Innovate UK CEO Indro Mukerjee has unveiled the UK Agri-Tech Centre, establishing the nation’s largest agri-tech powerhouse. This groundbreaking initiative merges three existing centers – the Agricultural Engineering, Precision and Innovation Centre (Agri-EPI), Crop Health and Protection (CHAP), and the Centre for Innovation Excellence in Livestock (CIEL) – creating a unified force for agricultural transformation.
The UK Agri-Tech Centre ascends as the national and international voice for British agri-tech innovation, said Dr. Peter Quinn, its Chair. The centre promises to unlock new opportunities, propel business growth, and support a more sustainable and productive future for UK agriculture.
The centre will operate under the leadership of CEO Phil Bicknell and a newly formed executive team, drawing upon world-class facilities and expertise. Innovate UK provides its core funding.
“Agritech is a vital sector experiencing unprecedented startup growth and investment. The UK Agri-Tech Centre will be pivotal in nurturing this innovation, helping businesses reach their full potential at home and abroad,” stated Indro Mukerjee during the launch at the Midlands Agri-Tech Innovation Hub.
Stella Peace, Executive Director for Healthy Living and Agriculture, echoed this sentiment: “Agritech offers solutions for the health of both our people and our planet. This is a watershed moment for the UK, giving us greater capacity to transform the industry and our economy.”
Addressing the mounting challenge of feeding a growing population amid climate change, Dr. Quinn underscored the new centre’s commitment to accelerating the development and deployment of cutting-edge agricultural technologies.
Key Goals of the UK Agri-Tech Centre
- Facilitate broader access to agri-tech opportunities
- Drive business growth and innovation
- Promote collaboration across the sector
- Accelerate the adoption of agri-tech solutions
The UK Agri-Tech Centre stands poised to usher in an era of technological advancement and sustainability within British agriculture, strengthening the nation’s role as a global leader.
