Oxford Farming Conference Opens Applications for Inspiring Innovators 2027

The Oxford Farming Conference (OFC), in partnership with McCain Foods, has opened applications for the 2027 edition of its Inspiring Innovators programme, offering emerging innovators across agriculture, food and rural industries a platform to showcase their ideas to a high-profile industry audience.

Now entering its third year, the programme is designed for entrepreneurs, researchers, scientists, startup founders, developers and other individuals working on ideas, technologies or concepts that could contribute to the future of the agri-food sector.

Selected participants will have the opportunity to present their work to more than 700 delegates attending the Oxford Farming Conference, including farmers, policymakers, academics and industry leaders.

A Platform for AgriFood Innovation

Inspiring Innovators is not a traditional funding programme. Instead, it offers selected innovators visibility, networking opportunities and a prestigious platform from which to introduce a new idea, research project, startup or technology to an influential agricultural audience.

The programme can be particularly valuable for early-stage innovators looking to raise awareness of their work, receive feedback, build industry connections or attract interest from potential partners. Previous participants have used the opportunity to showcase innovations ranging from agricultural technology and livestock health to mentoring and crop diversification.

For AgriFoodTech startups and researchers, this makes the programme an interesting opportunity to move beyond product development and connect directly with stakeholders who can help validate, develop or scale new solutions.

2027 Theme: “Harmony”

The 2027 Oxford Farming Conference will take place from 6–8 January 2027 under the theme “Harmony”. The theme focuses on breaking down silos, improving collaboration and sharing knowledge across the agricultural and food sectors. Applicants are therefore encouraged to present ideas or existing projects that can contribute to greater cooperation and positive change across the industry.

The programme is open to individuals of different backgrounds and career stages, provided they have a compelling concept, proposal, research project or innovation relevant to agriculture, food or the rural economy.

What Selected Innovators Receive

Selected participants will be given the opportunity to deliver a presentation at OFC27 in Oxford, providing direct exposure to a large and influential agricultural audience. The programme also includes support to help participants prepare and develop their presentation skills.

Beyond the stage opportunity, participation can help innovators build their professional profile, generate new contacts, stimulate interest in their work and develop relationships with potential collaborators. The OFC describes the programme as a way of supporting the “rising stars” of the agricultural, food and rural sectors.

Importantly, Inspiring Innovators is not an opportunity to pitch directly for funding. Its primary value lies in visibility, knowledge exchange, networking and the opportunity to communicate an innovative idea to sector leaders.

How to Apply

Applicants must submit a written proposal of no more than 600 words, explaining their concept or research, how it relates to the “Harmony” theme and why they would like to present it at the Oxford Farming Conference. Applications must also include a video elevator pitch of no more than three minutes.

The deadline for applications is 30 September 2026. Shortlisted applicants may be invited to an online interview before the final selection is made by OFC.

For AgriFoodTech founders, researchers and innovators with a compelling idea and a desire to gain visibility within the agricultural sector, the Inspiring Innovators programme offers a valuable opportunity to connect innovation with a highly engaged industry audience.

Applications close: 30 September 2026

Event: Oxford Farming Conference 2027

Dates: 6–8 January 2027

Location: Oxford and online

Theme: Harmony

Check out our guides for funding opportunities

https://projects.agriventures.co/resources

Agriventures Connect 3.0 is coming on 20th of April 2027 in Sofia, Bulgaria

https://connect.agriventures.co/ 

The role of Agriventures in supporting agrifood innovation

As the agritech startup ecosystem grows across Europe, initiatives such as Agriventures are helping connect entrepreneurs, researchers, investors, and policymakers working in agriculture and food innovation.

Agriventures focuses on supporting agrifood startups, biotechnology innovation, and access to European funding for agriculture, while also helping entrepreneurs navigate the complex landscape of startup financing, venture capital, and research commercialization.

By strengthening connections between startups, research institutions, investors, and farmers, Agriventures contributes to building a stronger agricultural innovation ecosystem that can accelerate the transition toward sustainable agriculture and resilient food systems.

Through knowledge sharing, events, and ecosystem building, Agriventures helps ensure that promising agritech innovations can scale and reach farmers, food producers, and global markets.