Medway Food Innovation Centre

Do you have a new plant-based food or drink concept?
Have you identified a gap in the market?
Are you eager to transform your concept into a viable commercial reality?

The Food Accelerator supports innovative startups in the plant-based food and drink sector looking to grow and scale.

The four-month programme provides tailored support, combining business advice, technical assistance, training mentorship, access to the Medway Food Innovation Centre's facilities, and academic expertise, workshops and access to a network of industry contacts.

The programme also identifies funding sources, supports grant applications, and connects startups with investors.

Through these initiatives, the Food Accelerator ensures that startups are market- and investment-ready, providing comprehensive support across technical, financial, and business areas. Businesses can navigate challenges, secure resources and access funding to boost their chances of survival and long-term success.

In-Person Workshops: Held in various locations across Kent, these full-day workshops take place monthly.
Online Business Innovation Masterclass: Join us for a one-hour session each week to gain insights into business innovation strategies.
One-to-One Support: Access personalised technical and business support tailored to your specific needs.
Networking Opportunities: Engage with industry peers and attend networking events to expand your connections.
Mentoring Programme: We also offer you 12 hours of free one-on-one support.

If you’re looking for solutions or you just want to meet others who face similar problems, the help is there. You will find that it will energise you to help solve your own problems further

—Sam Duong, CEO of Ming Foods

We will work closely with you to:

Assess your idea and its potential
Identify any technical and business gaps
Establish a definitive path to bring your idea to market

You'll receive technical support and gain access to cutting-edge facilities and equipment. Our research team can assist you in developing your product, producing a viable prototype, or implementing new processes, practices, or technologies.

The programme is based at the Natural Resources Institute - University of Greenwich in Medway, home to the new Medway Food Innovation Centre. If you're unsure whether the Accelerator is right for your business, please reach out to the team using the contact form on the Growing Kent & Medway page

We welcome applications from horticultural and plant-based food and drink businesses across the supply chain, including food products, technology, and related services.

If you're ambitious, looking to scale up your business quickly, and based in Kent or Medway (or considering relocating to the region), we encourage you to apply. You must be able to commit to the four-month programme.

Applications are open to small and medium-sized businesses that have not received more than £200,000 in public funds over the last three fiscal years.

To learn more about eligibility criteria and what to expect, contact our team via the accelerator enquiry form on our contact page.

Not only does the programme and team offer incredible practical help and encouragement, but meeting other entrepreneurs on the programme offers further support and new friendships

—Aleta Viljoen, Pretty Pink Potato

Interested in learning more about the Food Accelerator Programme? Please contact Valerie @ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to get started.

Join us on this exciting journey to turn your food and drink idea into a thriving business!

Learn more about the Food Accelerator programme on the Growing Kent & Medway website