Check out how to apply for Farming Innovation Investor Partnership competition
21st May 2025
A new £5 million round of the Farming Innovation Investor Partnership competition will open on 2nd June. Here is everything you should know before applying.
The Investor Partnerships competition is part of Defra’s Farming Innovation Programme, delivered in collaboration with our partners, Innovate UK.
Defra said that the competition is unique because it combines public and private funding. It helps agri-tech businesses scale and commercialise innovations that are ready to be used on farms.
Through the ‘Investor Partner Pool’, grant funding from Defra is matched with equity investment from private investors in the pool.
The Investor Partner Pool includes more than 150 trusted investment organisations. These have been selected for their track record, expertise, and interest in backing innovative, high-growth businesses.
This model encourages private investment and supports the growth of UK agri-tech businesses, the government said.
Eligibility
To be eligible, you must be a micro, small or medium-sized business with an experimental technology close to market. You should be looking for late seed or Series A stage investment.
Defra said that eligible projects must:
- demonstrate clear benefits to farmers, growers and agricultural businesses in England.
- cost between £750,000 and £3,000,000.
- last up to 18 months.
- carry out all project work in the UK.
Grant funding will cover:
- up to 45% for micro or small organisations.
- up to 35% for medium-sized organisations.
Application process
Applications open on Monday 2nd June 2025, and close on Wednesday 2nd July 2025.
To apply, you must:
- aim to finalise a late-stage innovation.
- show potential to grow and scale with investor support.
- set out a clear and coherent project plan that aligns with your business strategy.
- address a farm-focused challenge in areas such as livestock, plants, novel food production systems, or the bioeconomy of agroforestry.
Applications will be assessed by independent experts from business and academia.
If your project meets the threshold, you will be notified in early August. You will then have until December to agree on heads of terms with a lead investor, Defra explained.
Successful applicants will be notified after that.
You should apply through Innovate UK’s Innovation Funding Service.
READ MORE: What farming grants are coming up?
Learn more
Together with UKRI, Defra will hold a webinar and Q&A session on Thursday 5th June.
In the session, they will:
- explain the application process and what assessors are looking for.
- go over eligibility criteria and funding rules.
- give an overview of the Investor Partner Pool.
Sign up to attend the webinar. The webinar will be recorded for those who cannot attend it.
READ MORE: Defra retracts SFI closure for thousands of farmers
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