Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative projects to boost UK agriculture's productivity and sustainability.
- Company: Join Innovate UK, a key player in advancing research and innovation across the UK.
- Benefits: Access up to £5 million in funding and support for your innovative ideas.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on farming while working towards net zero emissions by 2050.
- Qualifications: Must be a UK-registered SME with a strong project plan and investment strategy.
- Other info: Engage with investors and industry experts to enhance your project's success.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation, will work with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) to invest up to £5 million in innovation projects. This funding is linked to Defra’s Farming Innovation Programme delivered by Innovate UK.
The aim of this competition is to develop ambitious late-stage innovative solutions, technologies, systems, or approaches that will make significant steps towards improving productivity, profitability, increasing sustainability, and resilience. Help the agriculture sector move towards achieving net zero emissions by 2050. Support the commercialisation of late-stage experimental development projects that are close to market and ultimately their adoption by farmers.
Your proposal must demonstrate how the project will benefit farmers, growers, or foresters in England. To be eligible for grant funding, your project must be assessed as eligible and must have secured aligned investment with a lead investor from the pool. You can view the areas of expertise and investment preferences for the pool of investors. Applying for this competition before speaking to an investor is possible, but initiating dialogue is strongly encouraged. Lead investors can also provide commercial expertise in leadership, market access, skills, and resources.
Successful UK Registered SMEs will receive grant funding from Innovate UK and aligned investment funding with one of the programme’s pool of investors acting as the lead investor. If you need help finding an investor partner, contact Innovate UK Business Connect’s Investor Partnerships team or Agrifood team.
Lead Organisation Requirements:
- Be a UK-registered micro, small, or medium-sized enterprise (SME).
- Be prepared to negotiate heads of terms for private investment.
- An SME can only lead on one application.
Project Requirements:
- Eligible costs between £750,000 and £3 million.
- Duration of 18 months.
- All work conducted in the UK.
- Intend to exploit results in or for the UK.
- Start no earlier than 1 April 2026.
- Demonstrate benefits to farmers, growers, or foresters in England.
- Agreement on private investment and heads of terms by 3 December 2025.
Aligned Private Investment:
- Must provide at least twice the grant amount in capital.
- Can be used for company growth, scaling, and additional costs.
- Provided under commercial terms negotiated with the lead investor.
- Can be in the form of equity or a convertible loan.
Project Focus:
- Demonstrate ambition to finalise a late-stage innovation.
- Show potential for growth and successful investment negotiation.
- Provide a coherent project plan aligned with business strategy.
Impact Areas:
- Productivity
- Sustainability and environmental impact
- Progression towards net zero emissions
- Resilience
Industry Challenges or Opportunities:
- Livestock
- Plants
- Novel food production systems
- Bioeconomy and agroforestry
Funding Restrictions:
- Projects not involving a single SME or collaborative R&D.
- Projects outside the company's growth plan or lacking ROI potential.
- Projects involving equine activities, wild fisheries, aquaculture, cellular proteins, cultivated meat, or TCEA.
- Projects for medicinal or pharmaceutical crops or that do not benefit English farmers, growers, or foresters.
An online briefing event will be held at 11am on Thursday 5 June.
Defra Farming Innovation Investor Partnership 2025 employer: Innovate UK ICURe
Contact Detail:
Innovate UK ICURe Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Defra Farming Innovation Investor Partnership 2025
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific goals of the Defra Farming Innovation Programme. Understanding their focus on productivity, sustainability, and net zero emissions will help you tailor your approach when discussing your project with potential investors.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with the Innovate UK Business Connect’s Investor Partnerships team early on. They can provide valuable insights and connections to lead investors who align with your project’s objectives, increasing your chances of securing funding.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare a clear and coherent project plan that outlines how your innovation will benefit farmers, growers, or foresters in England. Highlighting the practical applications and expected outcomes will make your proposal more appealing to investors.
✨Tip Number 4
Attend the online briefing event on 5 June to gain insights directly from Innovate UK. This is a great opportunity to ask questions and understand the expectations for successful applications, which can give you an edge in your discussions with investors.
We think you need these skills to ace Defra Farming Innovation Investor Partnership 2025
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Requirements: Thoroughly read the job description and understand the specific requirements for the Defra Farming Innovation Investor Partnership. Pay attention to eligibility criteria, project focus areas, and funding restrictions.
Craft a Compelling Proposal: Your proposal should clearly outline how your project will benefit farmers, growers, or foresters in England. Highlight innovative solutions and demonstrate how your project aligns with the goals of improving productivity, sustainability, and resilience.
Engage with Investors Early: Although you can apply before speaking to an investor, initiating dialogue is strongly encouraged. Reach out to potential lead investors to discuss your project and secure aligned investment, as this can strengthen your application.
Prepare Supporting Documents: Gather all necessary documents that support your application, including financial forecasts, project plans, and evidence of previous work. Ensure that your documentation clearly demonstrates the project's viability and alignment with the funding criteria.
How to prepare for a job interview at Innovate UK ICURe
✨Understand the Funding Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the funding mechanisms available through Innovate UK and Defra. Be prepared to discuss how your project aligns with their goals of improving productivity, sustainability, and resilience in agriculture.
✨Demonstrate Clear Benefits
Your proposal should clearly outline how your innovation will benefit farmers, growers, or foresters in England. Be ready to provide specific examples of the impact your project could have on these stakeholders.
✨Engage with Lead Investors
Before the interview, try to initiate dialogue with potential lead investors. Show that you understand the importance of securing aligned investment and be prepared to discuss how you plan to negotiate terms.
✨Prepare a Coherent Project Plan
Have a well-structured project plan that aligns with your business strategy. Be ready to explain how your project will progress towards net zero emissions and address industry challenges or opportunities.
