NEWS
SHAKE PROGRAMME OPENS AGAIN FOR CLIMATE-TACKLING ENTREPRENEURS
Funding: £140k Expert mentoring: priceless
- 11
- FEB
- 2021
Applications are once again open to join our unique SHAKE Climate Change programme.
SHAKE helps entrepreneurs and start-ups who are combating climate change with science or tech-based ideas in the areas of agriculture and food production.
Those ventures that progress through all three phases of the programme will receive up to £140k funding and two years of expert mentoring to help build their business.
Now in its third year, the Programme is hosted and led by Rothamsted Research as part of a consortium with three leading universities – Cranfield University, the University of Hertfordshire and University College London, with funding by the Societe Generale Foundation.
SHAKE Programme Manager, Tinne Midtgaard said: “SHAKE focuses on closing the gap in business development between the early start-up stage and investable businesses, through provision of expert care and advice, sourced through the high-profile consortium and its associated network of mentors.”
The first two cohorts, one in 2019 and one in 2020, comprised a total of 30 entrepreneurs with nine successful ventures ultimately selected by SHAKE to invest in.
“Virtually every step in the value chain associated with agriculture impacts on climate – from how food is grown or reared, to the way the food is harvested, transported, stored and distributed. In addition, farmers themselves face increasing pressure to deliver sufficient food sustainably, whilst dealing with increasingly unstable climates,” said Ms Midtgaard.
“At SHAKE, we believe Entrepreneurs have a unique role to play in countering these challenges; they are agile and flexible in their approaches and are unencumbered by the vested interests and legacy investments of larger business and corporates.”
To find out more and to apply, please visit http://www.shakeclimate.org/ and follow SHAKE https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/shakeclimate/ for the latest updates
Deadline for applications is Monday 3rd May by midnight 24.00 CET.
Commitment:
Applicants will have to select one representative from their company who can commit fully to participate and work with SHAKE for phase 1 (around four days’ worth of online workshops, starting on 31st May 2021) and phase 2 (roughly four months duration from 1st July 2021).
Eligibility:
Start-up companies that target the agriculture sector with an innovative idea and new products and services that deliver a tangible, positive impact on climate change.
Ventures must be incorporated in the UK (registered with Companies House or will register to company house if selected to receive investment).
About Rothamsted Research
Rothamsted Research is the longest-running agricultural research institute in the world. We work from gene to field with a proud history of ground-breaking discoveries, from crop treatment to crop protection, from statistical interpretation to soils management. Our founders, in 1843, were the pioneers of modern agriculture, and we are known for our imaginative science and our collaborative influence on fresh thinking and farming practices.
Through independent science and innovation, we make significant contributions to improving agri-food systems in the UK and internationally. In terms of the institute’s economic contribution, the cumulative impact of our work in the UK was calculated to exceed £3000 million a year in 20151. Our strength lies in our systems approach, which combines science and strategic research, interdisciplinary teams and partnerships.
Rothamsted is also home to three unique resources. These National Capabilities are open to researchers from all over the world: The Long-Term Experiments, Rothamsted Insect Survey and the North Wyke Farm Platform.
We are strategically funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), with additional support from other national and international funding streams, and from industry. We are also supported by the Lawes Agricultural Trust (LAT).
For more information, visit https://www.rothamsted.ac.uk/; Twitter @Rothamsted
1Rothamsted Research and the Value of Excellence: A synthesis of the available evidence, by Séan Rickard (Oct 2015)
About BBSRC
The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council is part of UK Research and Innovation, a non-departmental public body funded by a grant-in-aid from the UK government.
BBSRC invests in world-class bioscience research and training on behalf of the UK public. Our aim is to further scientific knowledge, to promote economic growth, wealth and job creation and to improve quality of life in the UK and beyond.
Funded by government, BBSRC invested £469 million in world-class bioscience in 2016-17. We support research and training in universities and strategically funded institutes. BBSRC research and the people we fund are helping society to meet major challenges, including food security, green energy and healthier, longer lives. Our investments underpin important UK economic sectors, such as farming, food, industrial biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.
More information about BBSRC, our science and our impact.
More information about BBSRC strategically funded institutes
About LAT
The Lawes Agricultural Trust, established in 1889 by Sir John Bennet Lawes, supports Rothamsted Research’s national and international agricultural science through the provision of land, facilities and funding. LAT, a charitable trust, owns the estates at Harpenden and Broom's Barn, including many of the buildings used by Rothamsted Research. LAT provides an annual research grant to the Director, accommodation for nearly 200 people, and support for fellowships for young scientists from developing countries. LAT also makes capital grants to help modernise facilities at Rothamsted, or invests in new buildings.