Welcome to The Helix Programme – a dynamic Welsh Government-supported programme that helps food and drink businesses across Wales innovate, grow, and thrive.
The Helix Programme is a unique collaboration between AberInnovation at Aberystwyth University, ZERO2FIVE Food Industry Centre at Cardiff Metropolitan University, Food Centre Wales in Ceredigion, and Coleg Menai’s Food Technology Centre in Llangefni.
The programme empowers Welsh businesses to boost productivity, adopt industry-leading practices, and compete successfully in national and global markets. Rooted in the Well-being of Future Generations Act, it champions sustainability, equality, and community impact—ensuring that innovation in agrifood and drink delivers real benefits for Wales today and in the future.
Proof of Concept Plan: Supporting the Welsh Supply Chain from Idea to Market
As part of The Helix Programme, the Proof of Concept Plan offer, focuses on early-stage, concept-driven support, helping businesses validate ideas, refine processes, and plan innovation with clarity.
This accelerator programme helps you test feasibility, explore functionality, and lay the technical groundwork for future success and is particularly suitable for those engaged in ingredient innovation, novel foods, natural product development and technological developments.
Developed with support from the AberInnovation team, this tailored package brings together academic and technical expertise, market insight, funding guidance and your open door to the best collaborators, facilitators and partners.
AberInnovation is funded to deliver proof of concept planning, giving you access to specialist advice to drive innovation and helping you to take your ideas further, faster - without the administrative burden of grant applications.
All you need to do is complete a short Expression of Interest (EOI) form!
This support is a rolling open-call opportunity until 1st March 2027, with no fixed application deadlines - apply when you're ready to put plans into action.Â
We're here to support the full supply chain. Whether you're an entrepreneur, producer, start-up company or an established brand exploring your next big idea, our Proof of Concept Plan support is open to Wales-based food and drink companies of all sizes.
Enquiries and completed EOI forms should be sent to helix@aberinnovation.com