Hartpury University's Tech Box Park has formed an exciting new partnership with Barclays Eagle Labs, that will encourage Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to elevate their business to new heights within the agricultural industry. The Barclays Eagle Labs initiative fosters business growth in UK start-ups and scale-ups.
Through a unique collaboration, supported by the Barclays Eagle Labs Ecosystem Partnership Programme funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, 20 businesses will gain free access to Hartpury Tech Box Park memberships (valued at £2,500). The six-month programme of support is expected to boost high-potential businesses across the region and develop Hartpury’s thriving agri-tech community.
Designed for SMEs with traction, ready to take their growth and scalability to the next level, the memberships will help founders and entrepreneurs turn their products or services into a commercial success for the agri-tech, food-tech, and green-tech industries.
Tech Box Park membership benefits include testing and trialling at Hartpury’s commercial farm, one-on-one coaching, mentoring and support from business experts and scale-up specialists, plus events dedicated to fostering collaboration and innovation.
The Tech Box Park, an accelerator at Hartpury University, has already proven to be a valuable space for innovation, supporting over 30 business ventures. From enabling a social enterprise to create a test bed for trailing hemp derivatives in animal bedding, to showcasing the world’s most innovative anti-theft solution for agricultural machinery and testing 100% plant-based compostable packaging on hay bales – the Tech Box Park has provided a space for innovative thinking.
Catherine Briggs, Tech Box Park Manager said: “We’re excited to join forces with Barclays Eagle Labs to drive innovation and cultivate growth in the regional economy. Backed by the UK Government, Barclays Eagle Labs offers a unique support system that seamlessly integrates with our existing Tech Box Park offering more valuable opportunities for founders, entrepreneurs, and scale-ups in the region to test, trial and commercialise new products for the land-based sector.”
Amanda Allan, Director at Barclays Eagle Labs: “This is yet another exciting partnership for us here at Barclays Eagle Labs in our mission to support UK tech start-ups. Using the funding from the Digital Growth Grant from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology we think Hartpury University is an ideal partner for us. This match-funding will help them continue their proven track record in supporting local start-ups at The Tech Box Park.”
Saqib Bhatti, Minister for Tech and Digital Economy said: “Regional start-ups are a vital cog in boosting the UK economy, creating better-paid jobs and opportunity right across the country. This government is committed to supporting them throughout their infancy and scaleup journey. This partnership will ensure that even more businesses can access the invaluable support that the Hartpury Tech Box Park membership provides, helping them realise their enormous potential.”
Applications are open now, and close on 31 January 2024. Click here to read more.
About Hartpury’s Tech Box Park
Hartpury Tech Box Park is a workspace hub made up of thriving start-ups, creative entrepreneurs and SMEs. Sitting with Hartpury's commercial farm and forming part of the Digital Innovation Farm strategy, the self-contained workspaces and hot-desking facilities are an ideal place for collaboration, inspiration and innovation. There are meeting rooms for hire, breakout spaces for product launches plus unique access to on-farm testing and trialling.
Regular events are organised by the Tech Box Park alongside the neighbouring Agri-Tech Centre to help members connect and share ideas. The first event of 2024 is scheduled for 31 January, 8.30am - 10.30am. Guests will be able to build business relationships and enjoy a light breakfast while hearing more about Hartpury's Digital Innovation Farm, Agri-Tech Centre and Tech Box Park, in response to an increasingly digital world with global demand for new technology in farming. Click here to learn more and register to attend.
