Inspiring Innovators
in partnership with
Are you an innovator in the food and farming sector and are you looking to inspire others?
Inspiring Innovators explained:
Do you have a great idea or concept and would you love to share it with others? Oxford Farming Conference (OFC) would like to invite you to get involved with our Inspiring Innovators programme, returning for the second time as part of OFC26
Together with our trusted partner, McCain Foods (GB) Ltd., last year we created an opportunity for you to have your idea, concept or even new innovation heard by a prestigious audience by encouraging you to speak on a stage at the beginning of Oxford Farming Conference. It was so successful, with the initial group generating new contacts and networks, PR and speaking opportunities, and benefiting from the full event experience, we are delighted it is back for our next conference.
The programme might appeal to an entrepreneur, researcher, deep thinker, new start up business owner, scientist, developer of ideas and others.
Our “Inspiring Innovator Programme” will invite a maximum of six individuals to present their concepts/proposals/research on the conference theme of “Growing Resilience”. This will take place on stage in Oxford at the beginning of the conference proceedings, on the afternoon of Wednesday 7 January 2026.
Any individual, of any age, from an agricultural, food or rural industry can apply to be an “Oxford Inspiring Innovator”.
Got your interest? Read on below the image of last years group, to find out more about OFC, the presentations and how to submit your paper to be considered.
What the opportunity offers you:
- Propose a new idea
- Raise awareness of your research
- Let an Oxford audience know about your “Start Up”
- Galvanise interest in your newly developed technology
- Gain feedback about your new business concept
- Debate your new farming system
- Stimulate development of a new community
- Foster support/relationships for a new social enterprise.
This opportunity will not enable you to pitch for funding.
You will be provided with:
Presentation and skills building training to be delivered at the McCain Foods (GB) Ltd facility in Scarborough. This is an amazing offer to ensure those chosen are able to make the most of this incredible opportunity. Candidates will need to be available for this one day training on 11th November 2025.
An opportunity to speak on a stage in Oxford for a maximum of 10 minutes, in front of an impressive and prestigious OFC audience.
A full OFC26 conference ticket including accommodation, Chair's Welcome Reception and Christ Church Dinner, providing an opportunity to follow up your presentation throughout the rest of conference by networking with other delegates.
Shining a light on the innovators and bright stars of the future is the focus of this activity and providing an opportunity to include this significant achievement on your resume.
How to apply:
If you believe you are an Inspiring Innovator and would like to have your concepts/proposals/ research heard, then please follow our application process below.
The closing date to send in your submission is 5pm, Friday 26th September 2025.
Step One - complete our online application, here. As part of this application, you will be asked to upload a video elevator pitch of no more than 3 minutes, showcasing your idea. And a document with no more than 600 words about your concept/proposal/research, how it relates to the 2026 theme, "Growing Resilience" and why you would like to present it at OFC. Please have the video and document ready before you start the application process, as you will not be able to save it and come back at a later date.
Step Two - OFC Directors together with representatives from McCain Foods (GB)Ltd., will shortlist all entries to this exciting programme. Those shortlisted may be invited to attend a short online interview.
Step Three - Following the shortlisting, OFC Directors will confirm their final selection. The OFC Secretariat and Events team will then be in touch with the finalist to arrange logistics and details for attending the presentation and skills development day in November, and OFC26 in January. We will also issue a press release, add details to the OFC website, announce the finalists on the OFC social media channels and newsletter.
A little about OFC:
Attending the Oxford Farming Conference (OFC) is the way that many influential people in British Agriculture choose to start their year. As one of the most prestigious farming conferences in the UK, it has a highly recognisable and desired brand and reputation.
The conference takes place annually, in early January over two and a half days with a programme of papers, discussions and debate in an environment of conviviality and networking opportunities.
Some 700 delegates attend and press coverage ensures a known reach of over 4.5 million.
OFC operates three highly successful leadership programmes namely OFC Scholars, Inspire and Breaking Barriers. Taking individuals with a desire to develop their role within the agricultural community and providing skills to enable them to take their next steps.
OFC, together with their trusted partner McCain Foods (GB) Ltd., now wish to further assist the rising stars from the agricultural, food or rural industry.
A little about our partner:
McCain Foods GB is the largest purchaser of British potatoes, buying around 15% of the crop, and is the UK’s largest manufacturer of frozen potato products. We work with over 250 growers across the UK, some of whom we’ve worked with for three generations. We employ over 1,300 people across the country with five manufacturing sites in Scarborough, Whittlesey, Wombourne, Grantham, and Hull, and a seed potato business in Montrose, Scotland.
James Hopwood, McCain’s Director of Agriculture said: "At McCain Foods, we are pleased to further develop our partnership with the Oxford Farming Conference through the launch of the 2026 Inspiring Innovators programme. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to supporting visionary leaders and innovative problem-solvers. Together, we aim to empower UK growers, producers, and processors to advance innovation and sustainability throughout the agri-food sector."