Three companies win over £50,000 each to push agritech innovation

Cranfield University and Johnson Matthey have announced the first companies to join the pilot agritech programme
Cranfield University and Johnson Matthey have announced the first companies to join the pilot agritech programme

A five-week global search for agritech solutions has completed, with the first cohort of companies set to join an innovative technology programme.

Cranfield University and Johnson Matthey have announced the first set of companies to join the Johnson Matthey Agritech Partnership Programme (JMAPP).

Johnson Matthey is a global leader in science, that has over 200-years of commitment to innovation and technological breakthroughs.

The companies will be given an opportunity to develop their product or idea within an intense programme of scientific support.

In an innovative new partnership programme, more than 35 businesses entered a competitive pitch process to receive a package of advice, support and funding within a new three-month programme.

The overall support for the companies will be worth in excess of £50,000 each.

Emerging agritech

Three emerging companies were chosen by the agritech experts. The first set of companies in the pilot programme includes Azotic Technologies, whose R&D Laboratories based in Nottingham is developing a unique natural nitrogen-fixing technology that could allow any crop variety to fix nitrogen directly from the air.

Bionema, a company based out of Swansea University’s Institute of Life Science, is working on chemical-free pest management solutions and has devised a non-toxic bio-based microencapsulation technology.

Water&Soil, based in Budapest, Hungary, has developed an organic soil enhancement product, which aims to improve water efficiency, whether saving on irrigation costs or enabling cropping in areas of marginal cultivation where water is scarce.

This cohort will have use of the research facilities located at Cranfield, including those of the UK Government’s Agritech Centres.

Along with access to Cranfield, Johnson Matthey’s scientists and business experts will work with the companies to develop their ideas within a Proof of Concept framework.

Professor Leon A. Terry, Director of Environment and Agrifood at Cranfield University, added: “This is an exciting time for innovation in agritech, as demonstrated by the volume, global breadth and strength of the applicants to the programme. One of the greatest challenges for the sector is creating an environment where ideas and innovations can become reality.

“By combining the scientific and business expertise of Cranfield and Johnson Matthey, we are giving our first cohort the best possible chance to succeed by bringing forward their innovations to market.”