Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Minister Andrew Muir has launched the latest phase in his department’s partnership with Digital Catapult to assist companies to achieve their net zero ambitions.
In November 2023, DAERA announced its partnership with Digital Catapult Northern Ireland on a new innovation programme to provide local businesses with the opportunity to access the UK’s world class technology community to tackle challenges they face in the drive towards Net Zero.
Following months of engagement with a variety of businesses across Northern Ireland, DAERA and Digital Catapult are pleased to announce that the Tenfold NetZero Accelerator programme will support three of Northern Ireland’s leading agriculture and manufacturing businesses – Dale Farm, AgriSearch and Encirc.
The department is set to contribute up to £250,000 to support Digital Catapult to deliver the Tenfold Net Zero Accelerator programme in Northern Ireland.
The Tenfold NetZero Accelerator programme will aim to develop innovative methods that will help improve efficiency on-farm linked to feed management and usage, and easy access to nutrient data; as well as help reduce waste during the production of dark glass bottles.
The programme is now taking applications from the UK’s world-class technology startup and SME community to support the development of these solutions working alongside Dale Farm, AgriSearch and Encirc respectively.
Each successful technology provider will receive £20,000 in funding from the industry partners.
DAERA
Speaking at the launch of the call for applications at Dale Farm in Belfast, Minister Andrew Muir said:
“I am delighted to be here today alongside local industry. Tenfold NetZero demonstrates how Northern Ireland’s public and private sector can work together to develop solutions that benefit industry.
“I look forward not only to hearing how our industry partners fare in their search for solutions through this programme, but also the wider implications, including how the outcomes of the programme will help inform and encourage future initiatives as we work towards achieving Net Zero.”
The Climate Change Act 2022 sets an ambitious target to reduce Northern Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions to Net Zero by 2050 and it is hoped the programme can deliver sustainable climate action solutions and help local business achieve net zero.
The programme also aligns with the DAERA Innovation Strategy which aims to support the development of an innovation ecosystem to deliver on the Executive’s Green Growth Agenda.
Senior Strategic Partnerships Manager at Digital Catapult, Sue McGuire said: “Our goal is to ensure businesses of all sizes can achieve business growth and improved efficiency in their journey to net zero.
“The programme is a unique opportunity for industry to partner with the wider UK technology ecosystem and leverage emerging digital technologies through their insights, knowledge and skills.”
Net zero
Head of Farmer Services at Dale Farm, Neville Graham said: “As a farmer-owned cooperative we are committed not only to reducing our carbon footprint, but ensuring that the 1,300 farmers who own Dale Farm have resilient, sustainable and profitable farm businesses for years to come.”
General Manager at AgriSearch, Jason Rankin, said: “This programme offers our network of farmers the opportunity to gain access to expertise in advanced digital technologies that they would never formally have access to and to solve mass challenges.”
The closing date for applications is 12 May 2024.
Further information on the challenges, selection criteria and terms and conditions can be by clicking here.
