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RAU Farm 491 Challenge Prize 2026

Published
The future of land management requires a highly integrated approach that balances food production, renewable energy and biodiversity. Endorsed by the UK Government’s newly launched National Framework for Land Use in England, this challenge seeks to build a more resilient future for our landscapes. 

Generously supported by Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and powered by the Royal Agricultural University’s Farm491, the Farm491 Challenge Prize is now in its third year. Having already awarded £135,000 to pioneering companies, we are once again looking for innovative solutions to create systematic change to our land whilst mitigating competing pressures.

The 2026 Challenge will award a £40,000 cash prize to the winning entry and £20,000 for the runner up. Both the winner and runner up will also gain exclusive access to Farm491’s extensive network, events and strategic business support.

This year we are specifically seeking high-growth innovators that can leverage this support to take their solution to landscape scale. 

Any queries should be directed to farm491@rau.ac.uk. 

Applications are open now and will close on Wednesday 30 September 2026. 

Find out more and apply: RAU Farm 491 - 2026 Challenge Prize Fund