Tesco has launched applications for its 2026 Agri-tech Challenge, inviting innovators from around the world to develop technologies capable of strengthening the resilience, sustainability and productivity of British farming.
The initiative, run in partnership with Leading Edge Only, aims to accelerate the adoption of breakthrough technologies across the food supply chain at a time when growers and producers are facing mounting pressure from climate change, rising costs, labour shortages and tighter environmental expectations.
Previously known as the Agri T-Jam, the competition has been refreshed for 2026 with a new two-pathway structure designed to support agri-tech businesses at different stages of development.
Under the revised format, earlier-stage technologies classified at Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 4–6 will receive mentoring and development support from Tesco suppliers, while more commercially advanced solutions at TRL 7 and above will have the opportunity to trial their technologies directly within Tesco’s supply chain.
The retailer is seeking innovations capable of tackling some of agriculture’s biggest long-term challenges, including animal health and welfare, emissions reduction, soil health, biodiversity, automation, crop loss prevention and food waste reduction.
Natalie Smith, Head of Sustainable Agriculture and Fisheries at Tesco, said the retailer wanted to play a more active role in helping UK agriculture adapt to rapidly evolving pressures across the food system.
She said: “As the biggest customer of UK agriculture, we want to do all we can to support our farmers in providing affordable, healthy and sustainable food to our customers – this includes championing the latest agri-tech innovations.”
Jayden Halliday, CEO of Leading Edge Only, said the updated structure reflected the increasing diversity and maturity of technologies emerging across the agri-tech sector.
“The new two-pathway model reflects the breadth of innovation we are now seeing across the agri-tech sector,” he said.
The Agri-tech Challenge has already helped bring new technologies closer to commercial deployment. Last year’s winner, UK-based start-up ProtonDx, secured recognition for its portable livestock diagnostic platform Dragonfly, capable of detecting infections in under 30 minutes.
Applications for the 2026 Tesco Agri-tech Challenge are open until 3 July, with shortlisted finalists set to present their technologies at Tesco’s Welwyn Garden City headquarters in September.
