There are only a few days left for people to apply for a share of £5 million through the Farming Innovation Investor Partnership competition. This competition aims to support agri-tech companies that develop and implement new technologies to make farming more efficient with innovative farm-focused solutions that tackle challenges related to productivity, sustainability, and achieving net zero emissions.

Private investment will then come from Innovate UK’s Investor Partner Pool, which comprises of around 80 investors with the expertise and appetite to invest in innovative agri-tech businesses. Private investment can support comprehensive company growth and scale ambitions outside the aligned project. 

Eligible project costs must be between £750,000 and £3 million and last 18 months. 

Projects must start by 1st April 2024, demonstrate benefits to farmers and growers in England, and be led by a sole UK-registered micro/small or medium business. Defra will fund between 45 per cent and 35 per cent of eligible project costs, depending on business size. 

Aligned private investment must be at least twice the amount of the grant requested to complete the project and support the company to grow and scale. 

Applications must be in by 30 August and can be made via Innovate UK’s website.