AgriFood Connect empowers agritech collaboration across Ireland

Ireland is witnessing a unique initiative called AgriFood Connect, which aims to foster collaboration between various stakeholders in the agriculture and food industries. This cross-border project is supported by InterTrade Ireland and is led by Queen’s University Belfast and Munster Technological University. The project strives to bridge the gap between researchers, government agencies, farmers, and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) to develop innovative solutions that can drive growth and efficiency in the sector. Dr. James Tate, a research fellow at Queen's University, is deeply involved in facilitating these connections, emphasizing the importance of practical applications for research in agritech. As part of the initiative, the team is organizing workshops and online masterclasses to help participants learn how to effectively bring their ideas to market. These training sessions cover essential topics, such as pitching ideas, understanding intellectual property (IP), leveraging data, and translating innovative research into feasible solutions for the industry. The AgriFood Connect project will soon launch a matchmaking phase to connect participants with potential collaborators and investors, motivating farmers and small businesses to engage with the program for access to free training, support, and new ideas. The project is still in its early stages, but Tate has already observed some promising data-driven solutions emerging, particularly the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance efficiency and production in agricultural practices. The potential for biological innovations is also being explored, and both researchers and farmers are encouraged to get involved. InterTrade Ireland's commitment to funding innovative solutions from this project signifies their dedication to advancing agritech in Ireland. Looking ahead, Dr. Tate is optimistic about the future of AgriFood Connect and anticipates the upcoming workshop, scheduled for June. He believes that fostering these networks and connections will lead to tangible projects and increased opportunities for successful collaborations. The success of such initiatives heavily relies on the involvement of both the research community and the agricultural sector, and the more individuals who participate, the higher the chances of impactful collaborations and innovation in agritech.