Applications are now open for the 2026 Tesco Agri-tech Challenge and will close on Friday 3 July 2026.
The competition invites agri-tech innovators from around the world to submit technologies and solutions that can help strengthen resilience, sustainability and productivity across food supply chains.
This year’s refreshed Challenge introduces a new two-pathway model designed to support both emerging and more established technologies through tailored mentoring, supplier introductions and opportunities for real-world trials.
Hertfordshire, UK – Tesco, in partnership with Leading Edge Only (LEO), the global innovation marketplace, has launched the 2026 Tesco Agri-tech Challenge to identify innovative technologies that can help farmers and suppliers tackle some of agriculture’s biggest challenges.
The Challenge is seeking practical solutions across areas including animal health and welfare, emissions reduction, biodiversity, soil health, automation, crop protection, food waste and on-farm quality.
Successful applicants will receive direct support from Tesco’s Sustainable Agriculture and Fisheries team, along with fast-track introductions to relevant supplier partners.
Natalie Smith, Head of Sustainable Agriculture and Fisheries at Tesco, said: “As the UK’s largest supermarket and a major supporter of British agriculture, we are committed to helping farmers deliver affordable, healthy and sustainable food for our customers.
“Through the Tesco Agri-tech Challenge, we want to discover innovative technologies that can create real impact on farms and throughout the supply chain. By connecting innovators with Tesco and our supplier network, we can help accelerate solutions that improve resilience, sustainability and productivity.”
The updated competition structure recognises that businesses at different stages of development require different forms of support.
- TRL (Technology Readiness Level) 4–6 winner: Will receive specialist mentoring from a Tesco supplier partner, alongside support to further refine and develop their innovation within the sector.
- TRL 7 and above winner: Will receive the opportunity to trial their technology with one of Tesco’s supply chain partners, helping accelerate commercial growth and sector adoption. The winner will also receive mentoring and feedback from Tesco’s Sustainable Agriculture and Fisheries team.
Both winners will receive ongoing guidance from Tesco throughout the programme.
In addition, all shortlisted start-ups will benefit from expert industry feedback, networking opportunities and introductions to Tesco, LEO and key supply chain partners.
Jayden Halliday, CEO of Leading Edge Only, said: “We are delighted to continue our partnership with Tesco as the Agri-tech Challenge enters its ninth year. The introduction of the two-pathway model reflects the growing diversity of innovation across the agri-tech sector, from promising early-stage technologies to solutions ready for deployment in supply chains today.
“By tailoring support to the maturity of each business, the Challenge can help accelerate innovations that have the potential to strengthen long-term resilience across the food system.”
The 2025 Challenge was won by ProtonDx, creator of Dragonfly, a portable molecular diagnostic platform capable of detecting key livestock infections in under 30 minutes. Following the win, ProtonDx secured introductions to Tesco’s supplier network and the opportunity to trial its technology within the supply chain.
Bob Enck, CEO of ProtonDx, said: “Winning the Tesco Agri-tech Challenge was a significant milestone for ProtonDx. Access to Tesco’s supplier network and the opportunity to trial Dragonfly in a real-world supply chain environment helped accelerate both our technology development and commercial readiness. Initiatives like this are essential for helping innovation achieve practical on-farm impact.”
Following the application process, shortlisted businesses will be invited to pitch at the Tesco Agri-tech Challenge Final on 24 September 2026 at Tesco’s head office in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire.