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

Farming Innovation Programme - feasibility round 3

Opens: 18/09/2023 Closes: 15/11/2023

UK businesses can apply for a share of up to £4.5m for feasibility projects to benefit farmers, growers or foresters in England.

More Information

Farming Innovation Programme Small R&D Partnership Projects Round 3

Opens: 14/08/2023 Closes: 25/10/2023

UK registered businesses can apply for a share of up to £9.8 million for Small R&D Partnership Projects in farming innovation.

More Information

SBRI: Maximising renewable energy generation and local utilisation from farm (and growing) assets whilst maintaining agricultural yields

Opens: 29/08/2023 Closes: 09/10/2023

Cardiff and Monmouthshire Councils are looking for ways to incorporate green energy into the food supply chain.

More Information

SBRI: Innovative farming practices to reduce carbon emissions and increase yield

Opens: 28/08/2023 Closes: 09/10/2023

Cardiff and Monmouthshire Councils are looking for ways to reduce carbon emissions and increase yield on farms in South Wales.

More Information

SBRI: Approaches to encourage and enhance schools' knowledge of health benefits by sourcing from local food supply chains

Opens: 28/08/2023 Closes: 09/10/2023

Cardiff and Monmouthshire Councils are looking for new approaches to food sourcing and food education in schools.

More Information

Canada-UK: Plant-based Protein Innovation

Opens: 18/09/2023 Closes: 01/11/2023

UK registered organisations, in collaboration with Canadian organisations, can apply for a share of up to £6.5m for plant-based protein projects.

More Information

Related Events and Recordings

Wed
20
Sep
2023

Feasibility Study Round 3 - Farming Innovation Programme Webinar

10.00 - 12.00 | Online

Watch now
Mon
14
Aug
2023

Small R&D Partnership Projects Round 3 – Q&A and Consortia-Building

13.00 - 15.00 | Online

Watch now
Thu
6
Jul
2023

Earth Observation Technologies and Data for African Agriculture

10.00 - 12.30 | Online

Watch now
Thu
13
Jul
2023

Building UK-Africa Collaboration for Soil Health and Crop Nutrition

10.00 - 12.00 GMT+1 | 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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