The LEAP programme is designed to provide technical development support, mentorship, and funding to selected projects that demonstrate potential in agriculture, human food, and nutrition. Specifically, the programme prioritises initiatives related to dairy sector farm-to-fork processes and animal nutrition, ensuring that Dick Lawes’ pioneering work continues to inspire new innovations.
Up to eight projects will be selected for the 2024-2025 programme, with each receiving R&D support of between £30,000 and £50,000. The funding is intended to provide a significant boost to entrepreneurs, helping them bring their ideas to life and contribute to the future of food production and sustainability.
The LEAP programme was funded in memory of Dick Lawes who was a pioneering figure in the dairy and animal nutrition industries. Lawes founded Volac, a major player in animal nutrition, and L.E. Pritchitt & Co, now part of Lakeland Dairies. His groundbreaking work in developing innovative animal nutrition products not only transformed the dairy industry but also evolved into human nutritional solutions, a legacy that has carried on through generations of his family.
Driven by his determination and entrepreneurial vision, Lawes was known for his ability to showcase the potential value of his ideas to investors, an essential skill that helped fuel his success. In his memory, the Dick Lawes Legacy Fund, part of the Betty Lawes Foundation, was created to support aspiring entrepreneurs in achieving similar success.
The LEAP programme will be managed by the team here at AberInnovation, a national hub for food science, bioscience, and agrifood innovation located in Gogerddan, near Aberystwyth. With a commitment to advancing cutting-edge research and bridging the gap between academia, industry, and the public sector, AberInnovation is the perfect partner for this initiative.
Dr Rhian Hayward MBE, CEO of AberInnovation, emphasised the importance of the programme in driving future innovation:
"We feel privileged to run the LEAP Programme, which reflects a shared commitment with the family of Dick Lawes to nurturing the next generation of innovators. The Dick Lawes Legacy Fund is providing crucial support to projects that have the potential to make a significant impact in the fields of agriculture, food, nutrition, and life sciences."
AberInnovation’s state-of-the-art resources and academic backing from Aberystwyth University ensure that beneficiaries of the fund will have access to the expertise, mentorship, and facilities they need to succeed.
This unique combination of support is intended to drive the development of new products and services in biosciences, agrifood, and the circular economy, benefiting both start-ups and established businesses alike.
For the Lawes family, the launch of the LEAP programme is a significant way to continue Dick Lawes’ entrepreneurial legacy. Jane Neville, Trustee and daughter of Dick Lawes, expressed pride in her father’s achievements and enthusiasm for the programme:
“We are incredibly proud of my father’s achievements. He understood that the entrepreneurial journey is filled with opportunities, and I am delighted to further extend his legacy by supporting entrepreneurs through the launch of the LEAP programme. His belief and mantra ‘not if – when’, is particularly fitting for this initiative.”
Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur in agriculture or food production, or simply passionate about innovation in these fields, the LEAP programme represents a unique opportunity to bring new ideas to life and contribute to the future of the food industry.
For more information about the LEAP programme click here: LEAP Programme.
Visit our case studies page to learn more about how businesses from agri tech, agri food and biotech industries are researching products in the context of the circular economy at AberInnovation.
If you would like more information about our team, services and funding opportunities, contact us.