Agtech Growth Fund (AGF)
Last Update: June 23, 2025
SK, Canada
Funding for agtech R&D projects in Saskatchewan
Agtech Growth Fund (AGF) at a glance
Eligible Funding
- Max. $450,000
- Up to 30% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : September 30, 2024
- Closing date : October 31, 2024
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Finance and insurance
Grant Providers
- Government of Saskatchewan
- Innovation Saskatchewan
Status
Closed
Overview of the Agtech Growth Fund (AGF) program
Get a non-repayable grant up to $450,000 to cover 30% of eligible costs for projects that will accelerate the commercialization of technological innovations within Saskatchewan's agricultural sector.
Financing terms and conditions
- Industry partners must provide at least 50% of the total project budget.
- The maximum amount requested from Innovation Saskatchewan must not exceed 30% of the proposed budget.
- Applicants who apply to both the Agtech Growth Fund (AGF) and the Saskatchewan Technology Startup Incentive (STSI) are subject to a combined lifetime cap of $900,000 in funding between the two programs.
Eligible projects & activities
- Research and development projects aimed at commercializing new technologies in the agricultural sector.
- Innovation initiatives focused on digital agriculture, such as software, hardware, sensors, imagery, and precision agriculture tools.
- Development of smart farm equipment, including robotics, machinery, and automation solutions.
- Projects addressing animal health issues within agriculture.
- Initiatives improving the agrifood supply chain, such as traceability systems.
- Development of agricultural marketplace solutions and financial technologies (fintech) targeting the agriculture industry.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 135,000
Launching a web-based platform for farm management analytics
$ 129,000
Development of a drone-based crop monitoring system
$ 130,500
Development of AI-based pest detection technology
$ 135,000
Creating an advanced irrigation management system
$ 135,000
Commercialization of a new organic fertilizer
$ 129,000
Creating a precision agriculture software suite
Eligibility criteria of the Agtech Growth Fund (AGF) program
- The project must be led by a Saskatchewan-based organization, with preference given to those with headquarters in Saskatchewan.
- The application must be submitted by an active group of private sector partners representing the project’s value chain (including researchers, producers/suppliers, and end users).
- Industry partners must be actively involved in the project, contributing through cash and/or in-kind contributions, equity investment, or letters of intent to purchase.
- The proposed technological solution must be novel, innovative, and address a specific industry-wide challenge in the agriculture sector.
- Priority is given to projects with an academic partner from a Saskatchewan post-secondary or research institute.
Who is eligible?
- Saskatchewan-based organizations active in agricultural research and development
- Private sector companies involved in the agricultural value chain (such as those in production, supply processes, or serving as end users)
- Companies developing digital agriculture software or hardware
- Businesses innovating in smart farm equipment, animal health, agrifood supply chain, or agricultural marketplace/fintech sectors
Who is not eligible
- Projects led by non-Saskatchewan organizations, unless they offer significant benefit to Saskatchewan and are approved at the discretion of Innovation Saskatchewan.
Eligible expenses
The Agtech Growth Fund (AGF) provides funding for research and development (R&D) projects aimed at enhancing technological innovations in the agricultural sector. Eligible projects include those that address specific industry challenges within various domains related to agricultural technology advancement.
- Development and implementation of digital agriculture software and hardware, such as sensors and precision agriculture tools.
- Creation of smart farm equipment including robotics, machinery, and automation systems.
- Advancements in animal health technologies.
- Innovations in the agrifood supply chain, focusing on aspects like traceability.
- Development of agricultural marketplaces and fintech solutions.
Eligible geographic areas
- Saskatchewan-based organizations
- Projects led by non-Saskatchewan organizations with innovative technologies may be eligible on a case-by-case basis, provided they bring significant benefit to Saskatchewan
Eligibility criteria of the Agtech Growth Fund (AGF) program
- Strategic alignment with Saskatchewan’s research and development priorities.
- Potential to address a specific industry-wide challenge and deliver benefits to the agriculture sector as a whole.
- Novelty and innovativeness of the proposed technological solution.
- Clear and feasible path to commercialization and demonstration of long-term, sustainable impact.
How to apply to the Agtech Growth Fund (AGF) program
1
Preliminary Registration
- Create an account on the online application portal.
- Complete the "Eligibility Questionnaire" to ensure initial eligibility.
2
Submit Expression of Interest (EOI)
- Log into the application portal to submit your Expression of Interest (EOI) by the intake deadline.
- Ensure all required details and project information are included.
3
Await Invitation for Full Proposal
Wait for notification from Innovation Saskatchewan if you are invited to proceed with a full proposal submission. Notifications are sent post-EOI review.
4
Draft Full Proposal
- Prepare a comprehensive project proposal, including detailed objectives, methodology, budget allocation, and potential impacts.
- Seek feedback by submitting a draft proposal before the full submission deadline to receive guidance from Innovation Saskatchewan.
5
Submit Full Proposal
- Access the online application portal to upload your full proposal and necessary documentation.
- Complete all sections accurately and submit by the final application deadline.
6
Receive Funding Decision
Await the funding decision from Innovation Saskatchewan which will be communicated by the specified decision date after the full proposal review.
Additional information
- Applicants applying to both the Agtech Growth Fund (AGF) and the Saskatchewan Technology Startup Incentive (STSI) are subject to a combined lifetime funding cap of $900,000.
- Feedback is available to applicants who submit draft proposals before the submission deadline.
- Only shortlisted applicants following submission of an Expression of Interest (EOI) will be invited to submit full proposals.
- The number of grants approved per year depends on budget availability.
Contact {{GrantProviderName}}
matthew.hayduk@innovationsask.ca
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