This month, Agri-EPI and the Agri-Tech Centres organized a market exchange visit to Brazil, in collaboration with Embrapa, one of LATAM’s leading agricultural research and innovation organizations, and AgriTIERRA. The visit aimed to provide three market-ready start-ups, AbacusBio, Actisense, and Wyld Networks, with the opportunity to explore new markets.
Over a two-week period, the delegates from the UK start-ups had the chance to meet with a variety of innovators, farmers, distributors, and industry representatives. This allowed them to gain a better understanding of the agri-tech ecosystem in Brazil, as well as the challenges and opportunities present in the market.
The visit was funded by the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology, as part of a larger effort to foster regional UK-LATAM agri-tech collaboration and develop international agri-tech ecosystems. Ross Robertson, Head of Agri-Tech (Mixed) at Agri-EPI Centre, highlighted the benefits of the trip, stating, “It has allowed them to see the gaps that their services could fill in South America and to form partnerships and expand their business models.”
For the UK start-ups, this visit provided valuable insights into the Brazilian market and helped them align their solutions with the identified challenge areas. It also served as a platform for learning about accessing opportunities related to research and development, demonstration, and building networks in Brazil.
By participating in this market exchange visit, the UK start-ups have not only gained knowledge about the Brazilian market but have also had the opportunity to establish connections with key players in the industry. These connections could prove crucial in their future endeavors to enter and expand in the South American market.
Furthermore, this visit to Brazil is just one part of a broader initiative to promote collaboration between the UK and LATAM in the agri-tech sector. The upcoming visit from Argentina to the UK in early 2024 further emphasizes the commitment to fostering international partnerships and knowledge exchange.
The implications of this market exchange visit are significant. It demonstrates the importance of cross-border collaboration in the agri-tech industry, as start-ups seek to expand their reach and address global challenges. By connecting with international counterparts and understanding different markets, these start-ups can tailor their solutions to meet specific needs and drive innovation on a global scale.
The success of this visit highlights the value of such initiatives in facilitating market access, knowledge transfer, and business growth. It also underscores the importance of government support in enabling these opportunities and fostering international collaboration.
As the agri-tech sector continues to evolve and tackle pressing global issues, initiatives like these market exchange visits play a crucial role in driving innovation, creating partnerships, and expanding market reach. The insights gained from these visits will undoubtedly contribute to the growth and development of the participating start-ups, as well as the agri-tech industry as a whole.
