Locate in Kent and Growing Kent & Medway welcomed industry leaders, academics and innovators from across the UK and the Netherlands to the county on the 20th September to discuss opportunities for future trade collaboration and innovation.

The UK’s thriving Agri-tech sector covers a broad range of categories from consumer-based apps and services, food processing and sustainable packaging to farming systems and research into the next generation of food and beverages.

Kent was the final stop of a three-day Agri Tech Mission, organised by the British Embassy in The Hague and the UK Government’s Department for Business and Trade with delegates touring key Agri-tech regions of excellence across the UK.

This important trade mission set out to show the sizeable opportunity for Dutch companies in the Agri-tech sphere to grow their business by investing or increasing their investment in the UK, as well as highlighting the very latest UK technological innovations seeking to address challenges including climate change.

In Kent, that included a tour of NIAB’s East Malling site, a world-class centre of excellence for applied research and innovation in commercial horticulture. This introduced delegates to research projects using AI and machine learning for the early detection and prevention of pests and diseases in orchards and vineyard.  Another project on show is using new technologies to increase yields in strawberry production.

At Discovery Park in Sandwich, delegates toured the labs of two Agri-Tech businesses located at the science park campus. These included Harmoniz Seeds, which recently opened a new demonstration greenhouse in the. Netherlands and research and experimental development biotechnology business, Ventera Bio.

Nick Fenton, CEO Locate in Kent, said: “This was an opportunity to showcase Kent and Medway as a key region for food and drink innovation for the UK and to build new connections for future collaboration and investment.

“We were able to share how Kent and Medway is making a significant contribution to a British success story, supporting a food and drink sector that adds £104.4 billion to the UK economy.  That story is built on strong heritage and partnership – and there’s much more to come.”

Dr. Nikki Harrison, Director for Growing Kent and Medway, said: “Through this Mission, we were able to showcase the sizeable investment opportunities for Agri-tech businesses in Kent and Medway.

“As well as being home to some of the largest horticultural producers in the UK, our cluster of cutting-edge research facilities and specialists, funding and business support means our region is an attractive option for innovative businesses looking to grow.”

Chiara Poulteney, Senior Investment Advisor, British Embassy, The Hague, said: “The Department for Business and Trade is thrilled to have spearheaded this AgriTech mission from the Netherlands to Kent, a region with deep historical and economic ties to the Dutch.  As key innovators in sustainable agriculture and horticulture, both the Netherlands and the ‘Garden of England’ have long recognised the importance of collaboration in shaping the future of food production.

“The Netherlands is a leader in sustainable agricultural technologies, such as precision farming, water management, and greenhouse efficiency, and Kent has embraced these technologies through partnerships, research collaborations, and pilot programs. By fostering stronger partnerships, we can drive innovation, improve efficiency, and build resilient agricultural systems that benefit both our regions and beyond.

Mayer Schreiber, CEO of Discovery Park, said: “Discovery Park is a major hub for innovation, hosting over 160 companies ranging from global corporations to dynamic start-ups. Among these is Grow Up Farms, a pioneer in the vertical farming industry, creating pesticide free salad leaves for consumers across the UK.

“With our cutting-edge facilities, strategic location near London and with easy access to transport links to Europe, Discovery Park is perfectly positioned to foster further growth and innovation in the Agri-tech sector.

“Welcoming industry leaders from the UK and the Netherlands is crucial for fostering partnerships and creating new opportunities in this field. We welcome the UK Government’s efforts in promoting trade missions to Kent, which will help support the local economy, create jobs and cement Discovery Park’s position as a global hub for innovation and technology.”

 

• Applications open for Discovery Park’s ‘Discovery Spark’ programme 
• Prize package worth over £50,000, including free lab or office space for one year at Discovery Park and a package of support from a number of specialist partners.
• Deadline for initial applications closes midnight on 24th September 2024 

Leading science and innovation campus, Discovery Park, in Sandwich, Kent has launched applications for the third cohort of its immersive business growth competition, ‘Discovery Spark’. 

The programme equips early stage life science and technology businesses with the skills and tools to lay healthy foundations in their business, refine their commercial strategy and achieve investor readiness to enable future success and growth.  In addition, one applicant will secure a package of space and support worth over £50,000,

The free, six-week programme helps early-stage companies grow by leveraging  Discovery Park’s top facilities, people and networks. Candidates gain valuable insights from industry experts and successful founder ambassadors, exchange experiences with fellow founders, and build meaningful connections.

Delivered across seven immersive in-person sessions at Discovery Park, the programme  covers essential topics alongside mentoring, networking and group learning. Topics include intellectual property, startup legalities, branding, financial planning, ESG, data security, and regulatory compliance. The experience then culminates in a competitive pitch day to showcase the skills gained to investors. 

Presentations will be scored with the winning business receiving a prize package worth over £50,000, including one year of free lab or office space at state-of-the-art Discovery Park, plus wrap-around business support and dedicated mentoring. 

Previous winners of Discovery Spark include BugBiome which harnesses the power of skin microbiome to create effective, long-lasting pest repellents, and most recently, Canterbury menopause care provider Minter Hormone Health. 

Discovery Park’s Head of Innovation, Renos Savva, who leads the Discovery Spark programme, said: “We are proud of what we have created with Discovery Spark, which we believe to be a truly educational and inspiring programme. Now in its third phase we’ve been encouraged by the innovation, creativity and talent of budding UK businesses in our sector who have been part of the programme to date. It’s fantastic to be able to mentor these individuals and act as a springboard for future growth. We can’t wait to welcome the next  group of candidates.” 

Mayer Schreiber, CEO at Discovery Park, added: “With a thriving incubator community, supportive network and room to grow, Discovery Park is a nurturing environment to start and scale a business. Scientists have amazing ideas and we can offer the lab space, resources and business mentoring to take ideas to the next level.  Discovery Spark was created to help people develop a growth mindset and refine their commercial strategy so even without securing the final prize pot, the experience and skills gained throughout the programme are invaluable. It’s a privilege to play a part in supporting the future of science leaders.” 

Discovery Spark is open to all UK based early-stage life science and tech companies, with demonstrated proof of concept and the freedom to operate. Applicants must register their interest before the closing deadline of 24th September. 

For more details of the programme and to apply for the latest cohort visit Discovery Spark.