Defra will launch a new research and development competition looking to create new farm-focused innovations to make the industry greener.

The £12m initiative will bring together farmers and businesses to develop novel technological solutions to address the challenges of productivity and sustainability.

Farming Innovation Pathways, delivered by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and Defra, is the first competition of its kind following the UK’s departure from the EU.

Both bodies say the competition will pave the way for research and development (R&D) to spearhead future innovation in the British agricultural sector.

A range of projects will be supported, ranging from the initial spark of an idea through to developing transformational technologies that could revitalise farming.

The funding is split between feasibility projects, worth £5 million, and industrial research, worth £7 million.

Defra farming minister Victoria Prentis said the competition offered farmers the opportunity to see their ideas become reality and drive forward green growth.

“We want to see farmers manage their businesses in a way that delivers profitable food production and the recovery of nature, using the best modern technology available today,” she said.

“Promising innovations such as robotics and automation, and novel food production systems have the potential to transform business performance for our farmers and help them address some of the industry’s greatest challenges.”

Farmers and businesses can apply to the competition on the GOV.UK website from 1 March 2021.

Grants available for innovative Healthy Ageing, Clean Energy and Plastics Innovation projects up to £1.5m   The 2021 Innovate UK grants activity is starting to kick into life with the opening of an exciting new Investor Partnership Grants Programme. UK companies can apply for grant funding alongside private investment from selected investor partners – presenting a unique opportunity for 100% funding. Investor partnership programmes combine Innovate UK’s expertise in identifying innovation with their investor partners’ expertise in identifying opportunities that will benefit the most from extra investment. Giving your business access to the capital it needs to develop, grow and commercialise your innovations.   Here’s what you need to know 100% funding available (typically 50% grant funding | 50% investment) Total project costs up to ~£1.5m Open to UK SMEs only Investment negotiated directly and bespoke to each client Application is by invitation-only Interested parties need to first contact the relevant investors ASAP Tatton Consulting can support businesses invited to apply by the investor  The Investor Partnership Programmes and associated investor partners are as follows:  Ageing Society Grand Challenge Investment Partnerships: Barclays Ventures Available to businesses developing products that support people as they age, allowing people to remain active, independent and self-sufficient for as long as possible. FIND OUT MORE Ageing Society Grand Challenge Investment Partnerships: Legal and General Available to businesses who help people age better, via projects such as: sustaining physical activity; maintaining health at work; designing for age-friendly homes; living well with cognitive impairment; supporting social connections.  FIND OUT MORE   Ageing Society Grand Challenge Investment Partnerships: Northstar Ventures Available to innovative businesses throughout County Durham, Tyne & Wear and Northumberland in the healthy ageing sector undertaking R&D projects up to two years, comprising feasibility studies or industrial research. FIND OUT MORE Clean Growth Innovation Fund: ENGIE Available to innovative projects that decarbonise, digitise and decentralise energy, and help achieve a sustainable transition to cleaner energy. FIND OUT MORE Plastics Innovation and Investment Fund: Sky Ocean Ventures A £4 million total grant fund available to UK businesses developing solutions to help the ocean plastic crisis, for total eligible project costs between £100K – £600k. FIND OUT MORE Your Next Steps:   Applications are by invitation only. If any of the above programmes are of interest, contact the Investor Partner directly via the relevant partner’s website ASAP to register your interest. Each Investor Partner will have a different process and criteria for registering your interest and deciding who to invite to apply.  If you’re invited to apply for the scheme, let the Team know here at Tatton Consulting and from there we’ll help you with the application process and shaping yours for the best chance of success.   For more information about planning an application, come and talk to the Team at Tatton Consulting

Derby-based Light Science Technologies delivers lighting, science and research-proven plant monitoring technology and software in partnership with world-leading university research teams. It delivers the right solution across multiple indoor applications such as vertical farming, medicinal plants and greenhouses. Its full turnkey solution for Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) applications for next-generation scalable farming helps customers grow more with less.

Investment to boost agricultural productivity

Light Science Technologies just secured part of the £90M government investment to support the most innovative technology to boost agricultural productivity and set food production systems towards net zero emissions by 2040.

Furthermore, it is one of the 23 feasibility projects that has been awarded £250,000 from £4.3M funding that is meant for Science and Technology into Practice feasibility competition, a as part of UKRI’s £90 million Transforming Food Production (TFP) programme. Innovate UK drives productivity and economic growth by supporting businesses to develop and realise the potential of new ideas. Notably, Innovate UK is part of UK Research and Innovation.

Simon Deacon, CEO of Light Science Technologies added: “This is an especially important boost to our business. To be selected by Innovate UK is confirmation of the urgent need for more sustainable, productive and cost-effective solutions in farming. Investment in UK technology and innovation in this sector is crucial in achieving a better approach to agricultural production and reducing emissions.”

Innovate UK Executive Chair Dr Ian Campbell said: “There are many innovative projects in our latest feasibility competition showcasing ideas for improving productivity and cutting emissions that range across the whole agricultural sector, from arable, to livestock, to sensor technology and to new biopesticides. Our funding and support for these projects is ongoing.”

Groundbreaking sensor technology

Along with partnership with Nottingham Trent University, the company will lead the project to develop a growing sensor and innovative transmission node for vertical farms over the next six months, which is in synergy with their light and science offering.Open banking boosting fintech growth: London-based Token snaps £11M funding to expand across Europe

The IoT precision data solution for vertical farming will help in boosting 0roductivity and efficiency, thereby reflecting the government’s drive to help the agricultural sector grow economically with less environmental impact.

Light Science Technologies’ ‘all in one’ indoor farm sensor will let farms to monitor and control their environment by measuring key areas such as light, water, air, temperature, humidity, oxygen and soil, thereby ensuring optimal plant productivity and yield. Also, this sensor will form a vital part of its bespoke offering, reducing energy and saving costs using technology and real-time data.

Demand for CEA market!

Of late, there is a growing demand for the the Controlled Environment Agricultural (CEA) market, which is growing fast at a CAGR of 21%. The demand is mainly from AgTech CEA farmers looking to install or replace existing indoor farms to achieve maximum yield on crops for optimum profitability. However, the high startup costs attract investment from stakeholders eyeiny the potentially significant ROI opportunity.

Light Science Technologies provides custom-made solution for the CEA market, and works with growers to provide an integrated, cost effective and low maintenance solution that can be used across different crops to achieve maximum yield. Eventually, it creates the full growing recipe of lighting, nutrients and environment.

Notably, Light Science Technologies is focused on becoming a technology-driven trailblazer in vertical farming innovation and technology over the next four years as it eyes to shape up the future of the CEA market.