ProtonDx has been named the winner of the 2025 Tesco Agri T-Jam, an annual competition that showcases breakthrough ideas set to transform the future of farming and food supply. The win secures them fast-track introductions to Tesco’s supplier network, as well as a trial with one of the retailer’s supply chain partners.

Delivered in partnership with Leading Edge Only (LEO), The Global Innovation Marketplace, the Tesco Agri T-Jam brings together pioneering start-ups and entrepreneurs with Tesco’s experts to explore solutions that can support net zero ambitions, protect biodiversity, and enhance animal health and welfare.

ProtonDx, which originated at Imperial College London, develops cutting-edge diagnostic tests for a variety of human and animal health conditions, and can be used in challenging environments, from remote Africa to the freezing Arctic.

 Their winning innovation, Dragonfly, is a portable, molecular, diagnostic platform that identifies key infections in under 30 minutes. This rapid, on-site testing revolutionises herd health by eliminating the weeks-long wait for external lab results. It enables immediate treatment decisions, particularly for PRRSV and Swine Influenza.

Bob Enck, CEO at ProtonDx, said: "It has been a rewarding experience to have participated in Tesco's Agri T-Jam competition as we've been impressed with the thoughtful process and professionalism of all involved.  Thank you for including ProtonDx in this year's event.  Naturally, we are thrilled to have been selected as the winner as we look forward to working with Tesco and one or more of your suppliers to roll-out our technology.

“We look forward to playing our part to help the industry use vaccines or antimicrobials in a more effective and precise way, promoting animal welfare, reducing mortality and antibiotic use, thus reducing production costs, and providing great quality products to Tesco customers.”

ProtonDx was one of 10 finalists selected from a highly competitive field of entries worldwide. Each was invited to pitch their innovation to an audience of Tesco commercial and sustainability specialists, supply chain partners, and industry stakeholders.

Natalie Smith, Head of Sustainable Agriculture and Fisheries at Tesco, said:

“Agri T-Jam is an established platform for connecting innovators with Tesco’s supply chain, and every year we see the quality of entries rise. The 2025 finalists presented a range of exciting ideas, each with real potential to drive progress in sustainable agriculture.

“ProtonDx particularly impressed us with their revolutionary technology that will play a crucial role in the future of herd health. We’re looking forward to working with them as they develop their innovative technology further.”

As well as a trial with one of Tesco’s supply chain partners, ProtonDx will receive mentoring from the Tesco Sustainable Agriculture & Fisheries team, membership of Agri-TechE, and a speaking slot at the REAP conference later this year.

Jayden Halliday, CEO at LEO, added:

“The calibre of this year’s applications was outstanding, and all of our finalists should be proud of what they’ve achieved. ProtonDx stood out on the day, and we’re excited to see how they make the most of the opportunities this programme unlocks.”

The 2025 finalist cohort included: NanOlife, AgroVet Green Nanotech; BioScout, Spore Scout; AC Biode, Plastalyst; Sunamp, Sunamp; Redhill Scientific, Sustainable Sanitizers; Bioconsortia, Always-N nitrogen fixing seed treatment; CroBio, BlueShoots; ZealaFoam Holdings Limited, Zealafoam; and Revolutionary Concepts, Iso-Air compressor.