Up to £2.5 million in funding available for agrifood innovators

Suffolk organisations are invited to apply for a share of up to £2.5 million in grant funding for business-led agrifood projects in Eastern England.
Published: 23 Sep 2024
a crop sprayer in a field - words say "eastern england launchpad - agri-tech & food technologies"

Two new competitions have been launched as part of Innovate UK’s Eastern England Launchpad, a partnership between Innovate UK, Suffolk County Council, Greater Lincolnshire LEP, Norfolk County Council, and Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority. The Launchpad aims to boost innovation in the region's agri-tech and food technology sectors while strengthening its reputation as a top hub for food production and sustainability.

With the largest food logistics sector in the UK, a thriving drinks and convenience food industry, and many niche and specialty food producers, Eastern England is the perfect place for this kind of innovation.
Cllr Richard Smith MVO
Cllr Richard Smith MVO, Suffolk County Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Economic Development and Skills

The competitions offer a share of up to £2.5 million in two strands:

  • The first competition, ‘MFA’, is open to micro, small and medium sized businesses. Grants between £25,000 and £100,000 are available for projects lasting 6 to 12 months.
  • The second competition is for collaborative research and development (CR&D) projects. Applications can be led by businesses of any size and consortia must include at least one small or medium enterprise. Grants between £150,000 and £300,000 are available for projects lasting 6 to 18 months.

The competitions open on Monday 23rd September and will close at 11am on 6th November 2024. For more information and to apply, visit https://www.gov.uk/apply-funding-innovation

Projects can focus on one or more of the following themes:

  • enhancing the productivity of primary crops, livestock, aquaculture or ornamental crops
  • biotechnologies related to agriculture, aquaculture, food processing and nutrition
  • food that promotes safe, lower carbon or more sustainable healthy and nutritious diets
  • resource efficient production and processing methods for low emission foods.

Cllr Richard Smith MVO, Suffolk County Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Economic Development and Skills, said:

“These competitions offer an exciting opportunity for local businesses and researchers to build on the region’s strong reputation as a leader in fresh produce, meat, poultry, fish and seafood processing. With the largest food logistics sector in the UK, a thriving drinks and convenience food industry, and many niche and specialty food producers, Eastern England is the perfect place for this kind of innovation.

“If you think this funding could benefit your project, I encourage you to apply.”