Agri-TechE’s May Newsletter
Welcome to the May newsletter, where this month we are focusing on the key pillars of agri-tech – People, Money and Technology! Read on to learn more about:
- Elective and selective – our new membership offer
- Diego Durantini joins the Agri-TechE team
- It’s time to Focus on Funding – fintech is meeting agri-tech
- Barcoding biodiversity – find out how
Don't miss out!
Leading a growing agri-tech business
Early-stage agri-tech companies are reporting difficulties gaining the support of an experienced CEO. We consider the issue and the benefits of looking beyond the agri-food sector to secure high-grade leadership. Click here to read more and don’t forget our Opportunity Zone might be able to help!
Welcome to Diego – Agri-Tech is Inter-disciplinary
As the industry evolves, so does our team! In addition to the “traditional” areas of innovation of machinery, ag-chem and genetics, other sectors are bringing their tech to the industry. Dr Diego Durantini has joined the Agri-TechE team to help harness these opportunities and work with current and new members to help bring even more new ideas into commercial practice.
Fit for the 21st Century – the new Agri-TechE membership offer
In response to the evolving needs of the industry, Agri-TechE has launched a new member-centric approach that enables organisations to select the tier of membership that reflects the level of interaction and support they require. Whether you a Milli, Hecto, Mega or Giga there is a package for you – click here to start your journey and tailor your membership for your needs.
Top News and Events
Focus on Agri-Finance
18th May 2022
13.00 – 16.00 BST – online
Investors can bring much more than just cash to a growing business. As agri-tech grows up, so do the supporting business models. It’s time to take our annual Focus on Funding from angels to venture capital. Led by Citicourt CEO Jodi Bartin, this is your chance to find out about the changing appetite and models for funding agri-tech – the role of public and private investment and how to choose an approach that is best for your organisation.
Barcoding for Biodiversity
24th May 2022
10.30 – 11:30 BST – online
Measure-to-manage is key for so many elements of the farms of the 21st Century, and with the help of the Earlham Institute, we’ll be exploring how barcoding can be used to help quantify biodiversity. This is your chance to learn about a unique project about the Norfolk Broads and draw inspiration for different environments.
It’s Show-Time!
Marquees, machinery and plot trials – it’s time for the industry to showcase itself at the various trade and agriculture Shows across the UK. From Cereals (where our Director will be giving a talk on Day 2 in the AHDB Lecture Theatre), to Groundswell (where we’ll have a stand and be showcasing a number of our members in a speaker session) and the Innovation Hub at the Royal Norfolk Show.
Meet Our Members!
New and Renewing Members
New Member Pages: ALVÁTECH | Archipelago Technology | Deep Planet
Renewing Members: AgriGrub | Antobot | Breedr | Crop Angel | East of England Agricultural Society | Hockley Agro | GrowPura | G’s Growers | Soil Moisture Sense | Sundown Products | The Digital Vineyard | Weatherquest
Meet our members
Each month we will be showcasing 6 of our members. Click on their logo to find out more about them through their member pages.
A leading company in the crop protection industry, with a broad portfolio of fungicides, insecticides, herbicides, seed treatments and pest control products.
Crop Angel is a company developing drones for practical agricultural applications, particularly for aerial spraying of chemicals.
G’s Growers are able to share expertise, experience and knowledge across their members to ensure the efficient supply and year-round availability of quality produce.
Legume Technology is a manufacturer of inoculants for legume crops and bio stimulants for broad spectrum use.
Long-term supporters of the Agricultural sector, Lombard are committed to helping drive the continued success of this dynamic field.
Willand serves as a platform for the latest and greatest technology in the industry and facilitates academic research into beef production at scale.
Other News and Events
Cohort 4 for SHAKE Climate Change (now in its final investment year) is open for applications until 13th May, providing:
- seed capital funding for entrepreneurs and start-ups in food and agriculture with a positive impact on climate change
- up to £100k of funding available per venture as a social investment into a UK company (the plan can be international)
- 6 months of business plan training and mentoring / 12 months of business aftercare funded by the programme
Applicants should preferably have an innovative idea, early thoughts about their plan and climate effect, know who would run the business, and confident they can access any IP.
There’s a lot of funding available for projects at the moment – we have information about various open funding calls in the agri-tech sector on the ‘Funding Latest‘ page on the website. You can also sign up for our Agri-Finance event in May looking at how novel models of financing are accelerating the growth of agri-tech companies.
Save the date:
Online Express with Lexington Communications – Wednesday 15th June 2022
REAP 2022 – Tuesday 8th November
Keep your eyes peeled for REAP 2022 announcements from early June.
Don’t miss out – sign up to our agri-tech newsletter
To keep informed about the latest developments in agri-tech sign up to our newsletter. Please share this with colleagues with an interest in agri-innovation.
Many of our events attract BASIS points. If you are BASIS registered, you can also collect 2 points (up to a maximum of 8/yr) for receiving our newsletter and all staff in our member organisations can claim 2 points/yr for membership.
Claim BASIS points for reading: ref PD/116964/2122/I on the BASIS website.
