Agri-Food Technology Challenge Fund for Wales
This challenge seeks innovations that lead to increased efficiency, productivity and sustainability in Welsh agriculture and agri-food supply chains, delivering environmental benefits and accelerating the transition to Net Zero.
This Challenge from the Welsh Government seeks to develop innovation within the agricultural and food sectors, incorporating new technologies on-farm or throughout wider agri-food supply chain including manufacturing and production. The key focus will be on demonstrating the potential affordability and scalability of solutions that can be delivered at pace.
Successful applicants will be awarded R&D contracts to deliver up to 10 projects with a value of up to £50,000 each (inclusive of VAT). Projects successful at Phase 1 will be eligible to apply to subsequent phases. Additional phases will be dependent upon the outcomes of Phase 1 and future funding allocation.
Innovative solutions could include (but not be limited to):
- The adoption of AI technologies by agriculture or food and drink businesses;
- Activities relating to soil and land use;
- Waste valorisation or minimisation of waste produced at various points across the supply chain, including, but not limited to, on farm waste, including animal waste, plastic waste, etc.;
- The adoption or development of functional or future foods;
- Adding value to agricultural produce and; and
- Identification of innovative, alternative production systems.
This SBRI competition (being run under the Contracts for Innovation process) is open to all eligible organisations that can demonstrate a route to market for their solution.
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This SBRI competition (being run under the Contracts for Innovation process) is open to all eligible organisations (including universities, registered charities, and pre-startup companies which are legal entities), registered in the UK, EU and the European Economic Area, that can demonstrate a route to market for their solution. Contracts will be awarded to a single legal entity only. However, if you can justify subcontracting components of the work, you can engage specialists or advisers.
Your application should involve at least one Welsh based business involved in the agricultural or food supply chain (does not have to be the lead applicant).
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We are looking to fund up to 10 projects with a value of up to £50,000 each (inclusive of VAT). These projects will be 100% funded.
Your application should:
- Involve at least one Welsh based business involved in the agricultural or food supply chain;
- Demonstrate a clear plan for the development of a route to market for affordable, developed solutions;
- Explain the potential positive contribution where relevant to the goals of the Innovation Strategy for Wales., Agri-tech action plan for Wales: Vision for the Food and Drink Industry from 2021, and the Wellbeing of Future Generations (Wales) Act;
- Consider, and address where necessary, equality, diversity and inclusion aspects across your project, your sector(s) and society;
- Evidence how environmental benefits have been considered (i.e. ensure that increased efficiency is not at an environmental /ethical cost);
- Ensure personal safety is paramount and any risks are clearly articulated with robust mitigation in place; and
- Include a full evaluation following project completion – this should include a benefits analysis and an economic analysis.
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Innovative solutions could include (but not be limited to):
- The adoption of AI technologies by agriculture or food and drink businesses;
- Activities relating to soil and land use;
- Waste valorisation or minimisation of waste produced at various points across the supply chain, including, but not limited to, on farm waste, including animal waste, plastic waste, etc.;
- The adoption or development of functional or future foods;
- Adding value to agricultural produce and; and
- Identification of innovative, alternative production systems.
Out of Scope
- Do not clearly demonstrate engagement with the agricultural and food supply chains within Wales.
- Cannot evidence engagement with potential future customers to understand needs.
- Fails to consider affordability and practicality of widespread implementation.
- Fails to consider potential side effects and their mitigations, for example, environmental impacts.
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A virtual Briefing Event was held on Tuesday 12th November 2024: click here to view the recording.
If you would like help to find a project partner, contact Innovate UK Business Connect’s Agrifood team.
Related programme
Contracts for Innovation
Enabling innovators to work directly with the public sector to develop new technologies and processes.