The REAP Conference 2026, 4 November
With the Government setting out an ambitious plan for horticulture and putting robotics firmly on the agricultural agenda, the direction of travel is clear: technology has a growing role to play in the future of farming. At REAP 2026, we’ll explore that journey from every angle - science, technology, farming, supply chain and more.

Lincolnshire EDGE (Engine for Dual-use Growth & Excellence)

Member News
The views expressed in this Member News article are the author's own and do not necessarily represent those of Agri-TechE.

The Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority (GLCCA) and the University of Lincoln (UoL) are working in partnership on the development of Lincolnshire EDGE (Engine for Dual-use Growth & Excellence), an innovation ecosystem designed to maximise the innovation and growth opportunities arising from technology and knowledge transfers between their nationally-recognised Defence & Security and Agri-Tech clusters. EDGE will bring together public, private and academic partners to create world-class facilities which will provide academics, start-ups and established businesses with access to environments where dual-use innovation can be tested, commercialised and scaled.

In April 26, Greater Lincolnshire was one of only seven regions in England to be successful in the competed strand of UK Research & Innovation (UKRI)’s Local Innovation Partnerships Fund (LIPF), with the opportunity to secure up to £15m to develop projects under the EDGE programme. They are now working with UKRI to secure that funding, by developing an evidence base which demonstrates the market potential of these facilities, the ecosystem they will enable, and the technologies that will be created in them.

Grounded Research are seeking views from agri-tech organisations that could benefit – Click here to complete a 15-min survey to support and enhance the evidence base

Note: the attached image has not been produced by the programme and is conceptual/inspirational, rather than an offering.

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