New Innovate UK Launchpad Competition Offers £2.7M Funding Opportunity
Innovate UK has announced a new funding competition designed to boost the agri-tech and food technology sectors across Mid and North Wales. Launching under the Innovate UK Launchpad programme, this targeted opportunity will provide up to £2.7 million in grant funding to collaborative R&D projects that are rooted in the region but have the ambition to scale nationally or internationally. The competition opens for applications on 30th June 2025 and closes at 11:00 am on 20th August 2025.

This Launchpad competition is part of a broader government strategy to strengthen regional innovation clusters by building place-based capacity and encouraging collaboration between businesses, research centres, and public sector bodies. Mid and North Wales have been identified as areas of strategic potential, with rich natural resources, strong agricultural heritage, and a growing network of innovation hubs such as AberInnovation, M-SParc, Ambition North Wales, and Growing Mid Wales. Innovate UK aims to catalyse activity within this cluster by funding projects that can solve local challenges and contribute to the UK’s net zero, food security, and rural growth agendas.

To be eligible, projects must be led by a UK-registered business of any size and must include at least one UK-registered micro, small or medium-sized enterprise (SME). Importantly, only collaborative applications will be accepted, individual companies applying alone will not be eligible. The total grant funding requested must be between £150,000 and £500,000, and all project activities must be carried out within the UK. However, applicants must clearly demonstrate how the work will contribute to the Mid and North Wales cluster during the funded project and in the longer term. Proposals will be assessed on their technical merit, as well as on their ability to drive local impact, support regional growth, and create lasting innovation infrastructure.

The competition is open to a wide range of innovations in agriculture and food technology. This includes, but is not limited to, smart farming solutions, digital agriculture platforms, crop monitoring and optimisation technologies, alternative proteins, food waste reduction systems, and packaging innovations. Projects must be relevant to the needs of Mid and North Wales and contribute meaningfully to the local economy and innovation ecosystem. However, they should also show scalability, either by having the potential to be adopted across the UK or by being export-ready for international markets. This dual emphasis on local embedding and global outlook is a core pillar of the Launchpad approach.

Crucially, Innovate UK wants to see projects that will leave a lasting legacy in the region. Successful applicants must articulate how they will strengthen the Mid and North Wales cluster beyond the life of the grant. This might include creating new partnerships with local organisations, setting up new facilities or capabilities, enhancing regional supply chains, or developing specialist skills within the local workforce. Proposals that do not convincingly demonstrate ongoing engagement with the cluster are unlikely to succeed, even if they are strong on technical innovation.

Applicants will be evaluated across several criteria, including the strength of the innovation, market demand, potential for commercialisation, and value for money. Equally important will be the team’s capacity to deliver and the clarity of the project plan. The assessment process will also consider how well the project aligns with local priorities, and how it complements existing initiatives in the region. Innovate UK is seeking a balanced portfolio of projects that will collectively enhance the economic and innovation potential of Mid and North Wales.

While this is a UK-wide competition, it is deeply rooted in Welsh regional priorities. Local authorities and economic development bodies are working closely with Innovate UK to support applicants, and potential bidders are encouraged to engage early with organisations such as AberInnovation, M-SParc, Ambition North Wales, and Growing Mid Wales. These regional cluster anchors can offer valuable insights, introductions to collaborators, and guidance on aligning proposals with local strategic goals. A webinar briefing will also be held shortly after the competition opens to provide more detail on the application process, scope, and assessment criteria.

The timing of this competition is significant. The UK government is investing heavily in food system resilience, climate-smart agriculture, and place-based innovation, and this Launchpad initiative is part of a coordinated push to unlock economic growth in rural and semi-rural areas. It also complements the recent £50 million boost to sustainable food production grants announced in May 2025. For innovators working on next-generation agricultural technologies, automation, or food sustainability solutions, the Mid and North Wales Launchpad offers an unparalleled opportunity to access funding, build regional networks, and accelerate impact.

Applying to the competition requires careful preparation. Prospective applicants should begin by forming a strong consortium that includes all required partners, particularly at least one SME. They should then clearly define how their project will support the Mid and North Wales cluster and ensure that their innovation aligns with the regional agri-tech and food tech priorities. The proposal should include a well-articulated delivery plan, commercialisation strategy, and longer-term vision for sustaining innovation in the region.

RedKnight was successful in the previous Agri-tech Launchpad, and as a Wales-based organisation, is eager to support more Welsh organisations in accessing this funding. For a free consultation, contact RedKnight today.