What is Growing Kent and Medway?

With the support of several key partners, NIAB at East Malling successfully led a consortium in securing funding from UK Research and Innovation’s (UKRI) Strength in Places Fund and created the Growing Kent & Medway project.   

Growing Kent & Medway is investing £5m in business-led research and development for innovation, providing research grants from £50,000 to £350,000 for projects that support sustainable food and drink production in Kent and Medway.  

As part of the application, businesses must find a local research partner. From packaging, processing, and production to supporting technologies, projects should aim to solve a challenge at any point in the supply chain.

At Canterbury Christ Church University, we have a range of expertise available, with specialists in engineering, design and technology  (including assistive technologies; AI robotics; IoT; advanced sensors; advanced and additive manufacturing; application of bioprocesses and biocatalysis in sustainable manufacturing). Furthermore, we have life sciences expertise in sustainable agriculture including the circular economy, soil science, and biodiversity.

The skills available at the University would complement projects aiming to support the transition to net-zero and deliver improved productivity and sustainability in horticultural food and drink production. 

On 21st September, we were delighted to welcome staff from the University of Kent for an opportunity to showcase our expertise and to discuss ways that we can work together on projects. With a view to strengthening our expertise offer by fostering collaboration as research institutions, local businesses can access a plethora of skills and expertise to complement applications for Growing Kent and Medway funding.

Professor Simon Harvey, Associate Director of Research and Enterprise (STEM) at Canterbury Christ Church University said:

“The Growing Kent and Medway network is meeting a critical need and has the potential to deliver real impact and economic benefit for the region. At Canterbury Christ Church University, we see the network as a way to use our skills and facilities, particularly those in the life sciences and in engineering, to answer pressing industry questions.”

Partner with leading research specialists at Canterbury Christ Church University today and apply for up to £350,000 of grant funding.

To discuss your ideas about how you could collaborate with us, please email: b2b@canterbury.ac.uk 

Please note that applications for funding must be submitted by 19^th October.

The Growing Kent & Medway webpage for the open R&D funding call can be found here.