Innovate UK

Innovate U.K. is a NPO that offers funding services to support science and technology innovations. The organization offers services and information on births, deaths, marriages, business, self-employed, childcare, parenting, citizenship, law, disabled persons, transportation, education, environment, housing, money, tax, travel, immigration, and jobs. Innovate U.K. is based in Swindon.

Mike Biddle

Programme Director of Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund

Will Drury

Executive Director, Digital and Technologies

Paul Gadd

Deputy Director

Dr. Tom Jenkins

Deputy Director

Scott James O'Brien

Director, Innovation Finance

Nigel Walker

Deputy Director, Lending and Investor Partnerships

Dave Wilkes

Director of Innovation Ecosystem

Past deals in Agriculture

AgriSound

Grant in 2024
AgriSound is an agri-tech company that specializes in advanced sound analysis for monitoring insect activity, particularly focusing on pollinators. The company has developed a pollination management platform that utilizes sound, environmental, and vision technology sensors to monitor and predict pollinator behavior across agricultural estates. This platform enables users, including beekeepers, farmers, and researchers, to assess hive status in near real-time through the use of predictive algorithms. By providing insights into insect activity and environmental changes affecting pollination, AgriSound's technology allows for remote management of beehives and supports timely decision-making. This innovation aims to enhance agricultural operations and promote biodiversity by suggesting appropriate actions to maintain optimal pollination conditions.

Outfield

Grant in 2024
Outfield is an agritech company focused on transforming orchard management through its precision farming platform. By utilizing unmanned drones and advanced image recognition technology, Outfield collects and analyzes data to deliver actionable insights on key aspects such as fruit counts, blossom mapping, crop load management, and yield forecasting. This innovative approach significantly improves the accuracy of yield estimates, reducing common errors from 20% to less than 10%, thereby enhancing productivity and profitability for growers. The platform processes drone-captured images and returns detailed maps and insights to users within 24 hours, allowing for efficient decision-making. Currently, the service is being tested by growers in the UK, New Zealand, and South Africa, who have praised its flexibility and speed. Outfield aims to scale its operations, expand its offerings, and enter new market segments as it addresses the growing demand for sustainable and efficient fruit farming solutions.

British Sugar plc

Grant in 2024
British Sugar plc produces and markets sugar for international food and drink manufacturers. It also offers aggregates, animal feeds, bioethanol, electricity, tomatoes, soil, and liming products.

KAMIM Technologies LTD

Pre Seed Round in 2023
KAMIM Technologies is a leading EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) company. We specialize in crafting tailored engineering & solar energy solutions for residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. Beyond conventional solar solutions, we emphasize creating solar-powered systems, especially for the agricultural sector. Our innovative products such as solar-powered cold rooms, irrigation systems, and driers aim to revolutionize agricultural productivity and sustainability. We were founded by members with over 40 years of combined industry experience.

Crover

Grant in 2023
Crover is focused on the commercialization of innovative technology that enables locomotion in bulk solids, such as grains and powders. The company has developed a small robotic device capable of navigating through stored cereal grains in silos or sheds. This device continuously monitors the condition of the grains, providing grain storage operators with critical information to identify potential issues and maintain the quality of their stock. By ensuring that no grain is left unchecked, Crover's technology enhances the overall health and safety practices within grain storage operations.

PES Technologies

Seed Round in 2023
PES Technologies specializes in developing advanced technology for soil health analysis. The company has created a microbe sensor that monitors the biological properties of soil, enabling farmers and agronomists to assess the health of their soil effectively. By analyzing the status of microbial activity, the sensor provides insights into long-term changes in soil health resulting from agricultural practices. This innovative tool equips users with the necessary data to make informed decisions regarding soil management, ultimately enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability.

PES Technologies

Grant in 2023
PES Technologies specializes in developing advanced technology for soil health analysis. The company has created a microbe sensor that monitors the biological properties of soil, enabling farmers and agronomists to assess the health of their soil effectively. By analyzing the status of microbial activity, the sensor provides insights into long-term changes in soil health resulting from agricultural practices. This innovative tool equips users with the necessary data to make informed decisions regarding soil management, ultimately enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability.

Carbogenics

Seed Round in 2023
Carbogenics Ltd is a company based in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, specializing in the development and production of sustainable fertilizers and bio-additives. Established in 2016, Carbogenics has created an innovative process that transforms disposable coffee cups and other non-recyclable paper waste into a carbon-rich material, known as CreChar. This product serves as a carbon additive that enhances biogas production in anaerobic digestion and improves plant growth, ultimately benefiting farmers by increasing crop yields and profitability. In addition to its product offerings, Carbogenics also provides consultancy and analytical services to operators in the anaerobic digestion and wastewater treatment sectors, addressing customer inquiries through various communication channels.

PfBIO

Grant in 2023
PfBIO offers effective alternatives to agrochemicals. PfBIO sifts nature for agricultural allies.

Outfield

Grant in 2023
Outfield is an agritech company focused on transforming orchard management through its precision farming platform. By utilizing unmanned drones and advanced image recognition technology, Outfield collects and analyzes data to deliver actionable insights on key aspects such as fruit counts, blossom mapping, crop load management, and yield forecasting. This innovative approach significantly improves the accuracy of yield estimates, reducing common errors from 20% to less than 10%, thereby enhancing productivity and profitability for growers. The platform processes drone-captured images and returns detailed maps and insights to users within 24 hours, allowing for efficient decision-making. Currently, the service is being tested by growers in the UK, New Zealand, and South Africa, who have praised its flexibility and speed. Outfield aims to scale its operations, expand its offerings, and enter new market segments as it addresses the growing demand for sustainable and efficient fruit farming solutions.

Flybox®

Grant in 2023
Flybox® is an Insect Waste Management (IWM) company delivering innovative insect bioconversion technology and expert support to revolutionise waste management. Flybox® provides tailored IWM solutions for established waste and food businesses, alongside a streamlined breeding and monetisation service that simplifies startup and scaling for new operators. Its modular IWM systems integrate seamlessly with existing waste infrastructure, allowing businesses to transform organic waste streams and byproducts into valuable proteins and fertilisers. With patented technology and a steadfast commitment to circular economy principles, Flybox® is advancing global efforts to reduce landfill dependency, minimise reliance on deforestation-linked soy, and enhance food security. Headquartered in the UK and active internationally, Flybox® is a leader in sustainable waste solutions, driving positive change across agriculture, waste management, and environmental resilience.

Adamo Foods

Grant in 2022
Adamo Foods is a UK-based food technology company focused on developing plant-based whole-cut meats through innovative fermentation techniques and mycelium. The company aims to produce sustainable alternatives to traditional meat products, utilizing precision fermentation to create functional meat proteins. By harnessing fungal mycelium, Adamo Foods offers consumers an efficient, sustainable, and ethical way to enjoy meat-like experiences without sacrificing taste or quality.

Muddy Machines

Grant in 2022
Muddy Machines develops autonomous robots aimed at assisting farms with labor-intensive crops by automating fieldwork. The company initially focuses on its green asparagus harvest technology while planning to expand its capabilities to other crops. Additionally, Muddy Machines is exploring the use of its robotic platform for other labor-intensive tasks, such as weeding and precision applications. The robots utilize computer vision and machine learning to assess crop maturity and perform selective harvesting, ensuring that crops are picked with care to minimize damage. This innovation enables farmers to increase local produce yields and maintain the freshness of their crops.

OCEANIUM

Grant in 2022
OCEANIUM specializes in creating all-natural food and nutraceutical products, as well as sustainable materials derived from responsibly sourced seaweed. The company utilizes a technical biorefinery process that maximizes the value extracted from seaweed, resulting in a diverse range of offerings, including food ingredients and natural bioactive components for health and cosmetic applications. OCEANIUM is dedicated to promoting the health of both people and the planet while simultaneously supporting the seaweed farming industry in the Western Hemisphere. By providing jobs and fostering economic development in rural coastal communities, OCEANIUM aims to drive systemic change within the food system.

Muddy Machines

Grant in 2022
Muddy Machines develops autonomous robots aimed at assisting farms with labor-intensive crops by automating fieldwork. The company initially focuses on its green asparagus harvest technology while planning to expand its capabilities to other crops. Additionally, Muddy Machines is exploring the use of its robotic platform for other labor-intensive tasks, such as weeding and precision applications. The robots utilize computer vision and machine learning to assess crop maturity and perform selective harvesting, ensuring that crops are picked with care to minimize damage. This innovation enables farmers to increase local produce yields and maintain the freshness of their crops.

Earth Rover

Grant in 2022
Earth Rover Limited is a company based in Newport, United Kingdom, that specializes in developing robotic agriculture systems aimed at enhancing farming practices. Founded in 2017, the company creates autonomous farming robots designed to improve precision farming through applications such as scouting, weeding, and selective harvesting. These robots utilize technology originally developed for the ExoMars Rover, modified to support precision tools and to work in conjunction with an intelligent data platform. This innovative approach enables farmers to transition from traditional farming methods to more autonomous and efficient agricultural practices, promoting the production of fresh and chemical-free products.

Petiole

Pre Seed Round in 2022
From commercially grown crops to agroforestry, from seed to harvest, track and optimize your plants' growth with ease. Petiole Pro develops innovative tools for its growers community to enable data-driven agriculture, better yields and profits. Try Petiole Pro today and grow smarter.

Outfield

Grant in 2022
Outfield is an agritech company focused on transforming orchard management through its precision farming platform. By utilizing unmanned drones and advanced image recognition technology, Outfield collects and analyzes data to deliver actionable insights on key aspects such as fruit counts, blossom mapping, crop load management, and yield forecasting. This innovative approach significantly improves the accuracy of yield estimates, reducing common errors from 20% to less than 10%, thereby enhancing productivity and profitability for growers. The platform processes drone-captured images and returns detailed maps and insights to users within 24 hours, allowing for efficient decision-making. Currently, the service is being tested by growers in the UK, New Zealand, and South Africa, who have praised its flexibility and speed. Outfield aims to scale its operations, expand its offerings, and enter new market segments as it addresses the growing demand for sustainable and efficient fruit farming solutions.

PheroSyn

Grant in 2022
PheroSyn develops and produces novel pest pheromones. PheroSyn is a spin-out from Rothamsted Research, the world-leading, non-profit research centre that focuses on strategic agricultural science to the benefit of farmers and society worldwide.

Drone Ag

Grant in 2022
We make farming more productive through practical, hassle-free drone automation and Ai software. We are a UK based team of farmers, agronomists, drone pilots and software engineers that provide drone training courses and easy to use software solutions. We have been using drone systems on our own 6000 acre farm for years and we base all our solutions on what we have learnt in that real-world farm environment. We’re still learning, and as we learn we pass that knowledge onto our clients through training and use it to build unique software, making us the best option to stay at the forefront of practical drone use in precision agriculture.

Dyneval

Grant in 2021
Dyneval specializes in portable technology for the analysis of cattle semen quality. Its innovative system measures semen motility in conditions that closely mimic natural environments, providing valuable insights into sperm behavior. By utilizing dynescan data, Dyneval's technology assists in formulating breeding plans and verifying semen quality throughout the supply chain. This approach aims to enhance livestock production, thereby contributing to food security while also addressing environmental concerns by reducing methane emissions. Ultimately, Dyneval's solutions help farmers minimize losses associated with low conception rates.

Muddy Machines

Grant in 2021
Muddy Machines develops autonomous robots aimed at assisting farms with labor-intensive crops by automating fieldwork. The company initially focuses on its green asparagus harvest technology while planning to expand its capabilities to other crops. Additionally, Muddy Machines is exploring the use of its robotic platform for other labor-intensive tasks, such as weeding and precision applications. The robots utilize computer vision and machine learning to assess crop maturity and perform selective harvesting, ensuring that crops are picked with care to minimize damage. This innovation enables farmers to increase local produce yields and maintain the freshness of their crops.

PheroSyn

Grant in 2021
PheroSyn develops and produces novel pest pheromones. PheroSyn is a spin-out from Rothamsted Research, the world-leading, non-profit research centre that focuses on strategic agricultural science to the benefit of farmers and society worldwide.

Muddy Machines

Grant in 2021
Muddy Machines develops autonomous robots aimed at assisting farms with labor-intensive crops by automating fieldwork. The company initially focuses on its green asparagus harvest technology while planning to expand its capabilities to other crops. Additionally, Muddy Machines is exploring the use of its robotic platform for other labor-intensive tasks, such as weeding and precision applications. The robots utilize computer vision and machine learning to assess crop maturity and perform selective harvesting, ensuring that crops are picked with care to minimize damage. This innovation enables farmers to increase local produce yields and maintain the freshness of their crops.

Light Science Technologies

Grant in 2021
Light Science Technologies specializes in the development and manufacturing of electronic boards and lighting products tailored for the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) sector. The company offers innovative solutions that enhance plant monitoring and lighting, enabling growers to optimize their yields while minimizing resource use. Its primary revenue stream comes from contract electronics manufacturing, reflecting its commitment to providing high-quality technology products that support efficient agricultural practices. Through its focus on research-backed solutions, Light Science Technologies aims to empower growers to achieve better outcomes in their operations.

Aramune

Grant in 2021
Aramune Technologies focuses on creating natural, plant-derived feed materials that can be integrated with conventional animal feeds to replace antimicrobial agents and foster growth. The company is dedicated to developing infection prevention technologies that offer sustainable alternatives to harmful ingredients in both animal and consumer healthcare products. Through laboratory-scale isolation, Aramune generates a natural, orally available compound that is free of endotoxins and non-toxic. This innovation aims to prevent infections in livestock, companion animals, and humans, thereby helping farmers reduce the incidence of diseases and infections in their animals.

SilviBio

Grant in 2020
SilviBio is a company focused on enhancing the sustainability of tree growth through innovative seed enhancement technology. It develops products aimed at reducing seed losses, which pose challenges for forestry organizations striving to meet government tree planting goals. By creating a coating for seeds that improves moisture absorption and retention, SilviBio enables growers to achieve higher germination rates, particularly in dry conditions. This technology not only supports forestry efforts but also has applications in the agriculture sector, contributing to improved yield outcomes.

Glaia

Grant in 2020
Glaia specializes in developing nanotechnology-based solutions aimed at enhancing sustainable agriculture. The company focuses on products that improve food security and address climate change challenges. Glaia's innovations enable plants to harvest light more efficiently and streamline biomass production processes, leading to increased crop yields. By optimizing plant performance, these solutions assist farmers in boosting agricultural productivity while alleviating the strain on natural resources.

FuelActive

Grant in 2020
FuelActive Ltd specializes in the manufacture of fuel delivery systems aimed at addressing fuel contamination issues. Founded in 1998 and based in Cardiff, United Kingdom, the company offers solutions that help eliminate fuel-related breakdowns, reduce machine downtime and maintenance, and improve fuel efficiency. Its innovative fuel pick-up units and associated technologies are designed to prevent filter blockages and engine failures, serving various sectors including construction, mining, transport, military, power generation, marine, and agriculture. Originally established as Fairwater Fuel Systems Limited, the company rebranded to FuelActive Ltd in June 2007 to reflect its focus on advanced fuel management solutions.

Outfield

Grant in 2020
Outfield is an agritech company focused on transforming orchard management through its precision farming platform. By utilizing unmanned drones and advanced image recognition technology, Outfield collects and analyzes data to deliver actionable insights on key aspects such as fruit counts, blossom mapping, crop load management, and yield forecasting. This innovative approach significantly improves the accuracy of yield estimates, reducing common errors from 20% to less than 10%, thereby enhancing productivity and profitability for growers. The platform processes drone-captured images and returns detailed maps and insights to users within 24 hours, allowing for efficient decision-making. Currently, the service is being tested by growers in the UK, New Zealand, and South Africa, who have praised its flexibility and speed. Outfield aims to scale its operations, expand its offerings, and enter new market segments as it addresses the growing demand for sustainable and efficient fruit farming solutions.

Juhudi Kilimo

Grant in 2020
Juhudi Kilimo provides asset financing, technical assistance, and business training services to smallholder farmers and small-to-medium agro businesses in Kenya. It offers financing for dairy cows and goats; poultry, pigs, rabbits, and other livestock as well as fish farming; agricultural equipment, including irrigation, agro-processing, and energy-related equipment; and motorcycles, bicycles, and other vehicles primarily to transport farm goods. The company was founded in 2004 and is based in Nairobi, Kenya.

Synnefa

Grant in 2020
Synnefa specializes in creating an integrated ecosystem of smart agricultural solutions, including Smart Greenhouses and Solar Dryers, that utilize advanced IoT technology. Through its FarmShield™ sensors and FarmCloud™ software, Synnefa enables farmers to optimize their farming practices, effectively doubling their incomes on less land while conserving water and minimizing post-harvest losses. Additionally, the company offers an online farm record-keeping platform that enhances crop farming efficiency by providing real-time insights into irrigation needs and soil conditions. This technology allows farmers to manage their operations remotely via mobile devices, ultimately facilitating access to premium markets and improving overall production.

Entocycle

Grant in 2019
Entocycle Ltd is an insect farming company based in London, United Kingdom, that specializes in producing insect-based protein for animal feed. Founded in 2014, the company raises black soldier fly larvae in an automated system designed to monitor their development and environmental conditions. By utilizing organic waste from farms, restaurants, and the catering industry, Entocycle efficiently converts this waste into a sustainable source of protein, contributing to both animal feed and organic waste management. The company serves various sectors, including feed suppliers, retailers, and the agricultural industry, aiming to facilitate a global transition to more sustainable protein sources.

Outfield

Funding Round in 2019
Outfield is an agritech company focused on transforming orchard management through its precision farming platform. By utilizing unmanned drones and advanced image recognition technology, Outfield collects and analyzes data to deliver actionable insights on key aspects such as fruit counts, blossom mapping, crop load management, and yield forecasting. This innovative approach significantly improves the accuracy of yield estimates, reducing common errors from 20% to less than 10%, thereby enhancing productivity and profitability for growers. The platform processes drone-captured images and returns detailed maps and insights to users within 24 hours, allowing for efficient decision-making. Currently, the service is being tested by growers in the UK, New Zealand, and South Africa, who have praised its flexibility and speed. Outfield aims to scale its operations, expand its offerings, and enter new market segments as it addresses the growing demand for sustainable and efficient fruit farming solutions.

Breedr

Grant in 2019
Breedr is a productivity and marketing platform focused on transforming the livestock supply chain through a suite of digital tools designed for effective livestock management. The platform includes a central Livestock App for monitoring and tracking vital livestock data, streamlining management processes. Additionally, the Livestock Market connects farmers with a wider network for efficient buying and selling of livestock. Breedr Tools also features financial management capabilities, such as a Cashflow tool that provides insights into income and expenses. The Farm System integrates data from various farming aspects, aiding in decision-making and optimization. Specific modules for Suckler, Finisher, and Rearer management address the needs of different animal growth stages, while dedicated features for sheep farming cater to the unique requirements of sheep farmers. Overall, Breedr empowers livestock farmers by offering data-driven insights and efficient tools that enhance productivity and streamline operations.

Bionema

Grant in 2018
Bionema Limited is a company based in Swansea, United Kingdom, that focuses on the research, development, and commercialization of biopesticides and related products for the horticulture, turf, landscape, and forestry sectors. Established in 2012, Bionema specializes in creating chemical-free, organic crop protection solutions aimed at reducing the reliance on synthetic pesticides. The company develops natural products that protect crops from insect damage, thereby enhancing food security and increasing crop yields. In addition to biopesticides, Bionema also offers biostimulants and biofertilizers, promoting sustainable agriculture through the use of environmentally-friendly microorganisms. The company provides specialized bio-control products and training to improve product efficacy, helping farmers and businesses achieve effective pest management while fostering agricultural sustainability and environmental health.

Better Origin

Grant in 2017
Better Origin operates AI-powered insect mini-farms designed to address the issues of food waste and the broken food chain. The company's flagship product, the Better Origin X1, leverages advanced technology to create an environment where insects can efficiently convert excess feedstock and food waste into valuable outputs such as biodiesel, high-protein animal feed, and frass. This innovative approach promotes a symbiotic relationship between nature and technology, enhancing livestock productivity and welfare while simultaneously reducing carbon emissions and contributing to food security. By utilizing natural upcyclers like insects, Better Origin aims to provide sustainable solutions to the pressing challenges of food waste and agricultural sustainability.

AGRIinsight

Grant in 2017
AGRIinsight supports smallholder farmers in emerging markets, international agribusinesses and governmental organisations.
Spot something off? Help us improve by flagging any incorrect or outdated information. Just email us at support@teaserclub.com. Your feedback is most welcome.