Ten projects which can positively impact food and drink processing and manufacturing industries will win a grant of up to £5,000 with this one off competition to connect food businesses with academics.

The Food Innovation Network, Innovation Vouchers programme  is provided by Defra. Its aim is to find solutions to problems in the food manufacturing sector by enabling small businesses to connect with researchers and academic institutions.

The competition has a fund of £50,000 for at least 10 successful projects, as determined by a ‘dragons’ den’ style panel of industry and technical experts.

Food and Drink Businesses Invited to Apply Now

Micro, small and medium-sized food and drink businesses are invited to apply before the deadline on 12 January 2018.

Feasibility studies and R&D projects are invited which have relevance and show value across the food and drink supply chain. The funding can be used to facilitate access to expertise and know-how, test out ideas (including access to kit/facilities) or build partnerships. It could be used to invest in a range of innovative projects, such as reducing the use of water in growing vegetables, and creating new business opportunities.

Food Minister George Eustice said:

“Our thriving food and drink industry needs to be innovative in order to be resilient and globally competitive.

Some of our most innovative food businesses are smaller companies and each has unique challenges, from prolonging the shelf life of their products to developing new sources of protein.

“This new fund is aimed at helping support small businesses with a bright idea to develop their concepts in partnership with researchers or academic institutions.”

Source: Knowledge Transfer Network, 05/12/2017

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