ABOUT Growing Kent
& Medway
Accelerating Innovation
in the Food System
A research and enterprise cluster for horticultural and plant-based
food and drink producers in Kent and Medway. ​
Our Story
Growing Kent & Medway is a £42.1million innovation cluster, with government funding provided through UK Research and Innovation’s flagship Strength in Places fund.
​
Established in 2021, we invest in sustainable innovation to enable horticultural and plant-based food businesses to grow. Our mission is to cement the Kent and Medway region as a world leader in climate-smart and profitable food production.
​
The programme is led by Niab, a leading UK crop science organisation, with research partners including the University of Kent, University of Greenwich, and Canterbury Christ Church University.
Our Network
Our vibrant ecosystem includes industry, research specialists, and local government. We provide comprehensive, tailored support to help businesses to launch and scale.
694
Active members across the food system value chain.
£3m
leveraged industry co-investment.
321
unique businesses supported for 12 hours or more.
£8m
secured in leveraged
research funding.
Our Support
Growing Kent & Medway provides streamlined access to grant funding and technical research expertise to de-risk innovation. By being part of our network, you gain access to a rich ecosystem of entrepreneurs, industry representatives, academics, policymakers and business specialists within the food system.
Funding and Grants
Competitive small and large R&D grants to advance innovation.
Mentoring
One-on-one mentoring and group sessions with industry experts.
Food Accelerator
Technical and business support to take your food concept to market.
Growing Green
Sustainability training and grant programme to move to net zero carbon emissions.
Research Capabilities
Investment in research facilities and a connector to the right technical specialists.
Be Your Own Boss
Entrepreneurship training for individuals wanting to start their own food business.
Testimonials
“If you’re looking for solutions or you just want to meet others who face similar problems, the help is there. You will find that it will energise you to help solve your own problems further."
​
Sam Duong, CEO of Ming Foods
.png)
Project Timeline
Social Value and
Inclusive Growth
We are committed to inclusive and sustainable economic growth. Our grant recipients are required to deliver social value back to their region through community engagement or education activities.
Our grant project beneficiaries have so far carried out a total of 3,496 hours of social value activities, equivalent to 499 days!
Supporting under-represented groups in business and innovation provision is a core part of our programme. 66% of the businesses we have supported through our Accelerator, Mentoring, and research engagement were drawn from our target groups of women, young people, young parents and priority geographic areas.
Evaluation
Read our reports to see how we're making an impact in Kent and Medway.
Our Partners
