The University of Lincoln is launching another 10-week business accelerator designed to help early stage agricultural technology (AgriTech) businesses to drive innovation in the UK’s agriculture sector.
The initiative, which was announced in December, is in partnership with Barclays Eagle Labs, a business accelerator support to startup businesses, particularly those who are focused on technology and innovation.
Applications are now open to entrepreneurs in the AgriTech sector with a promising business plan or early stage (0-3 years) AgriTech businesses with the desire to grow.
Simon Pearson, director of the Lincoln Institute of agri-food technology, said: “Agriculture has been at the heart of Lincolnshire’s economy for decades and the Lincoln Institute for agri-food technology is here to ensure that farming and food production make the most of the technological advances on offer.
“The partnership of LIAT (Lincoln Institute for Agri-Food Technology) with Barclays Eagle Labs offers early stage AgriTech businesses with unparalleled access to business support, expertise, facilities, research and know how and we can’t wait to get started.”
Adam White, national head of agriculture at Barclays, added: “Barclays has a long history of supporting UK agricultural and in a further partnership with the University of Lincoln, we want to drive the sort of innovation that will put UK farming at the forefront globally.
“I urge any early stage AgriTech entrepreneur to go online and find out more – I can’t wait to see what kind of businesses sign up.”
‘Tailored support and resources’
The partnership said that each individual business will have access to tailored support and resources via a specialist mentor and a series of unique masterclasses tailored to the sector’s needs.
Topics could range from selling to farmers and working with partners to developing new technology and artificial intelligence in farming.
The fully funded 10-week business accelerator will include a series of half-day workshops focused on business skills, including developing a business model, financing a business and planning a route to market.
Although most workshops will be delivered virtually, the first workshop will be face-to-face with the aim of enabling participants to get to know each other.
Participants will also gain access to the facilities and services of the Barclays Eagle Lab Farm, based at the University of Lincoln’s Riseholme campus, as well as the opportunity to collaborate with the research teams within the university including:
- Lincoln Institute for Agri-Food Technology (LIAT);
- Lincoln Centre for Autonomous Systems (LCAS);
- Lincoln Agri-Robotics (LAR), a £6.4 million project funded by the Expanding Excellence in England fund via Research England.
