Global Incubator Programme: Agri-Tech USA THRIVE, cohort 1

Innovate UK seeks innovative Agri-Tech companies to participate in an acceleration programme to support growth by exploring the potential of the USA market.

Innovate UK will fund and organise group flights, group accommodation and group airport transfer fees for successful applicants, who will also benefit from an intensive 9 to 12 months three phased programme and bespoke support from an Innovation and Growth Specialist throughout.

Note: This opportunity is fully funded support and not monetary funding.

The Global Incubator Programme, organised by Innovate UK, will include two week-long visits to California in July and October 2026. Each business is supported by an Innovate UK Business Growth Specialist to help maximise the potential of being part of the programme and beyond. This initiative will be delivered physically and will include virtual activities.

Targeted agricultural sectors and scope:

• Horticulture: fruit production, vegetable crops and protected cropping
• Pastoral: dairy systems, livestock monitoring and management
• Arable: precision crop management and soil health technologies

To realise this opportunity, the strategy commits to supporting UK Agri-Tech businesses and innovators to develop and scale precision technologies across four key areas: controlled environments, robotics and automation, advanced sensors, and AI and data systems. These technologies are intended to serve both domestic and international markets, while also unlocking mutual benefits from the growing application of engineering biology to agriculture.

A particular priority is the significant expansion of automation in key farming sectors to reduce reliance on seasonal labour and improve long-term sector resilience.

In partnership with SVG Ventures | THRIVE

SVG Ventures | THRIVE is a leading global agri-food innovation and investment firm headquartered in Silicon Valley. Their ecosystem brings together leading agriculture, food and technology corporations, universities, investors and a community of more than 15,000 startups across over 100 countries. Through their platform, SVG THRIVE invests in and accelerates early-stage companies while providing entrepreneurs with unparalleled access to global markets, industry partners and capital to scale solutions addressing the world’s most pressing food and agriculture challenges. Their corporate innovation programs work with Fortune 1000 companies to accelerate innovation, support strategic transformation and connect them with breakthrough technologies shaping the future of food and agriculture. SVG Ventures currently invests globally in Seed to Series A stage startups through two active venture funds.

Benefits of the Programme

Funded Market Access: Group Flights, Group accommodation, Group in-market travel, and conference fees are all covered, removing a significant financial barrier to international market entry.

Two In-Market Visits to California: Two week-long visits to Silicon Valley in July and October 2026, providing direct access to one of the world’s leading Agri-Tech ecosystems.

Dedicated Expert Support: Each business is paired with an Innovate UK Business Growth Specialist who provides bespoke, one-to-one strategic support throughout the full 9–12 month programme.

Access to SVG Ventures | THRIVE Ecosystem: Direct connection to a globally recognised agri-food innovation and investment firm, including in-market programming, virtual programmes, 1:1 mentor engagements and THRIVE team check-ins.

Market Validation and Customer Discovery: Structured opportunities to test technology and market fit, conduct preliminary customer validation, and gain a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed in the US market.

Investor and Partner Connectivity: Introductions to ecosystem players, mentors, and potential investors.

Demo Day Profile: A dedicated showcase opportunity to present achievements to key stakeholders, raising the company’s profile within the California Agri-Tech community.

Long-Term Alumni Network: Ongoing support and an alumni event at the programme’s conclusion to sustain momentum and continue building connections beyond the programme itself.

More information and how to apply

Full information on this opportunity and application details can be found on the Business Connect website.

To find out more, register for the Applicant Briefing event on Friday 10 April (at noon GMT).

Key Dates:

• Applicant briefing: Friday 10 April 2026 at 12pm (GMT)
• Closing date for applications: Tuesday 28 April  2026 at 5pm (GMT)
• Shortlist Interviews: Tuesday 12 May – Thursday 14 May 2026
• Successful Applicants notified: Friday 15 May 2026
• Virtual programme kick-off: Friday 5 June 2026
• Market Visit: In-Person kick off (Silicon Valley): 29 June – 3 July 2026 (27 Jun – 4 Jul with travel)
• Market Visit: Silicon Valley Week: 12 – 16 October 2026 (8–17 with travel)
• Incubation Programme (Virtual): July 2026 to December 2026