Connections Week is when we come together

Agri-tech might conjure images of robots and drones, DNA sequencing and lab coats, but it isn’t just about cutting-edge innovations – it’s about the people, the ideas, and making the connections that drive progress.  At Agri-TechE , we work every day to build a trusted, diverse network that fosters collaboration to bring innovations to life.

We’re in the midst of our second ‘Connections Week’ – a time dedicated to celebrating the connections we have made, getting together to make new connections, and improving our skills for making future connections.

For our members, the ability to make the right connections is one of the most valuable aspects of being part of Agri-TechE . Our recent survey shows that 86% of members consider connections the greatest benefit of being part of Agri-TechE – and, for farmers, this priority rises to 100%.

This makes it our priority as well. Last year we made 246 connections across the community from farmers to tech developers, start-ups to investors. And, in the spirit of Connections Week 2025, we wanted to share a snapshot of just a few of the successes we’re proud to have helped facilitate.

Trusted Connections

Our independence from government policy and private investment is viewed by our community as one of Agri-TechE ’s greatest strengths. It allows us to act in the best interests of our members to facilitate credible, worthwhile connections. We have built a reputation as a trusted intermediary.

R&D Glass: Agri-TechE is this farmer’s top choice!          

Roger Pauli, a farmer and developer at R&D Glass in the West Midlands, is creating digestate fertilisers blended with alternative materials such as chicken litter, which can have a propensity for nutrient run-off. Roger needed technology to accurately monitor ground penetration and the impact of water logging.

At one of our Farmer First Innovation Group (FFIG) meetings, Roger connected with two key technology developers in the Agri-TechE community – Paul Tech OÜ and Assimila. PaulTech’s soil sensors measure nutrient absorption at multiple depths, while Assimila’s satellite data tracks historical and crop performance. Roger is currently undertaking trials with both companies to help understand the viability of his fertiliser.

When asked where else he would look for agri-tech solutions, Roger responded: “I don’t look anywhere else. Agri-TechE members come with confidence – you know you’re getting reputable, feasible organisations. Agri-TechE ’s independence is key, unlike other sources that can have an advertorial slant.”

The right connections at the right time

Farmers play a key role in shaping innovations to ensure they are practical, workable, and actually needed by farmers. Agri-TechE bridges the gap between agri-tech developers and the farming community, to support the co-creation of solutions that meet real-world needs.

Muddy Machines is squirrelling away on farm

For agri-tech start-ups, this often means having access to on-farm testing environments. When Muddy Machines acquired an autonomous logistics robot called Squirrel and needed a site near their Chiswick offices, CEO Chris Chavasse, reached out to Agri-TechE for help.

“We were looking for farmland close to our offices for testing and collaboration with farmers and growers. Thomas at Agri-TechE introduced us to several farms, each offering different setups, facilities, and price points. After visiting four locations, we secured a test site within 30 minutes of our offices. This has been a game-changer for us operationally, allowing us to iterate and refine our technology much faster.”

Muddy Machines is in the early stages of software testing, with plans to integrate the robot into harvesting operations throughout the growing season until November.

If you’re interested in learning how to better collaborate with farmers to co-develop and test new technologies with the farming community, join our final Connections Week event online this Friday: “Innovating With and For Farmers.”

Connections for global growth

The diversity of our membership—spanning different sectors and regions—creates a unique environment for ideas and innovations to flourish. Agri-TechE connects members from all over the world, creating opportunities for collaboration that cross geographical and sector boundaries.

AgRecruit’s US Expansion

When agtech recruitment specialists, AgRecruit, was looking to expand into the US market, they knew they needed the right connections to make their entry smoother. Sam Clayton, MD of AgRecruit, said, “My first thought was, ‘Is there an Agri-TechE equivalent in the States?’”

Fortunately, Sam didn’t need our US twin – we were able to introduce him to key individuals in St. Louis, Missouri (a hotspot for agri-biotech) which fast-tracked AgRecruit’s entry into the market: “The process of getting traction with certain key stakeholders was expedited significantly by Agri-TechE ’s ability to facilitate warm introductions, and this meant that we were able to enter the market with a softer landing and some credibility from the get-go.”

Connections for new clients

As well as bespoke introductions, Agri-TechE creates opportunities for networking through our vibrant calendar of events from farm visits and lab tours to webinars and skills workshops. These gatherings are the perfect environment for members to meet others from the community, spark new opportunities – or even find a new job!

J A Kemp shares its Patent Expertise

J A Kemp LLP, a leading firm of patent, trade mark and design attorneys with significant expertise in plant science, agriculture and agri-tech, has been field sponsors of our REAP Conference for the last couple of years.  This has enabled J A Kemp patent attorneys to reach key players from the agri-tech community and secure clients, including a fellow Agri-TechE member in need of IP assistance.

“While exhibiting at REAP we connected with the CEO of PfBio, a company specialising in biological and eco-friendly solutions for sustainable agriculture. After taking advantage of a free consultation, they engaged our services. We are now actively working on a draft patent application to provide strong protection for their innovative bioproduct technology.” Dr Daniel Shaw, J A Kemp Partner, European and UK Patent Attorney.

It’s not what you know, it’s WHO you know…

It’s Both!

We might be shouting about it a bit more than usual (it is Connections Week after all), but this is what we do every day.

We bring together the right people – farmers, researchers, investors, and innovators – to accelerate progress in agricultural technology, through bespoke introductions, networking events, and collaborative projects. Whether you’re a startup looking for investment, an established business seeking fresh innovation, or a researcher eager to collaborate, Agri-TechE can get you to the people who matter most.

Want to make more meaningful connections? Get in touch with us.

*We know a lot of our connections need to stay under the radar to protect commercial sensitivities, but if you have successes borne out of your connections through us that can “go public”, do let us know so we can share the good news!

Our members say…

Simon Pearson, Professor of Agri-Food Technology, University of Lincoln: Agri-TechE ’s network is UK-wide and international. It’s one global family that connects us to the whole thing, it’s brilliant!

Robert Smith, Farm Director, Russel Smith Farms: The different types of people that have come and visited us by being a member of Agri-TechE has been huge. I have heard some unbelievably amazing innovations and ideas that will affect all of us in the growing industry.

Casey Woodward, Founder & Chief Executive, AgriSound: Working with Agri-TechE has been a fantastic experience – the connections made have helped us to raise funding as well as raise our profile across the industry.