Agritech incubation and enterprise hub, Farm491, based at the Royal Agricultural University, Cirencester, is strengthening its top team of experts.

It has appointed Ali Hadavizadeh as new programme manager from 16 October.

With a degree and PhD in Horticulture from University of Bath, Ali is a commercially astute professional with business management and not for profit experience gained on the international stage.

In 1992 he establishing a multi-million pound turn-over food processing company in the UK - selling the business at a profit in 2008.

Ali's 30 years career spans a diverse range of agri sectors which include research, commercial and social enterprises. His career began at John Innes Research Institute as higher scientific officer and then moved to Brinkman Horticultural Services as integrated pest management specialist promoting the use of beneficial insects in protected crops.

The journey continued at Saphire Produce as crop specialist charged with developing a robust all year-round fresh legume production and availability schedule for major UK supermarkets.

He then ran his own edible nut processing business for 16 years and recently worked as deputy head of the enterprise and innovation centre at the University of Bath managing SETSquared Bath Business Incubation Unit supporting community and student start-ups with credible business propositions.

Ali (pictured) said: "I am extremely excited about supporting the diverse range of agritech innovations at Farm491, all of whom are a part of this buzzing entrepreneurial community.

"Having launched a successful business myself, I understand the challenges, risks and tenacity needed to make a business work. By applying my commercial skills and practical knowledge, I look forward to mentoring, nurturing, and helping businesses grow.

Farm491 is an essential hub for the agritech sector and with technology transforming the agricultural sector, and driving a new wave of innovation in farming, it is hugely exciting to join the hub at such an exciting time."