University of Lincoln and Barclays Eagle Labs launch AgriTech Accelerator

The University of Lincoln, in partnership with Barclays Eagle Labs, is launching another 10-week business accelerator designed to help early-stage agricultural technology (AgriTech) businesses to drive innovation in the UK’s agriculture sector.

Applications are now open to entrepreneurs in the AgriTech sector with a promising business plan or early stage (0-3 years) AgriTech businesses with the desire to grow.

The fully funded, 10-week business accelerator will include a series of half-day workshops focused on business skills, including developing a business model, financing a business and planning a route to market. Although most workshops will be delivered virtually, the first workshop will be face-to-face to enable participants to get to know each other.

In addition, each individual business will have access to tailored support and resources via a specialist mentor and a series of unique masterclasses tailored to the sector’s needs. Topics could range from selling to farmers and working with partners to developing new technology and artificial intelligence in farming.

Participants will also gain access to the facilities and services of the Barclays Eagle Lab Farm, based at the University of Lincoln’s Riseholme campus, as well as the opportunity to collaborate with the research teams within the University including:

•  Lincoln Institute for Agri-Food Technology (LIAT)
•  Lincoln Centre for Autonomous Systems (LCAS)
•  Lincoln Agri-Robotics (LAR), a £6.4M project funded by the Expanding Excellence in England fund via Research England.

The lab offers access to cutting-edge AgriTech resources, including a dedicated robotics lab, a food handling pack-house, scaled down industry standard strawberry farm and a refrigeration research centre, available for businesses to develop and prototype their products.

Participants will also gain access to the UK-wide Eagle Labs network and exclusive access to community events.

Adam White, National Head of Agriculture at Barclays, said: “Barclays has a long history of supporting UK agricultural and in a further partnership with the University of Lincoln, we want to drive the sort of innovation that will put UK farming at the forefront globally. I urge any early stage AgriTech entrepreneur to go online and find out more – I can’t wait to see what kind of businesses sign up.”

Simon Pearson, Director of the Lincoln Institute of Agri-Food Technology, said: “Agriculture has been at the heart of Lincolnshire’s economy for decades and the Lincoln Institute for Agri-Food Technology is here to ensure that farming and food production make the most of the technological advances on offer. The partnership of LIAT with Barclays Eagle Labs offers early stage AgriTech businesses with unparalleled access to business support, expertise, facilities, research and know how and we can’t wait to get started ”

For more information, or to apply for the programme, visit https:/10by10.co.uk/agri-tech-accelerator-2023/