25 June 2025
We are pleased to announce the opening of a new call for applications to our Lincam Ceres Agri-Tech translational funding programme.
We are seeking UK university or RTO researchers with innovative, novel technology that can address the following challenges in crop-based agriculture and horticulture and want to take that technology on a commercialisation journey whether that is through licensing or spinning out a company.
Challenges:
- 100% use of crop and circular economy
- Crop storage and logistics
- Glasshouse tech and energy systems
- Efficient use of water and fertilisers
We would be particularly interested in technology from other disciplines that could be adapted and applied in agriculture.
Novel, innovative technology is in scope, but deployment of off the shelf solutions or best practice solutions of use of existing tech are not in scope.
We will also consider applications addressing challenges in agriculture other than the above list.
Proof of Concept (up to £20,000, no FEC) and Large projects (£20,000-150,000, no FEC) are available.
For more information about the scope of Lincam projects visit our Lincam pages: LINCAM: UK Universities & RTOs – Ceres Agri-Tech
Ceres funding is not like other research funding. The EOI is just the beginning of a process to discuss and develop your project, which we will cocreate with you with the view of bringing a project pitch to our Investment Committee.
Closing date: Tuesday, 19th August 2025, midnight
How to apply: Submit a short Expression of Interest (EOI) form to the Ceres team by the deadline above. Your application will be reviewed and then if successful we will contact you to discuss your project further.
Download the EOI form here: EOI-LINCAM-for-UK-Universities-and-EPSRC-approved-RTOs
Find out more
Webinars to learn more about how to apply for this funding at the following dates. Sign up with the Eventbrite links.
Monday, 7th July, 13.30-14.30: Agri-tech Commercialisation Training Series: Applying for Ceres Funding Tickets, Mon, Jul 7, 2025 at 1:30 PM | Eventbrite
Monday, 28th July, 12.30-13.30: Agri-tech Commercialisation Training Series: Applying for Ceres Funding Tickets, Mon, Jul 28, 2025 at 12:30 PM | Eventbrite
A few FAQs:
Do I need to be based in the Lincam region to be eligible for funding? Researchers do NOT have to be based in the Lincam (Lincolnshire and N. Cambridgeshire region) but the technology should have positive impact for growers and suppliers in the region e.g. relate to crops grown in the regions or practices used there.
I don’t have any experience in agriculture but I think my tech might work in that space. Can I still apply? If you think you have a novel technology/research that could be transferred to agriculture then please do apply, the Ceres team can help you shape the technology to agriculture.
We have technology that could be impactful, but the team is missing some skills to get it to where it needs to go. Should I apply? Yes! We can help you find research partners to push your project forward e.g. software developers, image specialists, chemists, engineers, agricultural subcontractors.
Our technology needs to be tested on plants in glasshouses or on farms but I don’t have growing experience or any grower contacts. The Ceres team can connect you with their grower network and if necessary subcontractors who are experts in running growing trials where you can test your technology.
A note on Industrial partners and State Aid: Please note that we cannot fund companies directly as this constitutes state aid and is not allowed. Companies may partner with researchers but only in the capacity of subcontractors and cannot have rights to IP coming out of the project. Future negotiations for licensing with such partners must be via arms-length negotiations. If you have industrial partners from previous work or in mind for this project then we can discuss the details of the collaboration and background IP after you apply. Or contact us to clarify before your application. info@ceresagritech.org
Will Ceres take some equity in the future company if I receive funding for the project? No. This is funding is awarded as a grant. However, in order to be successful there must be a desire to commercialise the research and a clear route to market for the research (we can help with the latter). The projects are pitched to an investment committee to prepare you for future milestoned fundraising. This can be a learning curve but Ceres will support you with this.
Will I need to pitch to an Investment committee? The projects are pitched to our investment committee to prepare you for future fundraising and milestoned research. This can be quite different to academic presentations but Ceres team are very hands-on and will cocreate the deck with you and coach you in delivering a professional pitch.
Can I collaborate with international researchers? Yes, we encourage collaboration if they have expertise critical to the project. However, we cannot fund international researchers, so they need to provide their own funding or act as subcontractors with no claim to IP. A collaboration agreement will need to be put in place.
For more information email us at info@ceresagritech.org
