Funding Opportunity for Agri-Tech and Food Tech Innovators in Eastern England (UK)

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Innovate UK, in collaboration with local councils and enterprise partnerships in Eastern England, has launched a funding competition to foster innovation in the agri-tech and food technology sectors. The initiative, which is part of Innovate UK’s broader Launchpad programme, is set to distribute up to £4.5 million in grants to support small and micro businesses pioneering new technologies and processes in these fields.

 Key Details of the Competition  

• A total of £4.5 million is available.

• Individual grants range from £25,000 to £50,000.

• Projects must be between three and six months, starting between October 1, 2024, and January 1, 2025, and concluding by March 31, 2025.

Eligibility

• Open to UK-registered micro and small businesses that have not previously received direct funding from Innovate UK.

• Projects should focus on growing innovation activities within the specified agri-tech and food technology cluster in Eastern England, which includes Norfolk, Suffolk, Greater Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

Specific Themes for Agritech Projects 

Your project must involve:

• Enhancing the productivity of crops, livestock, aquaculture, or ornamental plants.

• Developing biotechnologies related to agriculture, food processing, and nutrition.

• Promoting sustainable and healthy diets through low-emission food production and processing methods.

• Proposals that offer innovative business models or significantly advance current technologies are highly encouraged.

Strategic Goals

• This competition supports the UK’s broader “Levelling Up” agenda by prioritizing projects that advance innovation outside the Greater South East and contribute to regional economic growth. 

Projects Not Eligible for Funding

They will not fund projects that:

• Do not meet the competition requirements
• Are just reports or academic papers
• Do not provide good value for money
• Focus solely on equine markets
• Involve wild caught fisheries
• Involve primary production in fishery and aquaculture
• Involve primary production in agriculture
• Relate to buying road freight transport
• Violate De minimis regulation restrictions
• Are not eligible for Minimal Financial Assistance

Application Process

• Competition opens: Tuesday 7 May 2024
• Competition closes: Wednesday, 19 June 2024, 11:00 am.
• Only one application per business is allowed, and successful applicants must ensure their project costs align with the grant request.

How to Apply

Interested businesses should prepare their proposals and emphasise how their projects align with the competition’s specific theme and strategic goals. Applications will be submitted through Innovate UK’s online portal by the June 19, 2024, deadline.

For more information and to apply, visit the [Innovate UK] 

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