s AgTech ecosystem.
Established last year, the award gives emerging leaders access to ideas, global networks and industry insights.
Department of Primary Industries AgTech Innovation Manager Alicia Dunbar said Ms Marsh’s impact has been significant.
“Britta has been instrumental in building Queensland’s AgTech landscape, supporting early-stage founders with practical, producer-led innovation and addressing critical gaps in investment readiness,” Ms Dunbar said.
“Britta’s expertise and dedication to strengthening pathways for regional and rural innovation make her a deserving recipient of the Liz Alexander Bursary.
“We’re thrilled that she will represent Queensland at evokeAG 2026 and look forward to the valuable insights she will bring back to benefit the state’s agricultural industry.”
The bursary also supports Queensland’s broader target of lifting primary production output to 30 billion dollars by 2030.
Local impact
Ms Alexander was from Emerald and played a pivotal role in programs including AgFrontier and i4Connect.
She also served on boards including Cotton Australia, Plant Health Australia and QRIDA.
Her husband, Doug Sands, a Research Agronomist with the Department of Primary Industries, said the bursary keeps her memory alive.
“Liz was devoted to fostering innovation and leadership in Queensland’s agricultural sector,” Mr Sands said.
“Britta Marsh’s passion and commitment reflect the values Liz championed. I know Liz would be proud to see Britta receive this bursary and continue the important work of advancing AgTech in Queensland.”
Ms Alexander passed away in July 2024 from complications related to cancer treatment. She was 51. She is survived by her husband and two children, Fletcher, 18, and Brodie, 16.
By the numbers
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3,000 dollars will support Ms Marsh’s attendance at evokeAG 2026, giving her direct access to global agrifood innovation leaders.
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More than 200 AgTech startups nationally have worked with Ms Marsh, including over 50 based in Queensland.
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Queensland aims to boost primary production output to 30 billion dollars by 2030, a goal the bursary seeks to support through innovation leadership.
Zoom in
Britta Marsh serves on the Australian Agritech Association’s National Committee and is an associate at Queensland venture capital firm 77 Partners.
Based in Brisbane, she works closely with founders, producers and investors across Queensland and Australia.
Her work centres on strengthening regional, producer-led innovation and investment readiness.
Zoom out
Queensland’s AgTech ecosystem continues to grow, backed by programs, networks and industry collaboration.
The Liz Alexander Bursary reflects a long-term push to build leadership capacity and connect local innovators with national and global platforms like evokeAG.
What to look for next?
All eyes will be on evokeAG 2026 in Melbourne, where Ms Marsh will represent Queensland.
The focus will then shift to how the insights and networks gained translate into stronger pathways for AgTech founders across regional Queensland.
