Defra's Farming Futures Automation and Robotics competition winners announced

In the Farming Innovation Programme's 17th Competition since October 2021, 19 winners have been announced as the recipients of a share of £12.5M from the UK Government's Farming Futures Automation and Robotics competition. The recipients represent a range of technologies that boost sustainability in the food production industry.

Amongst the winners are Muddy Machines Ltd, whose field robot 'Sprout' is said to be capable of delivering net-zero farming. Another is Outfield Technologies, to whom I have referred previously in an earlier article (https://www.marks-clerk.com/insights/articles/cambridge-city-of-innovation-the-king-s-college-wildflower-meadow-and-the-future-of-agriculture/). They provide valuable data for fruit growers, using drones to take images of orchards or vineyards, and look to bring together technology companies, growers and academic partners to solve specific industry challenges.

The Farming Futures Automation and Robotics Competition is part of Defra's £270m Farming Innovation Programme, and is being delivered by Innovate UK. 

Further opportunities for funding can be pursued via Innovate UK's website.

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