• The SHAKE Climate Change programme was founded in 2019 and seeks entrepreneurs with bold ideas to help farmers, agricultural production and the food chain to combat climate change
• The programme helps start-ups with science or tech-based ideas to develop their businesses
• Rothamsted Research leads programme, in association with Cranfield University, the University of Hertfordshire and University College London.
• Selected ventures receive £140,000, along with 2 years of support and mentoring
• The programme is funded by The Société Générale Foundation

This year’s SHAKE Climate Change programme will open to applications on 1st February. Start-ups who are combating climate change with their science or tech-based ideas in the area of agriculture and food production are encouraged to apply.

The programme focuses on closing the gap in business development between early start-up stage and investable businesses through provision of expert care and advice, sourced through a high-profile consortium of universities and its associated network of mentors.

Each year, the programme takes on new participants via an online application process. Successful applicants will be invited to participate in the first phase of the programme. The programme is phase-based with successful applicants being selected at the end of each stage. During all phases, the programme supports entrepreneurs to build their businesses. Those selected to be part of the programme will be part of SHAKE Climate Change for two years.

To date, SHAKE Climate Change has had two cohorts; 2019 and 2020, with a total of 30 entrepreneurs entering and 9 ventures selected, each receiving £140,000. Businesses from cohort 1 are currently halfway through their final phase of the programme.

Almost every step in the chain associated with agriculture impacts on climate – from how food is grown or reared, to the way food is harvested, transported, stored and distributed. In addition, farmers themselves face increasing pressure to deliver enough food sustainably, whilst dealing with increasingly unstable climates.

SHAKE Climate Change believes that entrepreneurs have a unique role to play in countering these challenges. The agility and flexibility of small companies allows them to approach the problem of climate change unencumbered by the vested interests and legacy investments of larger businesses and corporations.

Some of the companies on the programme so far include: Economad, a agricultural waste reduction and sustainable resource management company; Climate Edge, a company working with agricultural service providers to make their services accessible to thousands of smallholder farmers; Glaia – a company whose mission it is to enhance agricultural productivity and reduce pressure on natural resources by optimising the performance of plants using a revolutionary technology; and Pherosyn – a company committed to reducing the use of pesticides in agriculture through pheromone-based integrated pest management strategies.

Our campus is no stranger to start-up businesses. Rothamsted Enterprises, which was set up to establish the site as the world-leading centre for agri-tech research and innovation, is a member of the UK Science Park Association. The site is home to several businesses who choose to base themselves at the campus and benefit from the specialist facilities and experts on site. Together they form a dynamic ecosystem of agri-businesses.

Good luck to those applying for this year’s SHAKE Climate Change programme, details of how to apply below.

Website:
www.shakeclimate.org

LinkedIn:
www.linkedin.com/showcase/shakeclimate/

Programme Manager:
Tinne Midtgaard, tinne.midtgaard@rothamsted.ac.uk

To be eligible, you must be a UK registered company and you should be able to work and live in the UK.