OFFICE space is now available at a new high-tech enterprise hub at the Royal Agricultural University (RAU).

Farm491, a hub promoting agritech innovation, has launched with access to its office space now available.

Trent Lodge, a modern office space, offers a flexible working environment for businesses who would like to use the space for 'hot-desking', to retain a permanent work base, or to share ideas among peers.

There are different types of membership to provide different levels of support or facility. Bespoke packages can be tailored to individual needs.

A membership fee is paid each month, ranging from £50 to £300 per month.

For students at the Royal Agricultural University who wish to start up their own agritech business, Farm491 membership is free.

The Farm491 hub covers over 1,000 acres of farmland and comprises of three innovation spaces: Trent Lodge, practical workspaces in a farm barn and an art technological centre.

The official launch of Trent Lodge will take place in September. The farm barn is scheduled to open later this year and the technology centre will follow in 2017.

Farm491 is an exciting opportunity for agritech start-ups, individuals, farmers, scientists and innovators who may be looking for a space, technical support and access to technology to test an innovation.

It is also for those who simply want to network and share thoughts among industry peers to get an idea off the ground. 

Angela Simkins, Farm491 centre director, said: “The objective of Farm491 is to create a sense of creativity, imagination and pioneering innovation within the agritech industry.

"We want to help and support entrepreneurs trial new initiatives, test new technological solutions and offer a practical working space for the sharing of knowledge.

“The agricultural industry is being driven by a ‘technological revolution’ with more technical equipment and intelligence being integrated into daily farming life.

"In order to remain efficient, competitive and for us to sustainably feed a growing global population, agriculture has to embrace technology – and Farm491 aims to facilitate that.

"Our aspiration is to create a vibrant community of innovators with the potential to influence and benefit the wider agricultural and food production industries.”