AGRI - Agri-tech Growth and Resources for Innovation
The Agri-tech Growth and Resources for Innovation (AGRI) project, based at Aston University, is dedicated to promoting innovation within Shropshire's Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) operating in the Agri-tech, food, and drink sectors.
AGRI offers support in innovation management, 3D printing, photonic sensing, and low carbon biochar technology.
Its key objectives include empowering SMEs through collaboration with academics, providing fully funded assistance, and encouraging sector expansion by assisting both existing companies and new entrants.
All support is funded by the UK Government through the UK SPF[1].
[1] This project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and as such is bound by Minimum Financial Assistance (MFA) rules, regulations and eligibility criteria, and is available to SMEs in the Shropshire Local Authority area.
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus
Non financial assistance will be considered a subsidy where it satisfies all four of the ‘limbs’ of the test contained in the Subsidy Control Act 2022. Details of the Subsidy control act can be found Subsidy Control Act 2022 (legislation.gov.uk).
