Ag-West Bio – Technology Commercialization Investment Fund
- Open continuously
Overview
Injection of $50,000 to $300,000 into early stage companies in the agricultural biotechnology, bioproducts, bioprocesses, natural health products and functional foods sectors.
At a glance
Funding available
- Develop a new product or service
- Reduce environmental footprint
- Access new markets
- Maximum amount : 300,000 $
- Minimum amount : 50,000 $
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Saskatchewan
- For-profit business
- All revenue ranges
- All organization sizes
- Startups
Next Steps
Activities funded
The grant supports early stage companies in the bioscience and ag tech industries aiming to commercialize new technologies. Eligible projects are those with a proven core technology that can scale and generate substantial economic and social benefits for Saskatchewan.
- Projects that involve innovative technologies with potential for job creation in the Saskatchewan bioscience and ag tech sectors.
- Initiatives aimed at increasing economic activity and wealth creation through innovative products or services.
- Efforts in developing technologies that demonstrate a clear pathway to commercialization.
- Projects contributing to the increase of research or commercialization knowledge capital.
- Activities that have significant environmental impacts in line with industry needs.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
Some eligible types of companies for the Ag-West Bio Technology Commercialization Investment Fund include those with innovative technologies or products that bring extensive benefits to Saskatchewan's bio-science and/or ag tech industries. These companies must be for-profit, Saskatchewan incorporated, have a strong financial return opportunity, a proven core technology, and a capable team focused on revenue and commercialization.
- Companies with a detailed business plan outlining benefits to Saskatchewan industries
- For-profit, Saskatchewan incorporated companies with strong financial potential
- Companies with innovative technologies/products for bio-science or ag tech
- Companies with a proven core technology that can scale and create measurable change
- Companies with a capable team focused on revenue and commercialization
Who is not eligible
This grant excludes certain companies and industries due to their status or main activity. The restrictions aim to ensure that funds are directed toward strategic sectors aligned with the grant's objectives.
- Non-profit organizations or any non for-profit structures as the grant mandates a for-profit status.
- Companies that are not incorporated in Saskatchewan, as the grant specifically targets Saskatchewan-based companies.
- Businesses that do not operate within the bio-science or ag-tech industries.
- Companies lacking a proven core technology that is capable of scaling and creating measurable change.
- Enterprises without a detailed business plan that demonstrates economic and environmental benefits to Saskatchewan.
Eligible expenses
Eligible projects for this grant involve initiatives that facilitate the commercialization of innovative technologies within Saskatchewan's bioscience and ag tech sectors. These projects should demonstrate the potential for significant long-term benefits and provide a clear commercialization pathway.
- Projects that leverage innovative new technologies, products, or services for the bioscience and ag tech industries.
- Initiatives aimed at job creation, economic activity stimulation, and wealth generation within Saskatchewan.
- Activities that enhance research or commercialization knowledge capital.
- Projects with measurable environmental impact.
- Early-stage developments with a scalable proven core technology.
- Projects with defined market partners and demonstrated market traction.
Eligible geographic areas
This grant requires that companies be incorporated in a specific region for eligibility. Only companies incorporated in Saskatchewan are eligible to apply for this grant.
- Companies must be a for-profit, Saskatchewan incorporated entity.
Additional information
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- The structure of the investment includes a flexible and patient risk capital setup, often not available through traditional capital sources.
- The investment typically involves both a loan and a royalty based on company revenue, allowing for a potentially lower immediate financial burden.
- The fund prioritizes technologies and initiatives that show potential for long-term benefit to the region of Saskatchewan.
- Given the limited number of companies that receive investment, the selection process is highly competitive and undergoes thorough due diligence.