Agri-TechE has been selected as the inaugural UK Ecosystem Partner for the newly launched H.A.R.V.E.S.T. AgTech platform: Harnessing Agricultural Research and Venture Ecosystems for Sustainable Technology.

Backed by the Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator (IN2) and coordinated by The Yield Lab Institute, HARVEST is designed to bridge the gap between promising technologies and commercial deployment.

IN2 provides funding, validation, and access to research expertise to help early-stage companies refine their solutions and prepare for market scale-up. Through HARVEST, this model is being extended internationally, with a focus on agri-tech innovations that support climate resilience, sustainable production, and technology adoption.

The UK joins Brazil, Israel, and Argentina as one of just four global partners in this initiative. Agri-TechE ’s role is to identify and refer UK-based agri-tech companies that are ready to scale. The chosen short-list will be eligible for funded R&D collaborations with leading US research institutions, enabling them to test, adapt, and strengthen their technologies in new environments. The incubator model supports not just technical development, but also strategic positioning and investor readiness

Selected companies will gain funded access to opportunities at:

• University of California Agriculture & Natural Resources (UCANR)
• North Carolina Plant Sciences Initiative (N.C. PSI)

These institutions are recognised globally for their work in climate resilience, crop science, and technology adoption, and are part of an agri-tech hub in the US.

Agri-TechE will be working closely with the wider HARVEST network to ensure UK representation is both strategic and inclusive. The opportunity is open to companies across the agri-tech spectrum, including those working in precision agronomy, regenerative agriculture, AI, and data-driven solutions.

Find out more about HARVEST – more information to follow!

First Cohort: Biologicals

The inaugural HARVEST AgTech cohort will focus on agricultural biologicals and the technologies that support their development, delivery, and adoption. This includes:

• Direct biological applications such as microbial products and biostimulants
• Enabling technologies like formulation platforms, data acquisition tools, and commercialisation support
• Proof of concept is required to help derisk investment, but the programme intentionally avoids rigid TRL definitions to encourage a broader range of applicants

Startups selected for the cohort will receive tailored support from leading US research institutions, including NC Plant Science Initiative and UC ANR, alongside non-dilutive funding and access to field trials across diverse agro-climatic zones.

Important dates: more details, including the referral process and timeline, will be made available on Friday 10 October.