Unlock global market access for UK agri-tech solutions

The UK Agri-Tech Centre is launching the Global Growth Accelerator, an international programme designed to fast-track UK agri-tech businesses by validating technologies for dairy and livestock in New Zealand’s innovation-driven farming systems.

The programme is delivered in partnership with Agnition Ventures (Ravensdown’s innovation arm), and AgriTech New Zealand, and provides structured access to over 500 early-adopter farms for third-party validation, farmer feedback and investment opportunities.

By leveraging New Zealand’s agile ecosystem and counter-seasonality, the initiative offers rapid, multi-sector testing and positions UK technologies for scale across New Zealand and the wider Australasia.

This initiative strengthens UK–NZ collaboration and accelerates export readiness through market immersion, pilot deployment and strategic engagement at leading Australasian agri-tech events.

Competing in high-value international markets requires more than innovation—it demands market understanding, local validation, trusted networks and strategic partnerships.

The Global Growth Accelerator co-creates in-country pilot projects that validate UK-developed solutions with real end-users.

Through this initiative, we:

• Scope and prioritise key global market challenges and opportunities 

• Map and build partnerships with influential stakeholders in target regions

• Co-design tailored pilot projects to prove market readiness, investment potential and export viability

By embedding UK businesses into local ecosystems, we remove barriers to investment and open commercial pathways, helping you compete and thrive globally.

Dr Jenna Ross OBE, Senior International Development Manager at the UK Agri-Tech Centre, said: “The Global Growth Accelerator is about backing the UK’s most promising agri‑tech businesses with the real‑world validation, building on partnerships with Agnition Ventures and AgriTech New Zealand, and driving market access to scale on the global stage.

“By embedding our innovators directly into high‑value international ecosystems, we’re not just opening doors — we’re accelerating commercial success, strengthening UK leadership in agri‑tech and helping deliver the solutions the world’s farming systems urgently need.”

Your innovation must:

• Address one of these four challenges: 

o    Biosecurity, animal health and traceability 

o    Farm system productivity 

o    Climate volatility, drought and water security 

o    Environmental compliance and nutrient efficiency 

• Be at technology readiness level 9, and ready to be demonstrated in a relevant environment

• Be from a UK registered business of any size

• If your application is successful, any support you receive is expected to count as Minimal Financial Assistance under UK subsidy rules (UK Subsidy Control Act 2022)

Example technologies of interest: 

• Early detection and monitoring (health, mobility, reproduction) 

• Traceability automation 

• Pasture monitoring, management and forecasting 

• Animal genetics 

• Reproductive decision support 

• Early climatic warning and forecasting 

• Water monitoring and management 

• Methane reduction 

• Feed and supplement management 

Brendan O’Connell, Chief Executive at AgriTech New Zealand, said: “The Global Growth Accelerator reflects the spirit of our Memorandum of Understanding with the UK Agri-Tech Centre, connecting trusted partners across two highly complementary agri-tech ecosystems.

“By welcoming UK innovators to engage with New Zealand, we are building the relationships needed to accelerate solutions that support farmers and help address global food challenges.”

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and are committed to making our application process accessible to everyone.

This includes making reasonable adjustments, for people who have a disability or a long-term condition and face barriers applying to us.

To find out more about how to accelerate your global impact, or to register, visit https://ukagritechcentre.com/global-growth-accelerator/. Applications close on 10 April 2026.