Innovate UK’s AgriScale pilot programme is set to bolster the UK’s agri-tech sector by supporting businesses in scaling up manufacturing, bridging the critical gap between prototype development and market-ready solutions. This initiative, unveiled by Defra Minister Dame Angela Eagle at the World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit, aims to enhance the country’s advanced manufacturing capabilities and accelerate growth in the agri-tech industry.
The AgriScale programme addresses a significant challenge in the innovation pipeline by focusing on accelerating product manufacturing. Through the High Value Manufacturing Catapult scheme, five UK-based companies will receive tailored support from the Manufacturing Technology Centre and Warwick Manufacturing Group, University of Warwick. This support is designed to tackle specific manufacturing challenges faced by agri-tech businesses, including automation scale-up, system reliability, sustainable design, and flexible manufacturing.
The selected companies, S&A Produce, UPP, Dogtooth Technologies, OxDrive, and Earth Rover, represent a diverse range of innovations within the agri-tech sector. Each company brings unique challenges to the table, from scaling up production and securing certifications to improving usability and reliability of their technologies. The support provided through AgriScale will help these companies overcome these hurdles and bring their products to market more efficiently.
S&A Produce, for instance, has developed an autonomous husbandry modular robot platform and requires support in scaling up production and securing CE certification. UPP, on the other hand, is focused on scaling up automation for their field harvester to meet growing demand. Dogtooth Technologies aims to improve the usability and reliability of their commercial robotic harvesting solutions, while OxDrive seeks to support the development of autonomous systems for off-highway applications. Earth Rover is preparing for pilot build and scaling production of their autonomous robots for chemical-free weeding.
The AgriScale programme draws on the success of the automotive sector, leveraging the UK’s world-class creativity and innovation. Farming Minister Angela Eagle emphasized the importance of transitioning from proof of concept to product manufacturing to unlock the full potential of automation in agriculture and horticulture. Andy Cureton, Director of AgriFood Systems, highlighted that AgriScale plays a pivotal role in advancing the UK’s leadership in frontier agri-tech industries, aligning with national goals around innovation, sustainability, and economic growth.
By supporting these five companies, AgriScale aims to deliver on the UK’s ambition to lead in sustainable food production and advanced manufacturing. The programme not only drives productivity and resilience across the sector but also contributes to green growth. As these technologies advance, they have the potential to significantly impact the agricultural industry, enhancing efficiency, sustainability, and productivity for farmers across the UK.