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Overview
The Defra Farming Innovation Investor Partnership is a new Innovate UK and Defra funding initiative designed to accelerate the commercialisation of innovative farming technologies and solutions across England.
Unlike traditional innovation grants, this competition combines grant funding with aligned private investment from a selected pool of lead investors. The programme is specifically designed to help ambitious agri-tech SMEs scale innovative solutions while becoming investment-ready businesses.
The competition focuses on supporting late-stage experimental development projects that are close to market and capable of delivering measurable improvements in agricultural productivity, sustainability and resilience. Projects are expected to demonstrate strong commercial potential alongside clear benefits for farmers, growers and foresters in England.
In addition to funding, participating businesses will gain access to investor expertise, commercial insight and strategic support to help accelerate growth and long-term market adoption.
Scope of the Competition
The programme supports innovative farming technologies, systems and approaches that can drive meaningful change within the agricultural sector.
Projects must demonstrate how they will:
Projects should already be approaching market readiness and demonstrate a clear strategy for scaling and attracting investment.
The competition is focused on the following subsectors:
Projects must also clearly show how the innovation will benefit the English farming sector and support wider agricultural transformation.
Eligibility and Project Requirements
This competition is open to UK registered micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) only.
Key project requirements include:
A major feature of this competition is the requirement for businesses to secure aligned private investment through one of the programme’s approved lead investors.
Funding support includes:
Subcontractors are permitted where specialist expertise is required.
The programme is designed to help businesses not only complete R&D activities but also strengthen investor readiness, improve commercial positioning and accelerate routes to market.
Key Dates and Funding
Funding available: £750,000 to £3 million per project, plus aligned private investment
Competition opens: 11 May 2026
Competition closes: 17 June 2026 (11:00 am)
How Inventya can help
This competition requires a strong combination of technical innovation, investor readiness and commercial strategy. Businesses must demonstrate both project viability and long-term growth potential to secure funding and aligned investment.
Inventya can support your organisation by:
With extensive experience supporting agri-tech innovation and Innovate UK funding applications, Inventya can help maximise your chances of securing both grant funding and aligned private investment
