Technology start-ups and businesses are invited to apply for funds to transform the dairy industry across South & West Scotland or Cumbria. 

The 'Research, Collaboration & Growth Funding Competition' offers businesses seeking support for new products and ideas, which create improvements in any part in the dairy supply chain, the opportunity to secure a share of the grant. 

With the overarching aim of transforming the dairy sector through investing in innovation projects, including a focus on improving productivity and sustainability, the competition is one of four funding opportunities offered by the Digital Dairy Chain, an SRUC-led project. 

With a deadline for submissions fixed at the end of May, industry innovators are encouraged to move quickly to submit their applications once the competition opens on 17 April. Successful applicants will be required to demonstrate realistic potential to support business growth and job creation, resulting from a collaborative project running over a period of six – 24 months in the specified region. 

The full competition details and parameters are now available to view here. 

Stuart Martin, Programme Director, added: "I'd encourage anyone currently involved in the dairy industry or with an idea which could benefit it, to contact myself and the Digital Dairy Chain team to talk this through. In addition to the funding opportunities, we can help facilitate partnerships and steer you towards the right people to get innovative ideas off the ground.  

"With the help of local businesses we can work towards decarbonising dairy production and manufacturing, reduce environmental impact and make ground-breaking strides towards improving productivity. By working together, we will make South and West Scotland and the North West of England a world leader in dairy production."  

To discover more about this unique opportunity for innovation funding and collaboration, business dairy industry partners are invited to attend a Knowledge Exchange Event on 19 April. This industry event will be hosted by the Digital Dairy Chain, providing information to support applicants, as well as networking opportunities and the most up-to-date information about the dairy industry.  

The event will take place on 19 April, from 10am–3pm at Easterbrook Hall, Crichton Campus, Bankend Road, Dumfries, DG1 4UQ.  

Although free, participants are encouraged to register their place on Eventbrite.