FloMo - A Better Way to Fish announced winner of 2024 Tesco Agri T-Jam competition

FloMo - A Better Way to Fish has been announced as the winner of the 2024 Tesco Agri T-Jam competition - securing fast-track introductions to Tesco’s supplier network, and a trial with one of the retailer’s supply chain partners.

Held in partnership with Leading Edge Only (LEO), The Global Innovation Marketplace, the competition is designed to identify innovators with solutions that can help Tesco and its suppliers achieve net zero, protect and restore nature, or improve animal health and welfare.

A ground-breaking innovation that re-imagines the way we fish, FloMo tailors the in-trawl environment to the physiological requirements of the fish (like in an aquarium), providing a gentle and sustainable fishing method that also honours animal welfare.

Dr André Pinkert, General Manager Commercial, FloMo - A Better Way to Fish, said:

FloMo was one of 10 finalists selected from hundreds of entries to pitch to a panel of Tesco sustainable agriculture and commercial experts, suppliers, and stakeholders.

Natalie Smith, Head of Sustainable Agriculture at Tesco, said:

“We’re committed to developing and implementing innovative sustainable agriculture practices across our supply chains, so it was really encouraging to see such a high standard from our finalists in this year’s competition.  Agri T-Jam is now an established gateway into the Tesco supplier network for start-ups and innovators, and we’re hopeful the competition can help all our finalists further develop their work in the sector.

“We were really impressed with the standard of entries from all the finalists, but FloMo really stood out with their commitment to re-imagining the way we fish, addressing key challenges the fishing industry faces.

“We’re thrilled to welcome them to our network.”

In addition to a trial with one of Tesco’s supply chain partners, FloMo will also receive mentoring from the Tesco Sustainable Agriculture & Fisheries team, Agri-TechE membership, and the opportunity to speak at the 2024 REAP conference on 6^th November.

Scott Sharp, founder and CEO of Leading Edge Only, said:

“We’d like to thank all the applicants who were shortlisted and congratulate FloMo on their winning pitch. It has been so encouraging to see just how much talent and innovation start-ups are bringing to the agri-tech space.

“This opportunity could be truly lifechanging for the FloMo team and we can’t wait to see how they utilise the tools and expertise they now have access to, to develop their business and implement their ground-breaking ideas.”

Alongside FloMo - A Better Way to Fish, the other finalists were: Joakim Byström, Absolicon; Darina Štyriaková, ekolive; Mark Elwig, Downforce Technologies; Hema Ravindran and Raj Singh, KiposTech; Stephen Voller, Hydrogen Refinery; James Earl and Ben Leyland, OR3D; David Speller, Optifarm; Dotan Eshet, Treetoscope; and Andy Lessey, Antler Bio.

Notes

Tesco Agri T-Jam 2023 Finalists:

Dr André Pinkert, FloMo—A Better Way to Fish

Precision Seafood Harvesting innovates technologies enabling commercial fishers to reduce unwanted bycatch and improve animal welfare. FloMo tailors the in-trawl environment to the physiological requirements of the fish (like in an aquarium), providing a gentle and sustainable fishing method that also honours animal welfare.

Joakim Byström, Absolicon

Absolicon has developed industrial solar thermal systems that, combined with electrification, biofuel and heat storage, can provide 100% renewable heat in a cost efficient way.

The Absolicon T160 has the highest ever measured optical efficiency for a small parabolic trough, over 76%, and can produce heat and steam up to 160 C.

Darina Štyriaková, ekolive

ekolive contributes to the transformation of agriculture by offering regenerative transformation support, resource security, and zero pollution solutions based on its patented and ETV/EU certified ecological bioleaching InnoBioTech® technology. With its InnoBioTech®  biotechnology, ekolive produces highly effective natural and ecological bio|me|stimulants and bio|me|regenerators for regenerative, organic and conventional agriculture, reduces costs and regenerates soils and their microbiome for sustainable and productive agriculture.

Mark Elwig, Downforce Technologies

Downforce is a science-led data driven land management solution focused on optimizing soil health. They have built an ISO certified and US patented digital twin to measure and monitor GHG removals and soil health at scale. The data insights can be used to help farmers plan and monitor regenerative land management practices and support corporate sustainability managers meet net zero reporting requirements.

Hema Ravindran and Raj Singh, KiposTech

KiposTech is a pioneering air disinfection company focused on protecting animals and workers from airborne diseases in agriculture. KiposTech’s innovation, ’Lightning in a Box,’ uses non-thermal plasma technology to eliminate over 99% of airborne pathogens and particles, sustainably reducing disease spread and boosting productivity, without the need for filters or chemicals.

Stephen Voller, Hydrogen Refinery

Hydrogen Refinery is commercialising innovative technology developed by British military that transforms non-recyclable mixed waste into high quality, hydrogen/ammonia to provide the world’s farmers with local supplies of fixed price, low cost, carbon negative fertiliser, reducing the cost and carbon footprint of food production globally.

James Earl and Ben Leyland, OR3D

OR3D is a 3D Technology Company based in North Wales, that provides 3D scanning services and technology solutions for a wide range of clients from peas to power stations. The innovation is focused on the collection, processing, and analysis of data about Produce, utilizing CT & Synthetic Data techniques to create a robust quality inspection AI quickly and affordably for all sectors of the supply chain. 

David Speller, Optifarm

Optifarm links the possibilities of AI with the traditions of farming by allowing the data from the animals to drive well-informed actions. Optifarm detects changes in drinking behaviour, identifies the causes of the behaviour changes, be it health, welfare, or poor environmental conditions, and suggests remedial actions in a conversation style using AI large language models.

Dotan Eshet, Treetoscope

Treetoscope provides advanced irrigation solutions by using sap flow sensing technology to monitor real-time water usage in plants. Their system allows farmers optimize irrigation practices, saving water and improving crop health.

Andy Lessey, Antler Bio

Antler Bio is developing EpiHerd, a cutting-edge herd screening platform that enhances precision livestock management using transcriptomics, epigenomics, and Artificial Intelligence to evaluate gene expression - bridging the gap between genetics, the environment, and performance. EpiHerd represents a pioneering innovation, providing unique data and holistic insights to farmers that enhance animal management through tailored nutrition, optimised infrastructure, and refined husbandry practices. The outcome is more productive, more efficient and more resilient dairy cattle that realise their genetic potential. Resulting in happier, healthier animals that are not only more sustainable but also more profitable for farmers.