Archives: News & Insights

UK-India collaboration grows through new Agri-Tech Accelerator programme

May 1, 2025 No Comments

India’s agricultural sector plays a pivotal role on the global stage, with 220 million hectares of cropped land and nearly half of the nation’s workforce employed in agriculture. Between 2023–2024 alone, the country’s agri-exports reached $53 billion, emphasising the importance of food security and economic resilience. Yet, as India strives to modernise and boost productivity, there are clear opportunities for innovative agri-tech solutions. The UK Agri-Tech Centre recently delivered a high-impact UK–India Agri-Tech Accelerator, designed to deepen collaboration between these two nations at the forefront of agricultural innovation. In collaboration with the UK Government, the accelerator was developed to foster links between UK and India’s agri-tech ecosystems, to support sustainable agriculture, strengthen trade and R&D links, and facilitate the commercialisation of cutting-edge technologies tailored to India’s needs. The programme identified key areas of opportunity within the agricultural landscape, with a strategic focus on precision technologies to support climate-resilient crop production. Four key themes were prioritised: · Precision breeding · Crop surveillance technologies · Controlled environment agriculture and precision application systems · Data-driven decision-making tools Five pioneering UK agri-tech businesses were selected to take part in the accelerator, each offering innovative solutions aligned with India’s agricultural priorities: Mutus-Tech – Specialising in AI-driven pest management and fertiliser optimisation. Green CropTech – Delivering nanotechnology-based biostimulants for enhanced crop protection. AgriSound – Deploying bioacoustic sensors to monitor pollination in real time. LinearWorks – Harnessing hyperspectral imaging and drone technology for advanced crop monitoring. LettUs Grow – Innovating in aeroponics for controlled environment farming and yield optimisation. Dr Jenna Ross OBE, Senior International Business Development Manager at the UK Agri-Tech Centre, said: “The aim of the UK–India Agri-Tech Accelerator programme was to establish a network of agri-technology experts, innovators and end users from the UK and India, to create on-going opportunities for agri-tech exchange and partnership, boosting food security and unlocking growth for UK and India based agri-tech businesses. Phase one of the accelerator involved selecting five UK businesses to attend a weeklong curated programme, where they had the opportunity to gain an immersive understanding of India’s agricultural ecosystem, accelerating the opportunity for collaboration and to bring their products to market in India”. A week of immersive engagement The delegation embarked on a weeklong programme across Delhi, Hyderabad and Bengaluru. Through a combination of field visits and workshops, the UK businesses were immersed in India’s diverse agricultural ecosystems, meeting researchers, incubators, investors and government representatives. Each city offered unique insights into regional agricultural priorities and innovation hubs, enabling participating businesses to engage directly with potential partners and stakeholders. Starting in Delhi, the group participated in an ideation and collaboration workshop which included representatives from Government (Indian Council of Agricultural Research ICAR, Ministry of Agriculture), research centres (IARI), incubators (Pusa Krishi), VCs (Think Ag) as well as start-ups and corporates. This workshop facilitated connections with Indian investors and venture capitalists, laying the groundwork for future funding opportunities and partnerships. In Hyderabad, the group visited International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-arid Tropics (ICRISAT), a research centre of the CGIAR consortium (a global partnership uniting international organisations engaged in research about food security), conducting research to develop and improve dryland farming and agri-food systems to address the challenges of hunger, malnutrition, poverty, and environmental degradation in the drylands of Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. The five companies also participated in an ideation and collaboration workshop with key stakeholders in the region including agri incubators of ICAR, ICRISAT and start-ups. These interactions opened up opportunities for co-development and testing of new technologies in real-world settings. A workshop in Bengaluru identified state level challenges and opportunities for UK-India agri-tech collaborations and included stakeholders from across industry and academia. The delegation travelled to the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, and participated in a round table discussion where strategic areas for collaboration were identified. They then visited the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP), an initiative supported by the Department of Biotechnology, which catalyses cutting-edge research and innovation in the life sciences. These engagements helped establish areas for tech testing and validation, crucial for adapting UK technologies to the Indian market. Navneeta Katyan, Co-Founder & CEO of Green CropTech, said: “Overall, the UK-India Agri-Tech Accelerator Programme has enabled us to explore collaborative opportunities, validate our product-market fit in India, and make strategic adjustments to our business plan to support a ‘soft landing’ in the Indian market.” The visits and workshops provided a valuable platform for two-way knowledge exchange with the UK companies showcasing their technologies, and Indian stakeholders sharing potential synergies and real-world challenges, all helping shape future collaborative opportunities. The appetite for collaboration was clear, not only from stakeholders, but from Indian agri-tech innovators keen to explore opportunities in the UK as well. This two-way potential is an exciting next chapter in the UK–India agri-tech journey. Swati Saxena, Senior Science & Technology Officer at the UK Science & Technology Network, British High Commission, Delhi, said: “The UK to India Agri-tech Accelerator visit programme showcased the strength of UK agri-tech innovations and fostered meaningful collaborations with India’s vibrant agri-innovation ecosystem. The UK businesses gained key market insights and identified strategic partners, while Indian start-ups and incubators showed strong interest in collaborating – highlighting a shared drive for sustainable agri innovation.” This programme has laid a strong foundation for future collaborations, reinforcing the shared commitment of both nations to leverage technology for a more resilient and sustainable future. With continued engagement and investment, this initiative promises to drive game-changing innovation, benefiting farmers, agri-tech businesses and wider stakeholders across both countries. If you would like to learn more about the work being done in the agri-food sector both domestically and overseas, get in touch via [email protected]

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How do we drive agri-innovation for a Net Zero Scotland?

April 24, 2025 No Comments

That was the question UK Agri-Tech Centre Chairman, Dr Peter Quinn explored in front of an audience of Scottish ministers, MSPs and representatives of Scotland’s rural industry at the Scottish Parliament. So how do we drive agri-innovation for a Net Zero Scotland? Peter writes: It was a privilege to speak in the heart of Scottish democracy about one of the defining challenges of our generation: how we feed a growing global population, while radically reducing emissions and restoring our ecosystems. I was invited to address MSPs and invited guests from across Scotland’s rural sector as part of the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society’s 2025 Presidential Initiative which is highlighting the ways the ways that agriculture is supporting the environment as well as how Scotland’s research institutes and organisations are helping the country to reach its Net Zero targets. It aims to promote Scottish farming as a part of the solution rather than the problem. I also believe that Scotland has the science, the innovation infrastructure and the rooted farming traditions to lead the way. Let’s not sugarcoat the challenge: globally the population is projected to rise by 20% to nearly one billion by 2050. Here in the UK, we are looking at a 13% increase to around 77 million people. And the growth isn’t linear: by 2032, we’ll see a 9% global rise and 7.3% here in the UK. Meanwhile, agriculture uses 70% of the world’s freshwater, emits 25% of all greenhouse gases and occupies 44% of habitable land. In the UK 70% of our land is formed but we still import 40% of the food we eat. And crucially, Total Factor Productivity – a key measure of innovation and efficiency in farming – has dropped by over 5% in the UK over the past year. We’re falling behind key competitors. This is more than a climate emergency; it’s an economic and strategic opportunity to re-imagine how we produce food smarter, cleaner and more locally. The role of innovation Innovation is how we turn ambition into action. At the UK Agri-Tech Centre we’ve focused on three priorities. 1: better measurement, because if you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it; 2: faster adoption of proven low emission technologies, from soil to stomach; and 3: maximising carbon removal without compromising food security. Let’s take livestock: ruminants produce nearly 90% of UK missions but we now have feeds, genetic tools and manual management systems that can reduce emissions dramatically by targeting methane production directly. In crops, fertiliser is the major emitter. Innovations like green ammonia, biological alternatives and better nitrogen use efficiency can shift the dial. And across the board, breakthroughs in data, senses and satellite-linked decision tools are making carbon-smart farming a reality. This isn’t science fiction, it’s science now, but to scale it we need investment, regulation and collaboration to reach Net Zero. Scotland’s innovation ecosystem Scotland is punching well above its weight when it comes to agricultural innovation. At the James Hutton Institute in Dundee, we’ve helped establish a world-leading controlled environment agriculture hub, a state-of-the-art facility for sustainable, tech-driven farming. On Loch Fyne, our Marine Aquaculture Innovation Centre (MAIC) supports cutting-edge R&D and fish health, feeds and environmental impact. Our mobile sensory laboratory takes advanced quality testing tools directly to farms, capturing real-world data that informs breeding market decisions. And through Scotland’s farm network and research partnerships we are proving that breakthrough science can be grounded in practical, on-farm realities. Take iLivestock, for example. It’s a Scottish agri-tech company we’ve supported throughout its growth. With investment from Scottish Enterprise and Kelvin Capital, they’ve tripled their workforce, increased monthly revenue tenfold and now export 78% of their product overseas. Their platform cuts CO₂ emissions by up to 30% by optimising nutrition and life-cycle management, validated by the University of Edinburgh. That’s Net Zero innovation: creating jobs, exports and measurable climate benefit. Policy opportunity But innovation doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Scotland’s Net Zero 2045 target is bold. It’s national innovation strategy is ambitious. Now the task is to align policy with practice. That means enabling precision tech and smart data tools, investing in climate focused businesses and removing regulatory roadblocks that hold back sustainable progress. It means making sure that Scottish science can translate into Scottish solutions for our farmers, food system and future, and it includes exploring technologies like precision-breeding ,approached in a way that reflects our values, our world-class science and our need to stay globally competitive. Above all, it means putting farmers at the centre, not just as adopters but as co-creators of this transition. Scotland has the science, it has the innovators and it has the will. Through smart policy, bold investment and collaborative partnerships like those we’ve built across the UK Agri-Tech Centre network we can turn climate risk into economic opportunity. Because if we get this right, we won’t just hit Net Zero, we’ll build a food system that’s productive, profitable and sustainable for generations to come.

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New farmer-led innovation fund launching – Applications now open

April 15, 2025 No Comments

Farmers, growers and foresters in England can now apply for a new round of funding to help trial and test practical solutions to real on-farm challenges, with fully funded, free support from the ADOPT Support Hub. The ADOPT Fund – funded by DEFRA and delivered by Innovate UK – is designed to back farmer-led innovation. Whether it’s trialling a new technology or testing a change in practice, ADOPT offers the funding and support to make it happen. What’s on offer? There are two types of grants available: Support grants (up to £2,500): These help applicants explore their idea and work with a project facilitator to shape a strong proposal. Full grants (up to £100,000): To support farmer-led, collaborative research and innovation projects over 6 months to 24 months. Why this matters The ADOPT Fund is different from previous innovation funding. It’s farmer-led, but collaborative – bringing in others like advisers, researchers, tech providers and other like-minded farmers to help turn your idea into something ready to be adopted more widely in the agricultural community. It’s also focused on practical impact, not just theory. That means funding is aimed at real-world challenges, everyday technology, practices and ideas that aren’t yet widely adopted but could make a difference. You’re not expected to go it alone We understand that most farmers haven’t applied for this kind of funding before. That’s why the ADOPT Support Hub is launching alongside the fund. The Support Hub is fully funded and free to use, providing you with the guidance, resources and connections you need at every step. The Support Hub is here to help you: Whether you’re just exploring an idea or ready to apply, the Support Hub provides the guidance, resources and connections to support you at every step. What is a Project Facilitator? All projects applying for ADOPT competitions must include a Project Facilitator to support project delivery and management. Project facilitators are independent experts who play a required and central role in all ADOPT-funded projects. They bring experience in farmer-led research, Innovate UK grant processes and project management. The ADOPT Support Hub can guide you on how to connect with a suitable registered facilitator – or help you understand how to work with someone you already know, as long as they meet the criteria. We want to hear from you We’re actively encouraging applications across the full spectrum of farming types, regions and communities. Whether you’re a grower, forester, livestock farmer, arable producer or part of a local farming group – we want to hear your ideas, challenges and opportunities. If you’ve got a hunch that something could be improved on-farm, this is your chance to try it with support.     Interested in becoming a Project Facilitator? For information, visit the Facilitator FAQ’s on the Business Connect site.

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SKE-NMT Project: Kelp extract as a sustainable solution for soil health and crop resilience

March 31, 2025 No Comments

A project is underway to explore how kelp extracts can enhance nutrient management in agriculture, backed by Innovate UK funding and a coalition of industry experts. The project, titled ‘Assessing Sugar Kelp Extracts as a Nutrient Management Tool’ (SKE-NMT), is spearheaded by Algapelago Marine Ltd in collaboration with The James Hutton Institute, Atlantic Mariculture Ltd and the UK Agri-Tech Centre. In its early phases, this research seeks to investigate how biologically driven nutrient management strategies can improve soil health and crop performance. By leveraging the natural properties of seaweed biostimulants and reducing reliance on mineral fertilisers, the project aims to foster plant resilience while optimising soil microbial and fungal ecosystems. Seaweed supplements contain a uniquely rich blend of fibres, micronutrients and bioactive compounds that stimulate beneficial soil microbiota. This, in turn, triggers a chain reaction of biological processes that benefit productivity, resistance to abiotic stress and resistance to pathogens. This innovative approach is applicable across a broad range of crop types, including broadacre, horticulture and top fruit. Seaweed biostimulants present a viable solution to both biotic and abiotic challenges, facilitating the transition toward more sustainable and resilient farming practices. The research will also lay the groundwork for larger-scale field trials, further investigating the impact of kelp-derived biostimulants on Nutrient Use Efficiency (NUE). How does it work? Rhizosphere microbiota is a collection of microorganisms that live in the soil and around plant roots and plays an essential role in the degradation of organic matter, nutrient retention and recycling. Previous studies suggest that applying seaweed extracts can significantly enhance microbial diversity and improve crop yield and quality. The SKE-NMT project builds upon prior research, including an Innovate UK-supported initiative on low-energy kelp extraction for soil and livestock applications. This project is examining the potential of biostimulants and livestock feed additives—derived from sugar kelp through an innovative low-energy extraction process—to improve soil conditions and enhance feed efficiency. The seaweed extracts are novel due to two key factors: firstly, cultivated sugar kelp (a type of brown alga native to UK coastal waters), is a relatively new species in the seaweed extract sector and boasts a distinct biochemical composition; secondly, these extracts are produced using a novel low-energy fermentation and extraction process. Cultivated kelp provides a sustainable and scalable alternative to wild-harvested marine biomass. However, the potential of novel cultivated seaweed biomass, especially in applications like biostimulants, remains under-explored.  This project seeks to establish an innovative supply chain where cultivated seaweed biomass plays a crucial role in the transition to global sustainable agricultural practices. The new SKE-NMT project will quantify the ability of these low-energy seaweed extracts to improve nutrient use efficiency in stringently designed crop trials. These trials will explore yield responses under reduced nitrate and phosphate conditions and correlate improved uptake of nitrogen and phosphorus under fertiliser limitation with impacts on microbial diversity and community structure.The project will merge the development of new technologies (novel seaweed extracts) with further means to improve nutrient use efficiency in arable and horticultural systems. Broader impacts Traditional nutrient management practices often rely on heavy mineral fertiliser inputs, which can lead to environmental degradation and high costs. Integrating seaweed-derived supplements could improve NUE, reducing carbon emissions while simultaneously enriching soil fertility. With UK farmers under increasing pressure to maintain productivity while mitigating nutrient leaching and reducing fertiliser dependency, this project aims to validate the role of cultivated kelp extracts in improving NUE. Luke Ansell, Head of Operations at Algapelago Marine Ltd, said: “We’re thrilled to have secured funding for a second Innovate UK project focused on the development of kelp biostimulants. The project aims to address data gaps and build the evidence case for the role of cultivated seaweed extracts in modern crop production. The SKE-NMT will test the hypothesis that sugar kelp extracts can improve plant nutrient use efficiency here in the UK.” Dr Adrian Macleod, Innovation Manager at Atlantic Mariculture Ltd, added: “We are delighted to have been provided this opportunity by Innovate UK. Seaweed aquaculture is a game-changer for sustainable food systems, and I’m passionate about unlocking its full potential. Cultivated seaweed biomass offers a scalable, sustainable solution that not only supports marine ecosystems but could also play a vital role in sustainable agriculture. This project is an exciting step forward in demonstrating how seaweed biostimulants can enhance soil health, improve nutrient efficiency and reduce reliance on conventional fertilisers. By developing an innovative supply chain, we are laying the groundwork for a future where cultivated seaweed is a cornerstone of both aquaculture and agriculture.” Gordon McDougall, Research Leader at the James Hutton Institute, said: “We are delighted to bring our expertise in seaweed biochemistry, biostimulants and crop trials to this important research project. Understanding how these novel low-energy seaweed extracts can reduce inputs of nitrogen and phosphate fertilisers, maintain or improve crop yield whilst altering the soil microbiota could provide new approaches for greener agriculture.” And Martin Sutcliffe, Innovation Lead for Aquaculture at the UK Agri-Tech Centre, commented: “The UK seaweed farming sector has great potential to meet the needs of other sectors such as arable farming. Projects like this can provide real-world use cases for seaweed farmers, enabling sustainable growth of seaweed farming in the UK which, in turn, can provide well-paid, long-term jobs in our coastal communities, helping to shift away from the current boom-and-bust cycle of seasonal employment. I’m really excited to see the results of this work and how, together with similar projects the UK Agri-Tech Centre is working on, we can move towards a more resilient, sustainable food system in the UK.” This initiative underscores the growing importance of seaweed-derived biostimulants in sustainable agriculture, positioning cultivated kelp as a valuable resource for improving soil health, nutrient efficiency and overall farm productivity.   If you would like to learn more about the SKE-NMT project, please get in touch via [email protected].

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Collaboration key to agri-tech growth and adoption, Minister Daniel Zeichner hears

March 28, 2025 No Comments

DEFRA Minister Daniel Zeichner toured Harper Adams University’s campus with The Institute for Agriculture and Horticulture (TIAH) and the UK Agri-Tech Centre to explore how education, research and technology development are shaping the future of the agri-food industry. The Minister of State’s itinerary included a stop at the Future Farm, designed to integrate research and teaching priorities, followed by a visit to the UK Agri-Tech Centre’s Midlands Innovation Hub. There, he engaged with businesses leveraging cutting-edge facilities to refine and scale their technologies. Following the tour, the Minister joined a working lunch with hosts and students, where discussions focused on key priorities such as agricultural R&D, skills development, education needs, the land use framework and broader agricultural policy within the UK.     Dr. Peter Quinn, Chairman of the UK Agri-Tech Centre, said: “As the UK’s largest agri-tech-focused organisation, our mission is to fuel business growth and fast-track the adoption of agri-tech solutions that generate real-world impact. We champion a thriving community of forward-thinking agri-tech businesses and take pride in contributing to their achievements. It was a pleasure to introduce Minister Zeichner to companies like UPP, which is addressing labour shortages in broccoli harvesting, developing alternative protein products and creating new revenue opportunities by repurposing agricultural waste.”   Tess Howe, Head of Partnerships and Policy at TIAH, added: “As agriculture encounters evolving challenges and new technologies, it is vital that farmers and growers acquire the skills necessary to stay resilient and innovative. Our upcoming Labour Market Information research underscores the critical competencies required for investing in and implementing technological advancements that will enhance business resilience and sector-wide growth. Through effective collaboration, we can create an environment of knowledge-sharing that bridges skill gaps and equips all farmers and growers with the tools to succeed.”   Professor Ken Sloan, Vice-Chancellor of Harper Adams University, said: “In my discussions with the Minister in Westminster, I stressed the crucial role that collaboration with external partners plays in the success of specialist institutions like Harper Adams. We were therefore pleased to welcome him to our University, alongside our colleagues from TIAH and the UK Agri-Tech Centre, to highlight the strength of these relationships. His visit provided an opportunity to showcase our Future Farm, introduce him to our faculty and students and present some of our numerous research initiatives.”   If you would like to learn more about Minister Daniel Zeichner’s visit or understand more about the work being done in the agri-food sector, get in touch via [email protected]  

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Freerange poultry | Monogastric expertise | UK Agri-Tech Centre | farming innovation

Poultry innovation and sustainability with Dr Fiona Short and Paddy Tarbuck

March 19, 2025 No Comments

Experts from the UK Agri-Tech Centre recently joined an engaging discussion on the Poultry.Network’s podcast, delving into science-led research, sustainability and the challenges facing the poultry industry today. Dr Fiona Short and Paddy Tarbuck, both Innovation Leads at the UK Agri-Tech Centre, sat down with Tom Willings for a special edition of the Sustainability Hub podcast.

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UK Agri-Tech Centre CEO champions farmer-led innovation in NFU speech

February 28, 2025 No Comments

Farmer-led approaches to innovation are critical, Phil Bicknell, CEO of the UK Agri-Tech Centre, told the audience at the NFU conference. In a session titled Science and Technology to grow, he described three transformational technologies in which the UK Agri-Tech Centre has been involved and in which farmer ideation, input and codesign as well as on-farm test and trial, were critical to their successful development: Hoofcount, Antobot and UPP Susprot. In each case, what began as a problem-solving tool is becoming a game-changer – creating new revenue streams, reducing waste and reshaping the future of farming.  His speech followed DEFRA Secretary of State, Steve Reed, who said that innovation and technology will help farmers produce more food more sustainably and more profitably and announced legislation to implement the Precision Breeding Act for plants in England had been laid in Parliament that day (Tuesday, February 25). The Secretary of State also announced the ADOPT programme which will fund farmer-led trials to bridge the gap between new technology and their use in the real world. The UK Agri-Tech Centre, along with ADAS and the Soil Association will help manage the ADOPT support hub, a centralised support system to help farmers, growers and foresters across England access the Programme. “We know that farmers are busy and applying for funding can feel overwhelming,” said Phil Bicknell. “The ADOPT support hub is here to provide straightforward, step-by-step support – whether it is developing trial ideas, applying for funding or sharing knowledge with the wider community, including farming groups and stakeholders.” A wide range of ideas is encouraged: the UK Agri-Tech Centre’s definition of agri-tech embraces all new technology and pioneering management strategies across agriculture, forestry and aquaculture. And we have the breadth of knowledge and facilities to support them – with 43 innovation capabilities, 150 expert staff and 470+ industry partnerships, the UK Agri-Tech Centre is in a singular position to foster collaboration, expand international reach and drive sector resilience. “Our work is designed to bring the best possible benefits to your world,” said Phil. “We’re well aware that you operate in a world of economic and climate pressures, as well as changing policy. We’re also well aware that you are the experts on your farms – how can we support you, your farm, your business, your future? Get in touch and let us see what we can do to make your work easier, more profitable and more sustainable.” While at this event, Phil was interviewed for BBC Farming Today on the topics highlighted in this blog. Listen here.   If you want to learn more about the ADOPT programme or any of the projects mentioned, get in touch via [email protected].

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