AgriInnovate Program
At a glance
- Max. $5,000,000
- 50% of project cost
- Open Date : April 04, 2023
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
- Government of Canada
Overview
Eligibility criteria
The AgriInnovate Program provides repayable contributions to incent targeted commercialization, demonstration, and adoption of innovative technologies in the agricultural sector. The maximum contribution from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada is $5,000,000, with additional cost-sharing options available for under-represented groups.
- Under-represented groups eligible for additional cost-sharing include Indigenous Peoples (First Nations, Métis, Inuit), Youth (aged 35 and under), Women, Visible Minorities, Persons with Disabilities, and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals.
- Applicants must provide cash contributions towards the cost-share, as in-kind contributions are not eligible.
- Repayable contributions are available to for-profit businesses, with repayment expectations varying based on project characteristics.
Who is eligible
Yes, there are eligible types of companies for this grant. Eligible types of companies include for-profit businesses.
- For-profit businesses
Eligible expenses
Eligible expenses for this grant include costs related to the commercialization, demonstration, and adoption of innovative technologies and processes in the agricultural and agri-food sector. Examples of eligible expenses may include, but are not limited to:
- R&D costs
- Pilot testing
- Technology demonstration
- Commercialization activities
- Project management
- Consultant fees
- Equipment purchase or lease
- Training and skills development
Eligible projects & activities
The AgriInnovate Program offers repayable contributions to support targeted commercialization, demonstration and adoption of innovative technologies and processes in the agriculture and agri-food sector to enhance competitiveness and sustainability.
- Commercializing new agricultural technologies
- Demonstrating innovative processes
- Adopting commercial-ready technologies
Evaluation & selection criteria
There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The evaluation and selection criteria for the AgriInnovate Program include:
- Project feasibility and the applicant's capacity to achieve the project objectives
- Market potential and economic benefits for the agricultural and agri-food sector
- Environmental benefits and sustainability considerations
- Benefits for under-represented groups, such as Indigenous Peoples, youth, women, visible minorities, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals
- Overall impact and contribution to innovation in the sector
How to apply
- Step 1. What this program offers
- Intake period: Open
- Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until the end of the program on March 31, 2028, or until funding has been fully committed or otherwise announced here.
- All projects must be completed by March 31, 2028.
- The AgriInnovate Program is a program under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP).
- Program objective: The program provides repayable contributions to incent targeted commercialization, demonstration, and/or adoption of commercial-ready innovative technologies and processes that increase agricultural and agri-food sector competitiveness and sustainability benefits.
- Funding: The maximum Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) contribution toward a project will normally not exceed $5,000,000.
- Step 2. Eligibility
- Cost-sharing: The program may provide an additional 10% on the cost-share ratio (AAFC — 60% : You — 40%) where the majority of the organization (more than 50%) is owned or led by one or more under-represented groups.
- Under-represented groups eligible for the additional cost-sharing include Indigenous Peoples, Youth, Women, Visible Minorities, Persons with Disabilities, and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals.
- Applicants from under-represented groups can contact the program for more details.
- Step 3. Before you apply
- Your portion of the cost-share must be cash contributions. In-kind contributions are ineligible.
- Repayable contributions are provided to for-profit businesses on a repayable basis.
- Step 4. How to apply
- Step 5. Complete the application and apply
- Step 6. After you apply
- Contact information
AgriInnovate Program Overview
The AgriInnovate Program is a government initiative under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership that offers repayable contributions to support the commercialization of innovative technologies in the agricultural sector. Eligible applicants can receive funding of up to $5,000,000 with a cost-sharing model, including a potential additional 10% contribution for under-represented groups.
AgriInnovate Program Details
The AgriInnovate Program aims to drive competitiveness and sustainability in the agricultural industry through targeted investments in innovative projects. Eligible participants include for-profit businesses looking to implement new technologies to enhance their operations.
The program's goal is to catalyze the adoption of cutting-edge solutions that can transform the agriculture and agri-food sector. By providing support for commercialization, demonstration, and adoption of innovative processes, the program assists businesses in boosting their competitiveness and sustainability.
Applicants from under-represented groups such as Indigenous Peoples, Youth, Women, Visible Minorities, Persons with Disabilities, and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals may benefit from an enhanced cost-sharing ratio, increasing the financial support available for their projects.
With a focus on fostering a diverse and inclusive industry, the AgriInnovate Program encourages collaboration and innovation among a wide spectrum of participants. The program's end goal is to drive forward technological advancements that benefit the entire agricultural value chain.
By offering repayable contributions, the program supports businesses in commercializing their innovations while also ensuring financial sustainability. This approach allows for the scalability and long-term success of projects, contributing to the overall growth and resilience of the agricultural sector.
Businesses seeking to leverage the AgriInnovate Program can access funding to implement technologies that have the potential to revolutionize their operations and enhance their competitive position in the market. The program's flexible repayment structures cater to a range of business sizes and stages of development, fostering an environment conducive to innovation and growth.
Overall, the AgriInnovate Program presents a valuable opportunity for businesses in the agricultural industry to harness the power of innovation and drive positive change within their operations. By partnering with the program, applicants can access the resources and support needed to bring their transformative ideas to fruition, paving the way for a more sustainable and competitive agricultural sector.
