Agri-Tech Research Innovation Accelerator (AgRIA) fund now open for applications

AgRIA is a £2.7M fund to support innovation projects that bring together researchers and small businesses on a dedicated site in Hertfordshire.

AgRIA is supported for three years by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), and led by Rothamsted Research in partnership with the University of Hertfordshire, University College London, Cranfield University, Green Triangle, and RoCRE.

AgRIA is seeking to support 25 new collaborations to boost economic growth. They are now inviting applications for “short leaps” projects with total project costs up to a maximum of ¬£90,150, with a minimum contribution of ¬£21,000 from the small to medium-sized enterprise (SME). The contribution can be in the form of cash or e.g. providing a member of staff or equipment.

These “short leap” projects, which will run for circa six months, are expected to cover one or more of the four highlighted themes. They will be based at Rothamsted Research’s Harpenden campus, in lab units with adjoining hot desk office space; they will also have access to facilities at the University of Hertfordshire and University College London.

The short leap project themes are:

• T1: Soils, water and environment
• T2: Internet of things
• T3: High value products
• T4: Sustainable and green products

The deadline for applications is 30 September 2018.

You can find out more here.