Food
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).
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). It comprises just over 6,800 businesses and employs nearly 400,000 people. Innovation is key to the Food & Drink Manufacturing sector. Key areas are nutrition, shelf life, packaging, healthy eating, minimal processing, food safety and waste minimisation.
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Women in Innovation Awards 2025/26
Opens: 26/11/2025 Closes: 04/02/2026
Women founders or co-founders of UK registered SMEs can apply for a package of support that includes a grant of up to £75,000 and bespoke business support, to further their ambitious growth plans.
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Innovate UK Innovation Loans Round 24
Opens: 23/10/2025 Closes: 07/01/2026
UK registered businesses can apply for loans for close to market innovative projects with strong commercial potential. They must significantly improve the UK economy and drive societal benefit.
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Global Incubator Programme: Agri-Tech - Canada
Opens: 14/11/2025 Closes: 11/01/2026
Innovate UK seeks innovative Agri-Tech companies to participate in the Global Incubator Programme for market visits to Canada in April and July 2026.
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22/08/2024
Accelerator drives AgriFood innovators forward
The Innovate UK AgriFood Accelerator provided training and mentorship to increase the diversity of Innovate UK grant funding applications within the AgriFood sector and support participants in developing their businesses.
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13/08/2025
Trilateral partnerships to drive innovation in climate-smart agriculture
Innovate UK has awarded funding to 30 projects promoting climate-smart agriculture for sustainable food production systems. The projects are all collaborations between the UK, Brazil and Ghana or Nigeria.