KTN’s ability to make connections across sectors helped to bring software engineering into the agri-tech arena, improving the monitoring of livestock.
Bringing software engineering into the agri-tech arena means better monitoring of livestock.
Smartbell was set up in late 2015 with the aim of using technology to improve animal welfare. The unique technology monitors dairy cattle, their movements and health conditions and allows for early detection of illness. Agri-tech is a notoriously difficult industry to infiltrate, and Smartbell appreciated the support and involvement of KTN’s Agri-Food team.
The connections brokered by KTN have proved invaluable. The Agri-EPI Centre, Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) and Smartbell have developed a strong relationship and are exploring opportunities for new collaborative activity. KTN helped Smartbell to secure its first Innovate UK grant of £40,000 as part of the Design Foundations funding scheme. We also invited Smartbell to Innovate UK’s Sustainable Technologies Investment Showcase to present its technology to a select group of investors. Being introduced to potential investors at such an early stage has led to interest from four investors… the future looks bright for Smartbell.
“The agri-tech industry is a scary market. But KTN was there to guide us. As a result, we were able to make the right connections and be given opportunities we otherwise wouldn’t have been aware of. The next few months are exciting for us, and we welcome the support that KTN has provided to get us where we are today.” Veena Adityan, CEO, Smartbell.
Animal monitoring technology company Smartbell was set up in late 2015 with the idea of using technology to improve animal welfare. The Cambridge-based business has developed a unique technology that monitors dairy cattle, keeping tabs on their movements and health conditions and allowing for early detection of illness in a herd.
Smartbell founder Veena Adityan comes from a technology background in software development and data analytics, and had found the agri-tech industry very difficult to infiltrate. She was therefore delighted to be put in touch with David Telford from KTN’s Agri-Food team in May 2016.
Before meeting David, Veena hadn’t been aware of the support and level of involvement provided by KTN. Once in touch with Smartbell, KTN started to help Veena develop the business.
At the outset, KTN set up an important conversation with the Edinburgh-based Agricultural Engineering Precision Innovation Centre. The Agri-EPI Centre drives growth and supports innovative ideas to help farmers and business owners become more profitable and sustainable. Smartbell was put in touch with Dave Ross, CEO of the Agri-EPI Centre, which led to introductions to Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), which has strong expertise in livestock monitoring technology. Together, Smartbell, Agri-EPI, and SRUC have developed a strong relationship, and are exploring opportunities for new collaborative activity.
In early 2017, Smartbell was provided with assistance in securing its first Innovate UK grant for £40,000, as part of the Design Foundations funding scheme. This grant scheme is newly launched and encourages businesses to embed design in the innovation process, thinking ahead about the end users and how products are relevant and beneficial. KTN was on hand to help Smartbell and partners with the application; providing feedback on how to refine it where needed – assistance that is particularly beneficial for companies when they are new to the Innovate UK process.
KTN also introduced the company to potential investors at an early stage. In April 2017, Smartbell was invited by KTN to attend Innovate UK’s Sustainable Technologies Investment Showcase. The private event is by invite only to a select number of companies, who are asked to present and pitch to potential investors. Smartbell attended and presented to five interested investor groups. It received interest from two investors immediately, and is currently following up two further leads.