Crop IQ UK Secures £489,151 Innovate UK Grant to Pioneer a New Generation of Sustainable Pest Control Technologies
Crop IQ UK Secures £489,151 Innovate UK Grant to Pioneer a New Generation of Sustainable Pest Control Technologies
Cambridge, UK – June 2, 2026 – Crop IQ UK, a leader in intelligent crop protection solutions, has been awarded a £489,151 grant from the Farming Innovation Programme, delivered by Innovate UK and funded by Defra. The funding will accelerate the development of a breakthrough hybrid technology that manipulates key‑pest behaviours using semiochemicals and botanicals.
The project, assessed as exceptionally promising, scored well above the required thresholds and was placed in the top tier of assessment scores, demonstrating its clear alignment with the competition’s scope and its potential to transform sustainable agriculture.
A true collaborative breakthrough
The technology is the result of a unique, multi‑disciplinary effort: 12 scientists from different specialisms – including chemical ecology, plant physiology, precision application engineering, and behavioural entomology – have designed the solution from the ground up. Once completed, the project is expected to trigger a new revolution in the sustainable crop protection industry.
“We are extremely excited by the support of Defra and Innovate UK to help us create this hybrid technology that manipulates the behaviour of key pests using semiochemicals and botanicals. This approach will redefine what farmers can expect from sustainable pest control.”
— Saivin Gotz, Chief Technology Officer, Crop IQ Global
Bridging the gap between chemicals and biopesticides
Conventional chemical pesticides face growing regulatory and environmental pressures, while many existing biopesticides suffer from high labour demands, inconsistent effectiveness, and difficult application. Crop IQ’s new solution directly addresses these pain points by offering:
Less labour‑intensive field deployment
High effectiveness against major pests
Ease of application compatible with standard farm equipment
Economically viable cost structures for large‑scale use
“This technology will fill the gap between conventional chemicals and existing biopesticides. It will assist farmers worldwide – particularly those in developing countries – by giving them an affordable, effective, and sustainable tool that doesn’t compromise on productivity.”
— Dr. Ehbair, Operations Lead, Crop IQ Global
What comes next?
With the grant secured, Crop IQ UK will soon begin the feasibility and prototyping phase, working closely with academic and industrial partners. The project’s success could lead to a new class of crop protection products that significantly reduce chemical residues, protect beneficial insects, and lower the carbon footprint of pest management.