Held in partnership with Leading Edge Only (LEO), The Global Innovation Marketplace, the competition is designed to identify innovators with solutions that can help Tesco and its suppliers achieve net zero, protect and restore nature, or improve animal health and welfare.
A ground-breaking innovation that re-imagines the way we fish, FloMo tailors the in-trawl environment to the physiological requirements of the fish (like in an aquarium), providing a gentle and sustainable fishing method that also honours animal welfare.
Dr André Pinkert, General Manager Commercial, FloMo - A Better Way to Fish, said: "I am thrilled to have participated in this year's Agri T-Jam and feel humbled that the Tesco judges chose FloMo to be the winner- especially considering the high calibre of the other finalists. We chose to apply because of the amazing opportunity the T-Jam provides, allowing us to establish a strong supply chain relationship with Tesco."
FloMo was one of 10 finalists selected from hundreds of entries to pitch to a panel of Tesco sustainable agriculture and commercial experts, suppliers, and stakeholders.
Natalie Smith, Head of Sustainable Agriculture at Tesco, said: “We’re committed to developing and implementing innovative sustainable agriculture practices across our supply chains, so it was really encouraging to see such a high standard from our finalists in this year’s competition. Agri T-Jam is now an established gateway into the Tesco supplier network for start-ups and innovators, and we’re hopeful the competition can help all our finalists further develop their work in the sector.
“We were really impressed with the standard of entries from all the finalists, but FloMo really stood out with their commitment to re-imagining the way we fish, addressing key challenges the fishing industry faces.
“We’re thrilled to welcome them to our network.”
In addition to a trial with one of Tesco’s supply chain partners, FloMo will also receive mentoring from the Tesco Sustainable Agriculture & Fisheries team, Agri-TechE membership, and the opportunity to speak at the 2024 REAP conference on 6th November.
Scott Sharp, founder and CEO of Leading Edge Only, said: “We’d like to thank all the applicants who were shortlisted and congratulate FloMo on their winning pitch. It has been
so encouraging to see just how much talent and innovation start-ups are bringing to the agri-tech space.
“This opportunity could be truly lifechanging for the FloMo team and we can’t wait to see how they utilise the tools and expertise they now have access to, to develop their business and implement their ground-breaking ideas.”
Alongside FloMo - A Better Way to Fish, the other finalists were: Joakim Byström, Absolicon; Darina Štyriaková, ekolive; Mark Elwig, Downforce Technologies; Hema Ravindran and Raj Singh, KiposTech; Stephen Voller, Hydrogen Refinery; James Earl and Ben Leyland, OR3D; David Speller, Optifarm; Dotan Eshet, Treetoscope; and Andy Lessey, Antler Bio.