Skip to Main Content ⏎.
Your web browser is out of date. Update your browser for more security, speed and the best experience on this site.
Drone flying over a corn field

A strategic location for global AgriTech business

Our region is a dynamic centre for food and drink innovation, boasting a strong network of businesses, academics, and research institutions. The Food Security and Search Alliance, based here, generate collaboration across disciplines and maintains strong funding relationships with key stakeholders.

With over 4,800 higher education students and 600+ sector-specific academics, we're nurturing the next generation of food and drink innovators. The region's thriving food and drink sector is poised to lead the way globally in the coming years.

Our region is rapidly growing

£ 1.9 bn Contributed to the national GVA in 2020 from the South West food and drink sector
£ 845 m West of England Agriculture contributed £845m to local GVA
£ 800 m Food and drink exports totalled £800m from the South West region (Santander 2021)

A hub of agricultural innovation

Our region hosts globally recognised agricultural institutions, including the Royal Agricultural University and Hartpury University, alongside a vibrant network of businesses. The upcoming Rural Enterprise Centre will serve as a hub for collaboration and innovation, focusing on skills training and support to drive the growth of agricultural businesses and SMEs in the West of England.

Albotherm

Albotherm, a University of Bristol spin-out, has developed a smart coating for glass that adjusts transparency with temperature. Ideal for greenhouses, it saves water and energy by reducing the need for artificial cooling and heating, and enhances plant growth by optimising light for different crops.

Photo credit: Albotherm

Food WorksSW

Food WorksSW is a cutting-edge food and drink innovation centre in Weston-super-Mare, near the M5. Developed by North Somerset Council, it supports businesses from start-ups to established companies in growing and diversifying their products. The facility offers on-site technical support, five specialized development kitchens for short-term hire, and state-of-the-art meeting rooms and conference facilities available to all industries.

Photo credit: Food WorksSW

LettUs Grow

LettUs Grow

LettUs Grow is an award-winning Bristol start-up that develops technology for aeroponics (or growing crops without soil in large vertical racks). The crops include herbs, strawberries, and small trees grown under LED lights with nutrients provided by a mist of water. As light can be tuned to specific plants’ needs, the process is both water- and energy-efficient.

Photo credit: LettUs Grow

Map Impact

Map Impact creates advanced environmental reporting tools that utilise satellite data, enabling clients to assess the effects of their activities on nature and biodiversity. This innovative technology processes and analyses satellite earth observation data, offering tailored solutions across various sectors. The company aims to empower people to protect and restore the natural environment through data-driven insights.

Photo credit: Map Impact

MyOxygen

Bristol-based tech innovator MyOxygen creates bespoke mobile and web applications that improve the way people work and live. It recently developed a mycotoxin disease screening app for dairy cows, collaborated with Hartpury College, and continues to expand its engagement in the AgriTech sector.

Photo credit: MyOxygen

Our expert partners