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Farming Futures: Automation and Robotics 2026

Expected to open. UK registered agri-tech businesses, SMEs, research organisations and technology developers building robotics/automation solutions for farming or horticulture (including automated indoor growing), especially those able to demonstrate direct benefit to farmers/growers in England and willing to collaborate with them. Collaborative R&D; typically UK registered businesses as leads/partners.

Award
Previous round precedent: industrial research ~�500k-�1m (up to 70%); experimental development ~�750k-�1.5m (up to 45%). 2026 amounts TBC when IFS opens (~3 Aug 2026).
Single applicants welcome

Next deadline

Date to be confirmed

Official programme page

What it funds

Expected to open. UK registered agri-tech businesses, SMEs, research organisations and technology developers building robotics/automation solutions for farming or horticulture (including automated indoor growing), especially those able to demonstrate direct benefit to farmers/growers in England and willing to collaborate with them. Collaborative R&D; typically UK registered businesses as leads/partners.

Who it suits

UK registered agri-tech businesses, SMEs, research organisations and technology developers building robotics/automation solutions for farming or horticulture (including automated indoor growing), especially those able to demonstrate direct benefit to farmers/growers in England and willing to collab…

  • Clean energy & net zero
  • Late stage & scale-up

Programme specifications

Award bandPrevious round precedent: industrial research ~�500k-�1m (up to 70%); experimental development ~�750k-�1.5m (up to 45%). 2026 amounts TBC when IFS opens (~3 Aug 2026).
FunderInnovate UK
RegionUK-wide
Partners requiredNo
Next deadlineTo be confirmed
Key sectors
Clean energy & net zero

Considering Farming Futures: Automation and Robotics 2026?

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