SBRI - Agri-Food Tech Challenge

It is the ambition of the Welsh Government to develop a thriving and confident agriculture sector in Wales, that is built around innovation and growth, to rise to the challenges we face and make most of the opportunities available. In July 2025 the Welsh Government published its Sustainable Farming Scheme that outlines the agriculture in Wales will be supported to develop a productive and sustainable farming industry. Innovation will play a key role in delivering this scheme.In 2023, the Welsh Government published an Innovation Strategy for Wales. Innovation in food and Agri-Food Tech was seen as a key part of Wales’ future economic development within this document. In late 2023, the Welsh Government published an Agri-tech action plan for Wales. The development and adoption of Agri-Tech and Precision Agri-Tech is a strategic area of growth for the Welsh economy and one that the Welsh Government deems requiring of focussed attention and a road map for development. The action plan has four priorities:Accelerate Home Grown Welsh Agri-tech Capabilities.Drive on-farm adoption to achieve productivity and efficiencies (incl. Environmental) gains ‘more for less’.Deliver environmental benefits and help transition to Net Zero.Support educational and skills development to equip future and existing agricultural professionals to exploit Agri-tech to its fullest.The Vision for the Food and Drink Industry from 2021 outlines a broad Vision and Mission for the future development of the Food and Drink Industry, and include economic growth and productivity improvement, benefitting people and society with emphasis on fair work and environmental sustainability, and raising the reputation of the Food and Drink industry. Technology and Innovation are identified as a key lever in delivering sustainable growth to the food and drink industry in Wales, and so providing a key market for agricultural produce in Wales.Food is a key part of the Foundational Economy, and the Foundational Economy objectives are embedded in the Vision, as well as in the policies and strategies from across Welsh Government that will support its delivery such as public health, communities, sustainability, the circular economy, decarbonisation, trade, skills, and tourism. In addition, the activities detailed below support other Welsh Government initiatives such as the Economic Action Plan. The Food Foundation Sector has been defined to cover all parts of the food and drink supply chain.In order to support the priorities of the plans described above, we are seeking innovative solutions which can address the following challenge themes:To investigate opportunities for new product development and market opportunities for sheep milk as well as identify solutions to barriers and challenges regarding the potential for farm businesses to diversify into the production of sheep milk.Using data such as that derived from LoRaWAN sensors to develop innovative Nature Based solutions regarding Flood, Water and soil nutrient management to support communities and agricultural land bringing wider sustainable catchment benefits.Losses of nitrogen and phosphorus are detrimentally impacting the water environment across Wales and reducing this pollution is critically important to mitigating the impacts of climate change, as well as improving nutrient circularity within farming, reducing reliance on manufactured fertilisers. This challenge is to explore the potential for buffer zones to address nutrient losses to water through run-off, land drains and soil loss. Projects would also need to address nutrient build-up in the buffer zone itself, to mitigate the risks of long-term losses to the environment.Regenerative materials are bio-based materials such as timber, straw or hemp, and/or reclaimed or recycled building materials that are produced and used in ways that have a positive impact on the natural environment and society. Their responsible choice and application can help restore natural resources, enhance biodiversity and wellbeing, and contribute positively to the local economy. Ideas are sought that would allow for use of the materials described above that can be harvested in Wales. Products that would be reincorporated back into soils or used a as a growing medium are OUT of scope within this Challenge.Phase 1: Feasibility – We are looking to fund up to 6 projects up to a value of £40,000.00, excluding VAT, each.Note: Projects successful at phase 1 may be eligible to apply to subsequent phases. Additional phases will be dependent upon the outcomes of Phase 1 and future funding allocation.The key focus will be on demonstrating the potential affordability and scalability of solutions that can be delivered at pace.If project applications are seeking to build upon previous trials/small-scale testing, applications must clearly articulate how this funding will help accelerate more wide-spread development, outlining any previous adoption barriers and demonstrating how these will be addressed.Out of ScopeDo not clearly demonstrate engagement with the agricultural and food supply chains within Wales.Cannot evidence engagement with potential future customers to understand needs.Fails to consider affordability & practicality of widespread implementation.Fails to consider potential side effects and their mitigations, for example, environmental impacts.NOTE: To register your interest in this notice and obtain any additional information please visit the Sell2Wales Web Site at https://www.sell2wales.gov.wales/Search/Search_Switch.aspx?ID=155180.

Please see attachments for more information(WA Ref:155180)The buyer considers that this contract is suitable for consortia bidding.