As Executive Director for Business Growth and Global at Innovate UK, Dean Cook leads nationwide business growth and scaleup support alongside regional and international programmes that connect businesses, research organisations and government to drive innovation and economic growth. With more than 35 years’ experience at the intersection of science, industry and policy, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the UK’s innovation landscape, including leading the Transforming Food Production Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund.
Dean began his career as an applied biologist, helping farmers adopt technologies and practices that reduced pesticide use before moving into commercial and science leadership roles focused on developing business capability and research excellence.
A Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology and an MBA graduate from the University of Warwick, Dean brings deep expertise in innovation ecosystems, strategic partnerships and commercialisation. His experience and extensive networks help the UK Agri-Tech Centre connect businesses with the funding, collaboration and market opportunities needed to prove technologies, build commercial success and scale real-world impact.