Defra Farming Innovation Investor Partnership 2026
UKRI and Defra fund late-stage, innovative agri-tech projects for English SMEs to boost farm productivity and sustainability, with a focus on science-driven solutions supporting net zero by 2050.
Funder: UK Research and Innovation
Due Dates: June 17, 2026: Full application submission deadline | December 2, 2026: Deadline to reach heads of terms with lead investor
Funding Amounts: Up to £5 million total; project costs between £750,000–£3 million; grant covers up to 45% (micro/small) or 35% (medium) of eligible costs; matched private investment required (at least 2x grant).
Summary: Supports UK SMEs developing innovative, late-stage farming solutions with grant funding and matched private investment to advance agricultural technology and sustainability.
Key Information: Applicants must secure a lead investor and matched private investment to be eligible for grant funding.
Description
This opportunity, delivered by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) in partnership with Defra, is designed to support ambitious late-stage innovation projects that will benefit farmers, growers, or foresters in England. The competition aims to drive productivity, profitability, sustainability, and resilience in the agriculture sector, with a focus on solutions that contribute to net zero emissions by 2050. Funding is available for UK-registered micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) developing technologies, systems, or approaches that are close to market and demonstrate significant innovation and economic potential. A unique feature of this program is the requirement for applicants to secure private investment aligned with the grant, fostering a collaborative approach to scaling agri-tech innovations.
