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Nurturing Agri-Tech and Food Technology Innovation Across Mid & North Wales

AberInnovation
November 07, 2025
Innovation is growing in the fields of Mid and North Wales - quite literally.

In a recent Business News Wales episode of the Unlocking Mid Wales podcast, powered by Growing Mid Wales, we explored how collaboration is transforming the region’s agri-tech and food technology landscape.

Episode 2, “Nurturing Innovation in Agri-Tech and Food Technology: The Cluster Driving Mid & North Wales Forward,” shines a spotlight on the Agri-Tech and AgriFood Clusters - a powerful new partnership driving sustainable growth across the rural economy.

AberInnovation: Leading the AgriFood Cluster for Wales

At the heart of this initiative is AberInnovation, which plays a pivotal role as the AgriFood Cluster lead. Drawing on its world-class facilities and expertise in agriculture, food, and biotechnology, AberInnovation is helping to connect research excellence with business ambition.

As Dr Rhian Hayward, CEO of AberInnovation, explains in the episode, “Collaboration is the key to unlocking the full potential of rural innovation. The AgriFood Cluster gives researchers, start-ups, and established businesses the platform to share ideas, access funding, and develop technologies that can transform the future of food and farming.”

Connecting Research, Business, and Rural Opportunity

Together with regional partners such as M-SParc, Innovate UK, and local businesses, the cluster is creating a vibrant ecosystem where ideas move from the lab to the field. From tech-driven traceability and automation to net-zero food supply chains and circular farming, the collaboration is opening new doors for entrepreneurs and small businesses across Mid and North Wales.

Through initiatives like these, AberInnovation continues to champion sustainable growth, regional prosperity, and real-world impact, empowering innovators to solve the pressing challenges of food security, climate resilience, and resource efficiency.

Tune In

Hosted by Gemma Casey of Business News Wales, this episode features:

  • Dr Rhian Hayward, CEO, AberInnovation
  • Aron E. Owen, Digital Innovation Manager, M-SParc
  • Louise Jones, Regional Manager Wales, Innovate UK
  • Marcus Burnham, Founder & CEO, Neurabotics Ltd

Listen to the full episode of “Unlocking Mid Wales: Nurturing Innovation in Agri-Tech and Food Technology” to discover how research, innovation, and collaboration are shaping the rural economy of tomorrow.