Global Incubator Programme

Description:

Innovate UK ICURe is offering a fully funded opportunity through its Global Incubator Programme: Australia - Agri-Tech, aimed at helping UK-based Agri-Tech companies explore and scale in the Australian market. The programme is delivered virtually with two in-person market visits to Australia and is run in partnership with Farmers2Founders and Agrifood Futures.

This initiative is tailored for innovation-led SMEs in the UK with a strong focus on Agri-Tech and aspirations to grow internationally. Selected companies will be closely supported by Innovate UK’s Innovation & Growth Specialists, ensuring they gain maximum value from the experience.

Programme Highlights:

• Delivered virtually on a weekly basis with two fully funded in-market visits to Australia.

• Involves group flights, accommodation, and travel within Australia (for one representative per company).

• A £2000 refundable commitment fee is required upon acceptance and is reimbursed upon successful completion of all activities.

Partner Organizations:

• Farmers2Founders (F2F): Helps build and scale transformative AgriFood tech solutions tailored to the local value chains and farm challenges. Operates the TEKFARM platform that connects farmers with global Agri-Tech solutions.

• AgriFood Futures: A global organization fostering climate-smart agrifood innovations by supporting startups, investors, and industry players through growth studios, tech adoption platforms, and investor programs.

Priority Technology Areas:

• Sectors: Grains, horticulture, red meat & livestock, dairy, viticulture, aquaculture

• Challenges: Climate resilience, water use, soil health, land management, labour efficiency, animal welfare, emissions reduction, waste valorisation

• Tech Solutions of Interest: Robotics, automation, AI, sensor tech, soil fertility optimization, biologics, regenerative systems, waste stream valorisation

Eligibility Requirements:

• UK-based and innovation-led company

• Fewer than 250 employees

• Active in or focused on the Agri-Tech sector

• Ambition to scale internationally

Key Dates:

• Applications close: 30th June 2025

• Shortlist interviews: 15th – 17th July 2025

• First market visit: 9th – 19th October 2025

• Second market visit: 12th – 22nd February 2026

Programme Benefits:

• Explore Australia’s booming Agri-Tech market, expected to reach $100 billion by 2030

• Engage with local industry bodies, investors, research institutions, and tech-ready farmers

• Test and refine technologies in a climate-diverse, counter-seasonal environment

• Build partnerships and access support in one of the world's most advanced Agri-Tech ecosystems