From Lull to Lift-Off: How to Stay Grant-Ready as Funding Returns

The funding landscape for controlled environment agriculture and agri-tech has slowed in recent months, leaving many innovators waiting for opportunities to re-emerge. But waiting does not mean standing still. Quiet periods are the ideal time to strengthen your position. The projects that secure funding quickly are almost always those that have invested well in preparation in advance.

At InnoPhyte, we deliver Science-as-a-Service, meaning we apply our technical expertise to help innovators refine ideas, validate impact, and build competitive bids. Drawing on this experience, we’ve highlighted the criteria funders consistently look for, and the practical steps you can take now to ensure your projects are “grant-ready.”

What Funders Really Look For

Every funding call is different, but evaluators almost always look for the same key elements:

1. A clear problem and impact

Funders want to see the why as much as the what. Can you clearly explain the problem you’re solving, who benefits, and how you’ll measure success? Strong metrics; like litres of water saved, energy efficiency gains, or CO₂ reductions — always make your case stronger.

2. Innovation, not just adoption

Funders aren’t looking for more of the same. They want genuine innovation, whether that’s a new production method, integration of systems, or a novel business model.

3. Strong partnerships

The best projects rarely stand alone. A balanced consortium of growers, technology providers, academics, and supply-chain partners shows you have the expertise to deliver at every stage.

4. Scalability and value for money

Funders want to know their investment will have reached. How will your project scale up, and how will the benefits extend beyond a single pilot?

5. Delivery confidence

Ambition is important, but so is realism. A clear work plan, timeline, and risk management approach give evaluators confidence that your project can actually succeed.

How to Stay Grant-Ready in Quiet Times

New Funding Calls Are Open!

After a 9-month pause, the funding landscape is beginning to shift again, which is a welcome sign for the CEA and agri-tech sectors following a noticeable dip across the industry.

If you’re preparing projects, these are the key calls to know about and we have broke them down for you further in these easy to follow blogs:

• ADOPT Facilitator Support Grant: Round 5– Open Now, Closes 26 November 2025
• Full ADOPT Grant Round 3 – Open Now, Closes 22 October 2025
• Farming Innovation Programme: Small R&D Partnership Projects Rd 4  – Open Now, Closes 5 November 2025
• Defra Farming Innovation Feasibility Studies (Round 4) – InnoPhyte Consulting – Open Now, 3 December 2025

The core advice in this blog still applies: being “grant-ready” before calls open is what sets successful bids apart. These new opportunities make it the perfect time to put that preparation into action.

Here’s a practical checklist to keep your projects competitive:

1. Sharpen your impact KPIs

Decide what you’ll measure: yield gains, emissions reductions, biodiversity improvements. Gather baseline data now so you can prove the impact later.

2. Build and strengthen partnerships

Start conversations with the partners you’ll need, such as growers, universities, supply-chain players, etc. A warm relationship now makes consortium building much smoother later.

3. Refine project concepts

Draft two or three project outlines, including objectives and expected outcomes. Keep them flexible so you can quickly adapt them to different calls.

4. Prepare your documentation

Up-to-date financials, organisational details, and team CVs are always required. Having them ready saves huge amounts of time under pressure.

5. Stay informed

Monitor Innovate UK, Defra, Horizon Europe, and regional funders. Set up alerts, and follow specialist consultants (like InnoPhyte 😉) to stay ahead of the curve.

The Bottom Line

With new calls starting to reopen after a long pause, this is the moment to turn preparation into action. By refining your impact story, strengthening your partnerships, and keeping your documents in order, you’ll be in the best position to compete and secure funding.

At InnoPhyte, we help organisations stay one step ahead, from shaping project ideas t o consortium building and bid writing. When the funding wave arrives, you’ll be ready to ride it. Want to check how grant-ready you are? Or do you need an ADOPT Facilitator? Get in touch with our team to book a quick consultation.