Hartpury University's Tech Box Park has formed a new partnership to support business in the agricultural industry.

The partnership with Barclays Eagle Labs, will encourage small and medium businesses (SMEs) to elevate their business to new heights within the agricultural industry.

Through a unique collaboration, supported by the Barclays Eagle Labs Ecosystem Partnership Programme funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, 20 businesses will gain free access to Hartpury Tech Box Park memberships (valued at £2,500).

The six-month programme of support is expected to boost high-potential businesses across the region and develop Hartpury's thriving agri-tech community.

Designed for SMEs with traction, ready to take their growth and scalability to the next level, the memberships will help founders and entrepreneurs turn their products or services into a commercial success for the agri-tech, food-tech and green-tech industries.

Tech Box Park membership benefits include testing and trialling at Hartpury's commercial farm, one-on-one coaching, mentoring and support from business experts and scale-up specialists, plus events dedicated to fostering collaboration and innovation.

The Tech Box Park, an accelerator at Hartpury University, has already supported over 30 business ventures. From enabling a social enterprise to create a test bed for trailing hemp derivatives in animal bedding, to showcasing the world's most innovative anti-theft solution for agricultural machinery and testing 100% plant-based compostable packaging on hay bales, it has provided a space for innovative thinking.

Catherine Briggs, Tech Box Park manager, said: "We're excited to join forces with Barclays Eagle Labs to drive innovation and cultivate growth in the regional economy. Backed by the UK Government, Barclays Eagle Labs offers a unique support system that seamlessly integrates with our existing Tech Box Park, offering more valuable opportunities for founders, entrepreneurs and scale-ups in the region to test, trial and commercialise new products for the land-based sector."

Amanda Allan, director at Barclays Eagle Labs, said: "This is yet another exciting partnership for us here at Barclays Eagle Labs in our mission to support UK tech start-ups. Using the funding from the Digital Growth Grant from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, we think Hartpury University is an ideal partner for us. This match-funding will help them continue their proven track record in supporting local start-ups at the Tech Box Park."

Saqib Bhatti, minister for tech and digital economy, said: "Regional start-ups are a vital cog in boosting the UK economy, creating better-paid jobs and opportunity right across the country. This partnership will ensure that even more businesses can access the invaluable support that the Hartpury Tech Box Park membership provides, helping them realise their enormous potential."

Applications for the support are open now, and close on January 31. Find out more on the Hartpury website.