Tesco has partnered with global innovation marketplace Leading Edge Only (LEO) to open applications for the 2026 Tesco Agri-tech Challenge, which invites people to submit solutions that can help farmers and suppliers build more resilient and productive food supply chains.

The winners of the competition will receive support including access to Tesco’s Sustainable Agriculture and Fisheries team as well as fast-track introductions to relevant supplier partners.

The competition aims to identify promising technologies which could solve major issues facing agriculture, including animal health, welfare, emissions reduction, soil health and biodiversity.

Head of sustainable agriculture and fisheries at Tesco, Natalie Smith, said: “As the biggest customer of UK agriculture, we want to do all we can to support our farmers in providing affordable, healthy and sustainable food to our customers – this includes championing the latest agri-tech innovations.

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“Through the Tesco Agri-tech Challenge, we want to find practical technologies that can make a difference on the farm, whether that is improving soil health, supporting animal welfare, reducing food waste or helping suppliers become more resilient.”

This year’s challenge will have two innovation pathways, with a TRL level 4-6 winner who will receive specialist mentoring from a key Tesco supplier. There will also be a TRL 7 and above winner will have the chance to trial their technology with one of Tesco’s supply chain partners.

The applications are officially opened and will remain open until 3 July, and the final challenge will be held at Tesco’s head office in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, on 24 September 2026.

This move reinstates the retailer’s commitment to implementing sustainable practices across its supply chain.