This programme is for you if
You’re a researcher developing solutions in the agri-tech or clima-tech sector
You want to see your work used to solve major global challenges
You want to commercialise your research but don’t know what to do next
You require funding and want to strengthen your next grant application
You’re considering a spinout and need to raise investment
You want to strengthen relationships with industry partners and support networks
You’re tight on time, but still want to take action
What you’ll get from the programme:
Clarity
A custom roadmap for turning your research into a commercial opportunity.
Confidence
The ability to execute your plan knowing exactly what you need to do next.
Connection
Meet investors, partners and like-minded researchers who can join you on your journey.
Dr Ian Archer,
Commerical Director
James Hutton Scientific Services
Workshops 1 & 2
Positioning your project for funding success
13 Nov 2025; 19 Nov 2025
12:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Stop hoping for funding. Start positioning yourself to win it. Every opportunity needs funding and funders want to see a clear plan. In this two-part workshop, we’ll help you position yourself for funding success by answering key questions like:
What are your biggest risks and how will you mitigate them?
Who are your ideal partners or customers?
What's the real commercial value of your opportunity?
What should you prioritise next to build momentum?
How do you present your research in funder-friendly language?
You’ll leave with material that will strengthen grant applications, help to access university funding, and engage industry partners with confidence.
By application only
Implementation coaching and support
Two months. Real momentum. Tangible results.
With your roadmap in hand, an expert commercialisation coach becomes your strategic partner, working alongside you to turn plans into progress. This isn't theory—it's hands-on execution of your next critical phase.
Through two group workshops and three one-to-one coaching sessions, you'll transform your opportunity from a promising concept into an investor-ready proposition. Your coach will push you forward, help you navigate obstacles, and ensure you're building the strongest possible case for your opportunity.
Everything builds toward the 'Innovation Summit', where you'll deliver a pitch directly to real investors, industry leaders, and strategic partners actively seeking the next breakthrough in agri-tech.
By invitation only
The Innovation Summit
19 Mar 2026
We close with the Innovation Summit — a forum for honest, solution-focused dialogue about the future of the agri-tech and clima-tech sectors in the region.
Researchers, investors, industry leaders, and funders come together to explore the key question: How do we create the right environment and infrastructure to consistently translate breakthrough research into successful ventures in agri-tech/clima-tech?
Together we’ll explore the market realities, investment priorities, pressing industry needs, and barriers to commercialisation.
Through these strategic conversations we aim to develop practical ideas for addressing challenges related to funding, translating research, skills requirements and infrastructure needs.
The event aims to foster meaningful dialogue, inspire new collaborations, strengthen professional networks, and catalyse the sector's next phase of growth.
About the James Hutton Institute
The Hutton is Scotland’s leading centre for integrated research in food, land, and natural resource systems. With over 100 years of scientific excellence and 3,500 hectares of cutting-edge facilities, our multidisciplinary teams work at the intersection of agriculture, environment, and technology to deliver impact from lab to field to market.
Our vision: The innovation campus & incubator
We are creating a world-class innovation campus that will:
Support spinouts and spin-ins, creating new companies and jobs.
Provide infrastructure, talent, and investor connections to bridge startup to scale-up.
Position Scotland as a global hub for high-growth ventures in agri-tech and clima-tech.
Attract significant investment and international recognition.
Long-term goals:
100+ jobs created on site.
20+ organisations co-located and collaborating.
£100m+ leveraged investment.
Carbon-neutral operations by 2040.
Top 10 European hub in agri-environmental science.
Diverse leadership with 50% women and 20% underrepresented groups in top positions.
Taking part:
Through this training we aim to accelerate the development of the Innovation Campus and Incubator by:
Developing a pipeline of commercial opportunities to show the potential value of the sector.
Developing a network of partners who will lead the growth of the sector forward.
Increasing global awareness of the opportunities in Scotland and the UK more broadly.
Attracting additional investment into the sector.
Frequently asked questions
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