Innovative agri-tech businesses across Worcestershire are being encouraged to apply for a fully funded international growth programme that could help them unlock new opportunities in one of the world’s most advanced agricultural markets.
Delivered by Innovate UK Business Connect, the Global Incubator Programme (GIP) will support up to eight UK agri-tech companies to explore, validate and accelerate their growth in Australia through an intensive 9–12 month programme. Applications close on 21 June 2026.
A Gateway to International Growth
Australia’s agriculture sector is valued at approximately $100 billion and offers significant opportunities for innovative technologies that improve productivity, sustainability and resilience. With its diverse climate zones, strong innovation ecosystem and technology-ready farming sector, Australia provides an ideal testbed for UK agri-tech companies looking to scale internationally.
The programme is being delivered in partnership with Farmers2Founders (F2F), a leading Australian agrifood innovation organisation that helps connect technology providers with farmers, supply chains and investors across Australia and New Zealand.
What Support Is Available?
Successful applicants will receive:
- Fully funded group flights to Australia
- Group accommodation and airport transfers
- Two week-long market visits to Australia (October 2026 and February 2027)
- Access to Australian customers, partners and investors
- Tailored support from an Innovate UK Business Growth Specialist or Scale Up Director
- Participation in a structured 9–12 month international growth programme
- Opportunities to showcase their solutions through demonstration events and networking activities.
Importantly, while the programme is fully funded, it is designed as a business growth and market access initiative rather than a direct grant programme.
Who Should Apply?
The programme is open to UK-based SMEs with fewer than 250 employees that are developing innovative agri-tech solutions and have ambitions to grow internationally. Applicants should already have some commercial traction and be ready to explore overseas markets.
Innovate UK is particularly interested in businesses working across areas such as:
- Precision agriculture and variable rate technologies
- Robotics and automation
- Advanced sensors and AI systems
- Engineering biology for agriculture
- Soil health technologies
- Crop and livestock monitoring solutions
- Climate-resilient farming systems.
Target agricultural sectors include horticulture, livestock production, arable farming, precision crop management and soil assessment technologies.
Worcestershire is home to a growing innovation community working across agri-tech, food production, sustainability and digital technologies. For ambitious businesses seeking to enter international markets, programmes like the Global Incubator Programme provide a valuable route to build partnerships, validate products and gain direct access to overseas customers.
With global demand increasing for technologies that improve food security, sustainability and farm productivity, international collaboration is becoming increasingly important for scaling innovative businesses.
Key Dates
- Applications close: 21 June 2026, 5pm BST
- Shortlist interviews: 6–8 July 2026
- Successful applicants notified: 10 July 2026
- Programme begins: 3 August 2026
- Market Visit 1 (Sydney): October 2026
- Market Visit 2: February 2027.
Find Out More
Businesses interested in applying can find full details and submit an application via:
Global Incubator Programme: Agri-Tech Australia Farmers2Founders (F2F)
For Worcestershire businesses looking to discuss innovation support, funding opportunities or international growth ambitions, the Worcestershire Growth Hub team is available to help connect you with the right advice and opportunities.
