Satellite Applications Catapult and Growth Forge Partner to Drive Agri-Tech Innovation

Satellite Applications Catapult is supporting the first CleanTech Accelerator as part of the wider Growth Forge programme.

The Environmental Space Living Lab (ESLL), led by Satellite Applications Catapult, is dedicated to accelerating the adoption of agri-tech and environmental technologies across the UK. By providing businesses with access to real-world test sites, R&D expertise, cutting-edge facilities, and a collaborative innovation ecosystem, the ESLL bridges the gap between concept and commercialisation. Its focus on three core themes—water, soil, and biodiversity, underpinned by automation, connectivity, and geospatial data—ensures that businesses can develop, validate, and scale impactful solutions that address pressing agricultural and environmental challenges.

Today more than ever, efficiency, profitability, and transparency in agricultural supply chains are key challenges. With regenerative and more sustainable farming practices being adopted by many, the role of emerging and novel technologies has never been more important. The use of machine learning, artificial intelligence, 5G, automation, and robotics is increasingly supporting viable and profitable solutions to scalable issues. For example, the integration of data sets from earth observation, drones, acoustic devices, and in-water sensors can enhance biodiversity monitoring, improve land management, and increase profitability in regenerative pastoral and arable farming. These innovations can support the early identification of disease in cattle, trace water pollution to its source, and track environmental and biodiversity changes in the field. The opportunities for emerging technologies combined with agri-tech innovation are limitless.

To accelerate the development and commercialisation of these solutions, Satellite Applications Catapult and Growth Forge are excited to announce a new partnership as part of Growth Forge’s Clean Tech Acceleration Programme. This collaboration will empower businesses to harness ESLL’s advanced testbed infrastructure, technical expertise, and innovation support, alongside Growth Forge’s commercial acceleration, investment readiness, and market access initiatives. Together, they will help businesses fast-track the deployment of scalable, commercially viable solutions in the agri-tech and environmental sectors.

Co-funded by Somerset Council and Innovate UK and led by Satellite Applications Catapult alongside key consortium partners including Petroc College, Bicton College, Bridgwater and Taunton College, the North Devon Biosphere, Plymouth and Exeter Universities, and Devon and Dorset County Councils, the ESLL is committed to removing barriers for businesses by providing access to essential resources, expertise, and networks.

Joel Freedman, the Head of Innovation Services at Satellite Application Catapult commented “We are thrilled to be partnering with Growth Forge on their Clean Tech Acceleration Programme. At Satellite Applications Catapult, we are committed to driving innovation and commercial success in the agri-tech sector by harnessing the power of emerging technologies. Growth Forge shares our vision of fostering sustainable, scalable solutions, and this collaboration will provide businesses with the support, expertise, and infrastructure they need to accelerate their growth.

Through this partnership with Growth Forge, businesses will gain enhanced access to market insights, investment opportunities, and commercialisation support, helping them bridge the gap between innovation and impact. Whether you are a South West-based business leveraging space-enabled data and connectivity to address challenges around Nature Restoration, Food Resilience, Biodiversity, Nature Finance, GHG Detection and Measurement, and Low Carbon infrastructure, this initiative will provide the resources and connections needed to thrive.

Applications for Growth Forge are now open. For more information and to apply, visit the Growth Forge website: https://www.techsouthwest.co.uk/growth-forge/