Tesco launches agri-tech innovation challenge and accelerator

  • 3 July 2020
The Tesco Agri T-Jam 2020 is open for applications until 28 July
Tesco Agriculture announces food innovation contest

UK supermarket Tesco has announced the launch of Agri T-Jam 2020, a food competition for start-ups. The initiative, held in partnership with the World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit, invites agri-tech innovators from around the world to work with the food retailer and its supply chain partners.

The deadline for application is Wednesday 28 July, and organisers welcome entries from seed and early-stage businesses with breakthrough technologies and solutions to improve supply chain efficiency and sustainability. 

At least one start-up will be selected for fast-track introductions and mentoring by the Tesco agriculture team and its supplier network.

“We want to work with people who have new ideas to help enhance what we do, or how we do things,” said Natalie Smith, head of agriculture at Tesco.

This is the third year that Tesco has partnered with the World Agri Tech Innovation Summit. Smith commented: “[We] can’t wait to see more exciting technologies come through the process.”

Tesco has been in the fire line this week with investors backing the call on the supermarket to increase sales of healthy food and drink products.

Tesco Agri T-Jam 2020

The competition seeks technologies that address one of the following priority areas:

  • Predictive Farming
  • Crop Specific Solutions, Shelf Life & Storage
  • Improving Soil Health & Resilience
  • Water Quality Analysis & Irrigation
  • Robotics, Automation & Sensor Technology
  • Protecting & Supporting Biodiversity
  • Livestock: Animal Health & Welfare
  • Supply Chain Efficiency & Waste Reduction
  • Indoor & Vertical Farming
  • Reducing Environmental Footprint & GHG Emissions
  • Operating Remotely

Ten selected finalists will be announced during the virtual World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit on 15-16 September.

The Tesco Agri T-Jam final pitch day in October will be held virtually as the finalists present their solutions to the judging committee, Tesco colleagues and supply chain partners, with a public pitch to the World Agri-Tech global network followed by the announcement of the winner.

Abigail Ryder, programme director for the World Agri-Tech Innovation Series, said: “We’re delighted to continue our partnership with Tesco to offer the most exciting start-ups from our global network a chance to fast-track onto the radar of this leading retailer and its valued supply chain partners.”

Ryder explained that World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit exists to create new opportunities for discovery, growth and investment. “The Tesco Agri T-Jam exemplifies this perfectly,” she concluded.