AgriFood

Innovate UK KTN helps organisations interested in AgriFood innovation access the expert information, funding and connections needed to drive change. Our experts work with businesses of all sizes; locally, nationally and globally.

Maximise your chances for success when applying for funding

Innovate UK KTN is often first to find out about funding opportunities for AgriFood innovation from government and organisations, including Innovate UK. We inform the AgriFood community about this funding and how to apply for it. We can also partner with organisations to deliver funding on their behalf.

We produce events that not only provide in-depth information about funding opportunities but also allow innovators to meet collaborators and connect with the right people and opportunities.

If you decide to apply for funding, one of our team will help guide you towards the most appropriate funding call for your project and give you guidance on how to write a successful application. This funding could range from grant to investment funding.

Make connections to fast track your project

You’ll be matched with the person in our team who is the most knowledgeable about your project. We have experts in livestockaquaculturefoodcrops and we collaborate with key international AgriFood markets like Africa and Colombia.

If we identify that you’ll benefit from connecting with another organisation to help you achieve your goals, we’ll identify partners best suited to your needs.

If you need technology or expertise that you don’t have in-house, we’ll put you in touch with someone who can help.

Read about how we’ve helped: 
– Start-up Earthly Biochar build powerful connections and access funding to accelerate their innovation.
– AgriTech company Breedr win two grants, raise private investment and collaborate with a major player in their sector.
– 15 organisations come together to form the the Insectrial Revolution project, and win £5.9m in funding.

Follow us on Twitter: @IUK_Agrifood

Our current focus in this area

Aquaculture is one of the fastest growing AgriFood areas globally, and is key to ensure food security for a growing world population.

Plants and crops underpin the health, wellbeing and food security of our growing population. We depend on them through direct consumption or indirectly via livestock consumption.

The Food and Drink Manufacturing sector is the largest manufacturing sector in the UK. In terms of economic contribution, it accounts for 17% of all UK manufacturing GVA (£28.2 billion).

Livestock plays a key role in UK agriculture, helping to provide high quality food such as meat, milk and eggs, and contributing £14.7bn in output to the UK economy in 2020.

The Microbiome Innovation Network (formerly SIG) aims to accelerate the commercialisation of microbiome-based products and services in the UK and create a vibrant community by connecting industry and academia.

Related Opportunities

Launchpad: agri-tech and food tech in Eastern England

Opens: 23/10/2023 Closes: 06/12/2023

UK registered organisations can apply for a share of up to £2m for business led projects in the agri-tech and food technology cluster in Eastern England.

More Information

Open Innovation challenge: Innovative Products from Millet (and Other High Fibre Grains)

Opens: 01/12/2023 Closes: 29/01/2024

Unilever Kenya is seeking innovative solutions to produce millet food products with consumer appeal and zero waste, using circular economy principles.

More Information

Global Business Innovation Programme in Canada – Agri-Food

Opens: 31/10/2023 Closes: 05/01/2024

Innovate UK seeks companies who are involved in developing innovations to support the alternative protein sector for a market visit to Canada.

More Information

Growing Kent and Medway: prototyping and demonstrator fund

Opens: 20/11/2023 Closes: 24/01/2024

UK registered businesses can apply for a share of up to £750k for innovative technologies in the horticultural food and drink supply chain.

More Information

SBRI: Plant health innovations for biosecurity

Opens: 06/11/2023 Closes: 20/12/2023

This competition aims to accelerate innovative solutions, technologies or practices that enhance plant health and biosecurity.

More Information

Open Innovation challenge: Manure Valorisation and Energy Production

Opens: 04/12/2023 Closes: 31/01/2024

Animal Care, Nigeria, are looking for ways to transform poultry manure into energy sources and other valuable outputs.

More Information

Related Events and Recordings

Wed
21
Feb
2024

Net Zero Innovations Unveiled in Norfolk’s Agri-food Industry

09.00 - 17.00 | Norwich

Register for this event
Thu
16
Nov
2023

UK-Kenya Alternative Proteins Innovation Network launch event

09.00 - 11.30 GMT | Online

Watch now
See all events

Our Experts

Related News

New food innovation partnership between UK and Canada launches

15/06/2023

New food innovation partnership between UK and Canada launches

Innovate UK and Protein Industries Canada announce new partnership to better connect the food sectors in both countries to meet sustainability and net zero aims.

Read more
Opportunities for innovation to reduce damage caused by quelea birds in Africa

01/06/2023

Opportunities for innovation to reduce damage caused by quelea birds in Africa

In April 2023, we brought together stakeholders from the UK and Africa to explore innovation to reduce crop loss due to quelea birds in Africa.

Read more
More News

Programmes related to AgriFood

AgriFood Investment Readiness Programme

AgriFood Investment Readiness Programme

For UK SMEs working on AgriFood innovations and looking for private investment.

Agrifood Africa Connect

Agrifood Africa Connect

AgriFood Africa Connect brings innovative people and organisations across the UK and Africa together to address key AgriFood challenges in Africa. We build diverse connections across the UK and Africa to drive positive change that aligns with the UK’s Overseas Development Assistance goals.

AgriFood Africa Connect Map

AgriFood Africa Connect Map

The AgriFood Africa Connect Map makes it easier for UK and African organisations to collaborate on projects, provides information on the AgriFood sector across Africa, and helps connect innovators to enable collaboration and address key global challenges.

For general enquiries regarding our AgriFood sector contact us now

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