Tesco, in partnership with Leading Edge Only (LEO), the global innovation marketplace, has today opened applications for the 2026 Tesco Agri-tech Challenge, which invites agri-tech innovators from around the world to submit solutions that can help farmers and suppliers build more resilient, sustainable and productive food supply chains.
Winners will receive support including direct access to Tesco’s Sustainable Agriculture and Fisheries team, alongside fast-track introductions to relevant supplier partners.
The refreshed competition, previously known as the Agri T-Jam, aims to identify promising technologies that could help address some of the biggest challenges facing agriculture, from animal health and welfare to emissions reduction, soil health, biodiversity, automation, crop losses, food waste and on-farm quality.
Natalie Smith, Head of Sustainable Agriculture and Fisheries at Tesco, 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.
“Through the Tesco Agri-tech Challenge, we want to find practical technologies that can make a difference on farm, whether that is improving soil health, supporting animal welfare, reducing food waste or helping suppliers become more resilient. By connecting innovators with Tesco and our supplier network, we can help promising solutions move closer to real-world impact.”
This year’s Challenge will include two innovation pathways, recognising that agri-tech businesses need different types of support depending on their stage of development.
- TRL (technology readiness level) 4-6 winner: Will receive specialist mentoring from a key Tesco supplier as well as help to refine their innovation within the relevant industry.
- TRL 7 and above winner: Will receive the opportunity to trial their technology with one of Tesco’s supply chain partners. This will provide the platform for further development and growth within the designated sector(s). The winner will also receive feedback and mentoring from Tesco’s Sustainable Agriculture and Fisheries team.
- Both winners will be guided through the process by members of the Tesco Sustainable Agriculture and Fisheries team.
All shortlisted start-ups will receive expert feedback, industry insight and the opportunity to build relationships with Tesco, LEO and relevant 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 new two-pathway model reflects the breadth of innovation we are now seeing across the agri-tech sector, from earlier-stage technologies with significant future potential to solutions that are ready to be tested in supply chains today.
“By tailoring support to the maturity of each technology, the Challenge can help Tesco and its suppliers engage earlier and more effectively with innovations that have the potential to strengthen resilience across the food system.”
The 2025 competition was won by ProtonDx, the company behind Dragonfly, a portable molecular diagnostic platform that can identify key infections in livestock in under 30 minutes. ProtonDx secured fast-track introductions to Tesco’s supplier network and a trial with a supply chain partner.
Bob Enck, CEO at ProtonDx, said: “Winning the Tesco Agri-tech Challenge was a major milestone for ProtonDx. The fast-track access to Tesco’s supplier network and the opportunity to trial our Dragonfly platform in a real supply-chain environment helped accelerate both our technology and our commercial readiness. Programmes like this play a vital role in bridging the gap between innovation and on-farm impact.”
Applications for the 2026 Tesco Agri-tech Challenge are now open and will close on Friday 3 July 2026. Applications can be submitted here.
Following the application and selection process, shortlisted start-ups will be invited to pitch their solutions at the Tesco Agri-tech Challenge Final, taking place on 24 September 2026 at Tesco’s head office in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire.
