A new 10-week virtual accelerator designed to help early stage agricultural technology businesses to drive innovation in the UK’s agriculture sector is being launched in Lincolnshire.

The programme is open to entrepreneurs in the AgriTech sector with a promising business plan or early stage (0-3 years) AgriTech businesses with the desire to grow.

The fully funded, 10-week virtual accelerator has been launched by the University of Lincoln, UK, in partnership with Barclays Eagle Labs. It will include a series of half-day workshops focused on business skills, including developing a business model, financing a business and planning a route to market.

In addition, each individual business will have access to tailored support and resources via a specialist mentor and a series of unique masterclasses tailored to the start-up’s needs. Topics could range from selling to farmers and working with partners to developing new technology and artificial intelligence in farming.

Participants will also gain access to the facilities and services of the new Barclays Eagle Lab Farm, based at the University of Lincoln’s Riseholme campus.

The lab offers access to cutting-edge AgriTech resources, including a dedicated robotics lab, a demonstration pack-house and a model refrigerated supermarket aisle, available for businesses to develop and prototype their products. Participants will also gain access to the UK-wide Eagle Labs network and exclusive access to community events.

Mark Suthern, National Head of Agriculture at Barclays, said: “Barclays has a long history of supporting UK agricultural and with the help of the University of Lincoln, we want to drive the sort of innovation that will put UK farming at the forefront globally. I urge any early stage AgriTech entrepreneur to go online and find out more – I can’t wait to see what kind of businesses sign up.”

Simon Pearson, Director of the Lincoln Institute of Agri-Food Technology, said: “Agriculture has been at the heart of Lincolnshire’s economy for decades and the Lincoln Institute for Agri-Food Technology is here to ensure that farming and food production make the most of the technological advances on offer. The partnership of LIAT with Barclays Eagle Labs offers early stage AgriTech businesses with unparalleled access to business support, expertise, facilities, research and know-how and we can’t wait to get started.”

More information about the programme including details about how to apply can be found at https://10by10.co.uk/eagle-lab-agri-tech-accelerator/.