SHAKE was founded in 2019 and is funded by SG UK Foundation – Societe Generale United Kingdom. It is designed to help entrepreneurs and start-ups take their business to the next level while combatting climate change with science or tech-based ideas in the areas of agriculture and food production.
The programme, a collaboration between Rothamsted Research, Cranfield University, the University of Hertfordshire and University College London is on the hunt for the next group of entrepreneurs who believe they can help farmers, agricultural production and the food chain to combat climate change.
Almost every step in the food chain impacts on climate; from how food is grown or reared, to the way it is harvested, transported, stored and distributed. In addition, farmers themselves face growing pressure to sustainably deliver enough food for a growing global population, while working in increasingly unstable climates and a changing political landscape.
SHAKE focuses on closing the gap in business development between early start-up stage and investable businesses, through the provision of expert care and advice, with dedicated mentors.
To be eligible, companies must be registered in the UK, and entrants should be able to work and live in the UK. SHAKE is expecting to see submissions based around bright and bold ideas that can help farmers, agricultural production and the food chain to produce solutions to climate change.
Those selected to be part of the programme will be part of SHAKE Climate Change for two years. 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. To date it has assisted a total of 10 ventures. Three cohorts have been through the programme with Cohort 3 currently in Phase 3. The two complete cohorts now form the SHAKE Alumni.
Rothamsted Research, which leads the programme, has a positive track record of working with start-up businesses. Rothamsted Enterprises, 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. CHAP’s Digital Phenotyping Lab, a cutting-edge, multifaceted service facility serving the agri-tech community is based at the site.
This year’s SHAKE Climate Change programme is open for applications until 12 noon on 13th May. UK-registered start-ups using science or tech-based ideas in the area of agriculture and food production to combat climate change are encouraged to apply. Successful applicants will be invited to participate in the first phase of the programme. They will receive funding up to £140,000, along with support and mentoring for two years.
For more details and information on how to apply, go to SHAKE.
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