Funding provides opportunities for food and drink manufacturers to address current and future business challenges through the development of innovative solutions across the business, from process innovation through to product development.
The FDF has close ties with various funding bodies across the UK. These include UK Research & Innovation (UKRI), Innovate UK, the KTN, and the research councils (i.e., BBSRC and EPSRC) as well as regional bodies such as the Greater Lincolnshire LEP.
We also have established connections with researchers within academic institutions, the catapult network and businesses who are at the forefront of the latest innovations. The FDF can connect you with the right people to drive innovation through suggesting funding routes, connect you to potential project consortia collaboration and support with funding applications.
If you are interested in a free expert consultation into your business and where resource efficiencies could be made to increase the productivity of your business, check out the Food and Drink Innovation Gateway.
Spotlight
AI Labs: Your path to AI adoption
When: 4, 6, 11 and 13 June (online) and 12 July (in- person invitation only)
Where: online and in-person (in Birmingham)
AI Labs is an immersive event series tailored for organisations within the transportation, agriculture, creative, and construction sectors.
This series is specifically designed for organisations at the early stages of their AI adoption journey or those seeking clarity on AI’s potential benefits for their operations.
Over four weeks, AI Labs virtual sessions will delve into critical topics, allowing you to engage with peers and programme experts. Following the virtual sessions, the programme transitions to an in-person showcase event, providing a platform for selected organisations, who have engaged with the online community hub to showcase their vision.
Expression of interest will close on Wednesday 15 May.
Updates
Agrifood Innovation Showcase event: 6 March 2025, in Birmingham
“Building a sustainable food system” is the theme of Innovate UK’s Agrifood Innovation Showcase 2025 event. The event is open to stakeholders and organisations who are interested in finding innovative solutions for a nature positive food system.
Companies and innovators will showcase their pioneering products and technologies whilst participants will have the chance to create new connections, exchange ideas, and explore various opportunities. There will also be an SME Marketplace, highlighting innovative businesses that impact healthy living, net zero and technologies in the food and drink system.
Made Smarter Adoption Programme extension
In the Autumn Budget announcement, the UK Government committed to spend 16m for the extension of its Made Smarter Adoption programme, continuing the commitment made by the previous government.
The programme started in the North West in 2019 and has engaged with 2,500 business and funded 379 technology projects - investments which are expected to grow the economy by £267m over the next three years.
The work is due to start in 2025 and will roll into 2026, this time stretching across all nine English regions and will provide access to technology advice, leadership and skills training and grant funding for digital internships and technology projects. These interventions will boost productivity, growth, create new high value jobs and decarbonise SME manufacturers across the country.
The Government announced its plans for a further extension of the Made Smarter programme with up to £37m of funding between 2025 and 2026. If you are interested in exploring how Made Smarter could support your SME please contact Tanya.
You can find additional information on funding and grant opportunities on our Funding and Grants page here.
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Related topics
Innovation
Innovation is key to developing the food and drink of tomorrow, and underpinning many of our ambitions be they around sustainability, healthy diets or safety.
Automation and manufacturing technology
Automation is likely to be a key development in food manufacturing as part of the need to increase efficiency and productivity.
Innovation Gateway
Innovation support from across the UK that enables you and your business to get connected with the organisations and people best placed to help you.