Call for start-ups as Tesco Agri T-Jam competition returns

The 2024 Tesco Agri T-Jam start-up pitch competition is now open for applications. Tesco is looking for agri-tech innovations that will help its supply-chain to achieve net zero, protect and restore nature, and improve animal health and welfare.

Introductions to Tesco’s supplier network

The competition is held in partnership with Leading Edge Only (LEO), the global innovation marketplace, and start-ups will be given fast-track introductions to Tesco’s supplier network. The overall winner will earn a potential trial with one of Tesco’s supply chain partners, as well as receive feedback and mentoring by Tesco’s Sustainable Agriculture & Fisheries team.

Speak at REAP 2024: The Agri-TechE Balancing Act – Optimising One or Managing Many?”

We are also delighted to offer Agri-TechE membership to the winner, alongside the opportunity to speak at our 2024 REAP conference on 6th November. REAP brings together people from different areas of the agritech and science industries to turn challenges into business opportunities and facilitate mutually beneficial collaboration.

Peter Illman, Sustainable Agriculture Manager at Tesco, was a speaker on the Supply Chain Panel at REAP 2023. He says: “I was impressed with the REAP conference. It had high quality stands and presentations, and its intimate scale allows for more effective interactions, as compared with big global events.”

Dr Belinda Clarke, Director of Agri-TechE , says: “REAP has a strong track record of introducing early-stage companies and technologies to a receptive and supportive environment of potential end-users and supply chain partners.

“We were delighted to be approached by Tesco to offer the winner of the T-Jam pitch event a speaking slot at REAP. Time and again we have seen the benefit for early-stage ventures of engaging meaningfully with agri-food supply chain partners to help inform the development and impact of their innovation.

“Understanding how their solution aligns with real-world needs is invaluable, and the benefit of working with Tesco is clear. We can’t wait to see the cohort of 2024!”

The 2023 Tesco T-Jam was won by Agri-TechE member NatureMetrics.

Enter the Tesco Agri T-Jam Competition

Entries close Sunday 30th June 2024. Full details, entry form and criteria can be found at leadingedgeonly.com/organisation/tesco/tesco-agri-t-jam-2024.  

Following the application and selection process, up to ten start-ups will be selected to present their innovations at the T-Jam pitch day in September.

Tesco is looking for technologies that address the following priority areas:

• Reducing GHG emissions
• Improving soil health and resilience
• Supporting biodiversity
• Improving water quality and water use
• Responsible reduction in chemical inputs such as pesticides
• Reducing agricultural and food waste
• Reducing crop losses
• Improving animal health and welfare, reducing use of antibiotics
• Rapid disease diagnostics