NatureMetrics has won the 2023 Tesco Agri T-Jam Competition, which will give it access to the retailer’s supplier network and an opportunity for a trial with one of the supermarket group’s supply chain partners.
The start-up has a tool that measures biodiversity using eDNA analysis of soil, water, and insects. It then turns this complex data into simple metrics which can be viewed through its ‘Nature Intelligence Platform’, enabling users to comprehensively report on biodiversity improvement in their supply chain.
Now in its sixth year, the Tesco Agri T-Jam pitching event, run in partnership with open innovation platform, Leading Edge Only, saw ten agri start-ups put forward their concepts and products to an expert panel. On the panel were Tesco sustainable agriculture and commercial experts, Tesco suppliers, and other stakeholders keen on fiinding the most promising agriculture innovation.
Much of the focus this year was on companies looking to help create more sustainable supply chains, with the ideas and solutions touted this year including ways to support on-farm measurement, data analytics, and help farmers make informed choices around complex sustainability issues.
NatureMetrics was represented at the pitch event by its head of agriculture, Tom Ludwig, who clearly caught the attention of the panel with a standout entry.
Natalie Smith, head of sustainable agriculture at Tesco, commented: “We are thrilled to welcome NatureMetrics to our network, and to offer them the opportunity to work with our suppliers and experience direct feedback and mentoring from our sustainable agriculture team.
“In an incredibly strong field, Tom Ludwig demonstrated his commitment to biodiversity and really impressed the whole of the judging panel. This competition is designed to help us find innovators who can help us build long-term resilience within our supply base, addressing key sustainability challenges so we can continue our progress towards our stretching climate and biodiversity targets.”
Ludwig’s victory also means he will receive a one-year free membership to both Agri-TechE and Agri-EPI Centre and will have the opportunity to present on stage at the World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit taking place in London on 26-27 September.
Other finalists (click on their names to find out more details):
Commenting on the finalists and the eventual winner, founder & CEO of Leading Edge Only Scott Sharp said: “This is a life-changing opportunity and it is incredibly exciting to see the level of talent across start-ups in the agri-tech space. We are confident that we will continue to hear these names as they each make their stamp within the landscape over the next few years.”
[Image credit: Green Retail World]
