The Defra Farming Innovation Investor Partnership 2026 supports UK registered micro, small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to develop innovative farming solutions that align with private investment from selected investor partners.

Overview

This funding opportunity is delivered by Innovate UK in partnership with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). Projects must be carried out in the UK and must demonstrate a clear alignment with private investment from the programme’s selected investor partners. The competition is open to single applicants only.

Funding and Benefits

A total fund of £5,000,000 is available. Funding is awarded as a grant. Applicants must be seeking private financing of at least twice the amount of the grant requested.

Eligibility

To lead a project, an organisation must:

• be a UK registered micro, small or medium sized enterprise (SME)
• carry out project work in the United Kingdom
• be seeking private financing of at least twice the amount of the grant requested

The competition is open to single applicants only; consortium applications are not accepted.

Application Process

Applications are submitted through the Innovation Funding Service. Applicants should review the full opportunity details and prepare proposals that demonstrate how their innovative farming solution meets the programme’s objectives and aligns with private investment from the selected investor partners.

Start application: Apply via the Innovation Funding Service

Deadline and Timeline

• Opening date: 11 May 2026, 9:30am UK time
• Closing date: 17 June 2026, 11:00am UK time
• Publication date: 13 May 2026

Contact Information

Full opportunity details and further guidance are available through the Innovation Funding Service. For enquiries, applicants may contact UKRI via the standard channels or refer to the UKRI website for support.

Full opportunity details: Innovation Funding Service – Defra Farming Innovation Investor Partnership 2026