New competition to drive innovation in the UK food sector launched

Small food and drink companies have the chance to win a share of £50,000 funding in the first competition aimed at pushing the boundaries in food business innovation to kick-start the next generation of food production.

The voucher scheme has been launched by Defra, through its Food Innovation Network (FIN), which connects food and drink producers with world-class facilities such as test-kitchens, laboratories and the expertise to help them create new and innovative products and production methods.

Global demand for food is projected to grow 60% by 2050 – the Government is committed to making sure Britain, with its scientific know-how and flair for innovation and quality, is in a superb position to take advantage of this. Micro, small and medium sized food and drink businesses will be able to compete for one of 10 £5,000 FIN vouchers – with matched funding from industry – by pitching their innovative projects to a ‘dragons den’ panel of industry and technical experts.

The competition, run on behalf of Defra by the Knowledge Transfer Network (KTN), will support projects of three to six months.
Applicants will need to submit an initial two-minute video pitch and a short description setting out their innovative business opportunity.