CIEL offering seed funding to UK aquaculture businesses

To help support the United Kingdom’s aquaculture sector, the Centre for Innovation Excellence in Livestock has launched a new seed funding opportunity.

CIEL, which is one of the United Kingdom’s four agri-tech centers established as part of the government’s agri-tech strategy, recently expanded its remit to include research and innovation in aquaculture.

Businesses have until 3 October, 2022, to apply for a share of GBP 100,000 (USD 115,000, EUR 116,000), with CIEL looking to help accelerate research and develop new processes, products or services that could help bridge the gap between the agri- and aqua-food sectors or define life-cycle assessment tools for aquaculture to evaluate the impact of the sector on the environment.

CIEL Chief Executive Lyndsay Chapman said the organization needs to accommodate the aquaculture sector without duplicating existing sector activity. 

“We know there are increasing pressures on food systems to produce sustainable, resource efficient, environmentally friendly sources of protein. Our key focus is to therefore use CIEL’s network and capabilities to bring fresh thinking and a new perspective," Chapman said.

Leading CIEL’s aquaculture activity is Martin Sutcliffe, who joined in May from the Dorset Coast Forum, having held several roles within the independent strategic coastal partnership over the last five years.

Sutcliffe said a key priority for CIEL is to develop a deeper understanding of what the industry needs and wants, and to provide the research and evidence to move the U.K. sector forward.

“The focus is on bringing agri-food and aquaculture together, encouraging knowledge exchange and best practice while utilising the academic expertise that underpins CIEL’s network," he said. "Collaboration is key to developing the sector across the whole of the U.K.”

Sutcliffe added CIEL wants to ensure that any research activity it does within aquaculture either complements or adds something new to help drive the productivity, profitability, and resilience of the agri-food sector.

He said the seed funding call has been deliberately timed to coincide with the macroalgae growing season to ensure the whole sector can benefit.

“I’d encourage anyone considering applying to get in touch with me," he said. "CIEL can help businesses identify an appropriate research partner and discuss ideas in confidence.”

CIEL intends to announce successful proposals at the end of October. 

Photo courtesy of Chatham172/Shutterstock