Agri-TechE Catalyst funding round 6 launched

When the Agri-TechE Strategy was launched in 2014 it committed a fund for investment in agri-tech projects called the Agri-TechE Catalyst. There have so far been five rounds, and the sixth has just been launched.

The DFID funding in Round 6 is aimed at encouraging UK businesses and universities to work with developing country partners on agri-tech innovations. It is open to UK based businesses of any size working in collaboration with others, and projects must include one member from an eligible developing country.

The following areas are priorities for DFID funding in Round 6:

• integrating smallholders into supply chains
• meeting quality standards and improving productivity
• creating new supply chains
• increasing the value of production to smallholders
• improving access to appropriate innovation in developing countries
• innovation that increases rural income through improved processing / storage
• control of crop pests, weeds and diseases

Funding is available for a proportion of the total project costs (25% – 70% depending on the size of the company).

Allowable project costs are capped at:

•  £150,000 to £400,000 for early-stage technical feasibility studies
• up to £1.5 million for industrial research
• up to £800,000 for late-stage experimental development

Deadlines

• Register online from 11 July 2016
• Briefing event – webinar on 1 August 2016
• Deadline for registration – 26 October 2016 (expressions of interest for industry research)
• Deadline for application – 2 November 2016

Full details on www.gov.uk Funding Competition: Agri-TechE Catalyst