SBRI: Dynamic integrated trading tools that optimise the supply and distribution of local food supplies

This competition is a ‘first of a kind’ demonstrator initiative, on behalf of Cardiff Capital Region (CCR), Cardiff Council and Monmouthshire Council, to accelerate innovation in the CCR region and enable projects to develop innovative solutions which can significantly improve the sustainable production and supply of food. There are four simultaneous challenges: click here to see details of all four.

An online briefing event (covering all four challenges) will be held on Thursday 21st September, 10am-11.30am: click here to register for a place.

The challenge: Dynamic integrated trading tools for local food supplies

This challenge forms part of a suite of initiatives to nurture new thinking from growing operations to community marketplaces. Specifically addressing digital tool kits that galvanise a regional food produce marketplace.

It is envisaged that this challenge will provide a dynamic integrated trading tool or system that optimises the supply and distribution of local food supplies.  We are looking for digital companies that can deliver a system that brings together regional farming suppliers, customers, and end-users. Approaches should consider how the platform might be applied to local schools, hospitals and council owned food ecosystems that can bring about the better use of local produce across the regional supply chain, encouraging farmers to sell locally and providing healthy and nutritious food products to meet local demand.

In Scope

Near market ready solutions are invited for the implementation and potential scaling of:

• A versatile platform that allows farmers to table their product portfolios, forecast harvests and timescales.
• Clear visibility of shelf life and seasonal availability of products.
• A method that allows the end-user/customer to easily navigate and consolidate goods from different food producers (farmers) to meet their entire order needs.
• Innovative platforms must be built to allow a best value for money online marketplace for significant purchasers to buy from small producers in an easy-to-use fashion.
• A system that encompasses product collection and delivery scheduling in the most economical and efficient manner.
• Platforms that can incorporate food passport thinking and source validation.
• Platforms designed to drive financial performance and efficiencies for the benefit of the buyers and grower, for example (but not limited to) blockchain methodology.
• Off-the-shelf solutions may be considered if innovation can be demonstrated.

Additionality:

• Farmers would need support via a home page with relevant details around produce and standards required/achieved for delivery to council kitchens.
• There is potential to create communities/forums/events with farmers and their end users including education of farming practices etc.
• Infrastructure development to enable local producers to sell directly to buyers – this will involve food cleaning facilities, packaging knowledge and equipment (where appropriate) and access to a knowledge base to enable them to ensure compliance with ever changing legislation & Welsh Government policies.

The following additional capabilities would be welcomed but are not essential for the trial:

• Food production and preparation-based carbon performances (to assist the farmer).
• Logistic and transportation integration and the carbon estimation associated with the delivery of goods.
• Accounts for the forecasting of waste food and reporting on alternatives for waste utilisation.

Out of scope

• Off-the-shelf, generic, non-innovative purchasing systems.
• Stand-alone market analytical tools and reporting solutions.
• Approaches designed for regions that are outside the Cardiff Capital Region.

Who can apply?

Any organisation can submit an application, although it is expected that opportunities presented by SBRI will be particularly attractive for SMEs. Pre-startup companies may apply, but contracts must be awarded to legal entities. Universities may apply; however they must demonstrate a route to market, i.e.the application must include a plan to commercialise the results.

Funding Allocation and Project Details

The competition will run in two phases (demonstrator and scale up). Applications will be assessed using the evaluation criteria provided in the tender documents.

Contracts will be awarded to successful proposals of up to £0.8m to deliver the demonstrator and up to £1m for scale up of the demonstration model.

All sums indicated are exc. of VAT (net).

• Demonstrator contracts are intended to develop and evaluate prototypes of demonstration proposals. It is anticipated that projects will run for 10 months. Up to £0.8m of funding per project has been assigned to this phase.  The final allocation of budget to projects will be difficult to predict at this stage so applicants are encouraged to consider a range of delivery options and budgets in their proposals to maximise the funding available.
• Scale Up contracts are intended to provide organisations, successful in demonstrator phase, with an opportunity to scale up their innovative solutions, and it is anticipated that projects will run for a maximum of 12 months. Up to £1m of funding per project has been assigned to this phase. Again, final allocation of budget to projects will be difficult to predict at this stage so applicants are encouraged to consider a range of delivery options and budgets in their proposals to maximise the funding available.
• The total funding for the Challenge can change and the funders have the right to:
  • Adjust the provisional funding allocation between the Phases; and
  • Apply a portfolio approach.

For full details of funding, technical and functional requirements, and timescales, visit the SBRI Centre of Excellence at the link below.

For any enquiries about this competition e-mail: foodchallenge@cardiff.gov.uk