From industry insights to supporting businesses to develop cutting-edge innovation across AI, robotics and automation and CEA, to thought-provoking conversations at events, we share our must-read roundup to keep you ahead of what’s shaping the sector.
UK Agri-Tech Centre’s new CEO unveils accelerated support for agri-tech start-ups and scale-ups
Over 100 leaders from across the agri-industry gathered at the House of Lords for an agri-tech networking reception on February 3. During the reception newly appointed CEO Steve McLean presented his vision for cultivating a dynamic UK agri-tech industry that strengthens agricultural sustainability and resilience.
The vision for the future? Steve McLean, CEO, UK Agri-Tech Centre: “Our goal is clear: to make the UK one of the world’s most successful environments for agritech innovation, attracting and growing the most capable, impactful ventures.”
Turning ambition into action for agri-tech with Growth Week
Growth Week was all about backing agri-tech businesses to grow with confidence. Across 2-6 February, we brought together innovators, farmers, investors and partners for fast-paced sessions dedicated to helping businesses break down barriers and move faster towards commercial success.
Throughout the week we shared podcasts, webinars and videos aimed at boosting growth opportunities for agri-tech businesses and the whole supply chain focusing on:
- Addressing barriers to growth
- Ensuring agri-tech is fit for farms
- Navigating the supply chain
- Exploring new initiatives to accelerate your growth – FASTA and Agri-Tech Solution Sprints
- Scaling your business internationally
- Tales of exporting from the Middle East
Explore the resources now available
Agri-Tech Solutions Sprints – Fast-track your agri-tech innovation
If you’re developing tech in controlled environments, robotics, advanced sensing, AI and data, or engineering biology and you’ve already got a working prototype, the Agri-Tech Solution Sprints can help you take the next step with confidence.
Registrations close on 23 February. No long lead times. No heavy burden. Just focused support designed to unlock your next stage of growth.
International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2026
What inspires someone to pursue a career in science?
This International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we spoke to two scientists who share their journeys into their fields. From building a company focused on restoring soil biodiversity, to navigating a research career while overcoming early barriers, Dr Angela de Manzanos Guinot and Dr Kerry McDonald Howard show how curiosity, resilience and supportive role models can shape a future in STEM.
Boosting strawberry yields with drones and AI
Polybee is transforming strawberry farming with cutting-edge drone technology. The Precision Pollination Project uses autonomous drones to boost pollination and provide growers with accurate yield forecasts in controlled environments like greenhouses and polytunnels. The UK Agri-Tech Centre has supported Polybee’s success with project management and technical expert support.
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