Putting innovation into practice at the Hartpury Tech Box Park
Opening onto acres of farmland, the Hartpury Tech Box Park is the perfect place to meet, greet, and do business.
Providing access and nurturing growth within the agricultural industry for innovative businesses
Officially opened in July 2022, Hartpury's pioneering Tech Box Park has been instrumental in facilitating the entry and growth of forward-thinking businesses within the agricultural sector.
Welcoming an ever-growing community of innovators and entrepreneurs looking to grow their SMEs in a different way, over 30 businesses have taken a deep dive into the world of agriculture with Hartpury and developed products and services for the agricultural industry.
Championing fresh, innovative thinking
The Hartpury Digital Innovation Farm is a state-of-the-art complex connecting research, knowledge, data, and people in a real-world and applied setting.
Set within the stunning Hartpury University and Hartpury College campus, it provides industry-led services for the advancement of agricultural technologies, delivering proven solutions and services to farms and suppliers locally and across the UK.
Introduced as part of Hartpury’s Digital Innovation Farm strategy and located next to the state-of-the-art Agri-Tech Centre, the Tech Box Park is a thriving workspace hub made up of thriving start-ups, creative entrepreneurs, and SMEs. A key focus of its operations at Hartpury is to maximise the value of digital technology and innovation for farmers, suppliers, and wider professional support services.
Five high tech, repurposed shipping containers clad in cedar wood overlook the stunning Malvern Hills, just five miles from Gloucester. These self-contained workspaces and hotdesking facilities are complemented by free onsite parking, business support, student engagement and access to Hartpury University’s research academics, business networks, cafes and facilities.
There are meeting rooms for hire and breakout spaces for product launches, and the Tech Box Park arranges and hosts regular events to bring the business community together and nurture connections that innovate.
The facility empowers businesses to find solutions to real-world challenges in the agricultural and land-based industries. Its suite of membership options and services not only includes workspace, but also offers access to Hartpury’s neighbouring commercial farm. This allows for unrivalled real-world consultation.
To date, the facility has welcomed and supported entrepreneurs, ambitious start-ups, and established companies. With members leveraging their diverse expertise in smart technology, cybersecurity, pharmaceutical, energy, defence, manufacturing, and transport sectors to better understand the needs of the farming community and seek out smart, profitable, and sustainable solutions for businesses working across the agricultural sector.
Providing businesses with the ultimate field station and environment for full immersion into the UK agri-food industry
From enabling a social enterprise to create a test bed for trialling hemp derivatives in animal bedding, to showcasing the world’s most innovative anti-theft solution for agricultural machinery and testing 100% plant based compostable packaging on hay bales – the Tech Box Park has already provided an invaluable space and place for innovative thinking.
Catherine Briggs, Tech Box Park Centre Manager said:
“With the largest and fastest growing network of agri-tech SMEs to work with, it’s an exciting time to be working in Gloucestershire.”
Bruce Bodio, CEO, BioViron International and Tech Box Member said:
“The potential to develop something ground-breaking here is real.”
Tech Box Park businesses have placed themselves in the heart of Gloucestershire, the 5th largest county in the South West, rich in agricultural heritage. With 74% of the regions land area used for primary food production, Tech Box Park members are well placed to develop their products and extend their operations for the land-based sector.
Why not give us a call or come and tour the digital innovation farm in person? There’s no better way to see our unique facilities.
MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS
Day Member - £20 per day*
Your desk for the day
Virtual Membership - £72 per month*
Be part of the virtual community with exclusive event invites and access to the members portal.
Associate Membership - £150 per month*
A comprehensive support package, exclusive event invites, access to the members only portal but with limited access to facilities.
Full Membership - £350 per month*
A comprehensive support package, discounted use of facilities, dedicated workspace, access to members only portal, innovation expertise and exclusive event invites.
Residential Membership – Enquire*
Dedicated unit for your team, a comprehensive support package, access to the members only portal and exclusive event invites.
Residential Membership Plus – Enquire*
Dedicated unit for your team, a comprehensive support package, access to the members only portal, exclusive event invites plus access to the Agri-Tech Centre benefits.
*including VAT
Sign up for your FREE WORKSPACE TRIAL DAY!
Email us: [email protected]
Call us: 01452 702546
Visit: Hartpury.ac.uk/techboxpark
