Growth Week

What is Growth Week?

This February 2-6, the UK Agri-Tech Centre invites you to join us for an exciting week dedicated to helping agri-tech businesses thrive. Whether you’re looking to scale, export or simply connect with industry leaders, this week is packed with opportunities to learn, network and take your business to the next level.

Our weeklong programme of activity is aimed at boosting growth opportunities for agri-tech businesses and the whole supply chain.

What does the programme consist of?

The programme combines in-person events, virtual networking and expert-led discussions designed to tackle the challenges and unlock the potential of agri-tech innovation. From understanding the role of agri-tech in the supply chain to exploring international markets, we’ll provide insights and practical steps to help you succeed.

AGENDA

Monday

What is the role of agri-tech in the supply chain? (Pre-recoded podcast)

Register to receive exclusive access to this pre-recorded webinar and join host, Helen Brookes (Director of Engagement at the UK Agri-Tech Centre) with representatives from Noble Foods and Robert Sheasby (Agricultural Industries Confederation) to explore how agri-tech supports modern supply chains. We’ll look at real-world adoption and how innovation can better match supply chain needs improving the route from solution to market for your agri-tech business.

Joining instructions:

You will receive an email at 10am to access the pre-recorded podcast.

Tuesday

How can we address agri-tech barriers to growth? (Pre-recorded podcast)

Register to receive exclusive access to this pre-recorded webinar and join host, Dr Grace O’Gorman (Director of External Affairs at the UK Agri-Tech Centre), Charlie Mercer (Director of Policy at Start-Up Coalition) and Charlie Guy (CEO at LettUs Grow) who will examine the policy and regulatory factors shaping agri-tech growth in the UK. A straightforward look at the barriers, levers and long-term policy changes needed for agri-tech to scale with confidence.

Joining instructions:

You will receive an email at 10am to access the pre-recorded podcast.

Wednesday

Networking breakfast @ Dairy Tech (In-person networking event) from 9.00am to 10.00am

Join us at Dairy Tech for a Networking breakfast with a delegation from Canada, alongside Innovate UK.

As a part of our UK Agri-Tech Centre Growth Week, gain a first-hand view of the latest dairy innovations coming out of Canada. As part of the Twin Pastures initiative, this networking breakfast brings together Canadian agri‑tech companies and dairy-focused academics hosted by the UK Agri‑Tech Centre, offering you the chance to explore cutting‑edge technologies, fresh research insights and practical developments shaping one of the world’s most progressive dairy sectors. Don’t miss out on building valuable international connections!

Joining instructions:

Sign up to the event here and meet us at our stand (T61 – Hall 1) from 9am to 10am.

How to ensure agri-tech is fit for farms (Pre- recorded podcast)

Farmers Rob Addicott and Jeremy Padfield join FAI Farms’ Annie Rayner to unpack what makes agri-tech genuinely work on real farms. Hear directly from those putting innovation into practice on real farms, uncovering practical realities, barriers and future opportunities.

Joining instructions:

You will receive an email at 10am to access the pre-recorded podcast.

Thursday

Exporting your agri-tech: Tales of exporting from the Middle East (Pre-recorded webinar) @ 10am

Overview from the three UK technology providers on their technology, deployment and impact – James Perry (Ostara), Robert Woods (Zayndu) and Hamish Watson (Polysolar).

Overview from DBT on upcoming Middle East opportunities for UK agri-tech businesses – Lily and Gabriel (DBT Central).

Opportunities to export in New Zealand and Australia (Pre-recorded webinar) @ 1.30pm

Full agenda to be confirmed.

Joining instructions:

You will receive an email on the day to access the pre-recorded podcast.

Friday

9.30am LIVE SESSION - Networking and agri-tech drop in.

This live event is ideal for agri-tech businesses ready to take the next step toward market success. You’ll meet specialists, discover upcoming support programmes and learn about tools like FASTA for MRV technology businesses. You'll have the chance to choose between four break-out sessions discussing:

Early‑stage requirement scoping - Rebecca Lewis, New Business and Proposals Manager

On‑farm validation - Michael Reardon, Business Development Manager

Attracting investors - Jos Lovegrove-Fielden, Business Growth Manager

Export readiness - Linsey Cresswell, Head of Strategic Partnerships

Joining instructions:

You will receive a link to join the event by email on the day before the event.

Capability Roadshow — Prove and validate your agri-tech (Pre-recorded session)

In this Capability Roadshow, UK Agri‑Tech Centre specialists explain how to prove and validate agri‑tech solutions through testing, trials and independent evidence. Learn how our capabilities (Digital Phenotyping Lab, Innovation Hub for Controlled Environment Agriculture) support businesses to strengthen credibility, unlock opportunities and take the next step toward market adoption. (From lab to field to commercialisation).

Joining instructions:

You will receive an email at 10am to access the pre-recorded series of videos.