How much funding can be received?

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.

grant_single_labels|projects

This grant is primarily available to organizations with a presence in Saskatchewan. Preference is given to those whose headquarters are located in Saskatchewan.

Organizations based in Saskatchewan.
Projects led by Saskatchewan-based organizations.
Lead proponents with headquarters presence in Saskatchewan.

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$135,000

Regina

Launching a web-based platform for farm management analytics

$130,500

Moose Jaw

Development of AI-based pest detection technology

$129,000

Saskatoon

Development of a drone-based crop monitoring system

$135,000

Lloydminster

Creating an advanced irrigation management system

$135,000

Swift Current

Commercialization of a new organic fertilizer

$129,000

Prince Albert

Creating a precision agriculture software suite

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific criteria that focus on the project's structure and impact on Saskatchewan's agricultural technology sector.

The project must be proposed by a group of active private sector partners that represent the project’s value chain, including researchers, production/supply process participants, and customer/end users.
An active partner is one that participates through cash and/or in-kind contribution, equity investment, and/or letter of intent to purchase.
The project must be led by a Saskatchewan-based organization, with preference given to proponents with headquarters in Saskatchewan. However, the majority of the project group should have headquarters in Saskatchewan.
Proposals with an academic partner from a Saskatchewan post-secondary or research institute are prioritized.
The innovation must solve an industry-wide challenge and benefit the agriculture sector broadly, not individual companies.
The technological innovation should be novel and innovative.
There must be a demonstrable path to commercialization and sustained long-term benefits.
Industry partners must provide at least 50% of the project’s budget, with the request from Innovation Saskatchewan (IS) not exceeding 30% of the budget.
Projects led by non-Saskatchewan organizations with significant benefits to Saskatchewan are considered on a case-by-case basis, but IS holds discretion to deem the lead proponent ineligible.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

Applications for projects under the Agtech Growth Fund must be proposed by an active consortium of private sector partners, with a strong presence of Saskatchewan-headquartered organizations. Preference is given to projects with Saskatchewan-based academic partners and those providing innovative technological solutions to industry-wide challenges in agriculture.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

There are no specific types of companies mentioned in the grant context that are explicitly deemed ineligible for the grant. Projects led by non-Saskatchewan organizations with significant benefit to Saskatchewan will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Projects must be led by a Saskatchewan-based organization, although exceptions can be made.
Preference is given to lead proponents with headquarters in Saskatchewan.
Non-Saskatchewan organizations can be part of the project group if the majority have headquarters in Saskatchewan.

grant_eligibility_criteria|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.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

The grant covers expenses directly related to the research and development of technological innovations in the agriculture sector.

Personnel costs related to R&D activities.
Costs for equipment and materials necessary for the R&D project.
Costs associated with testing and trials of prototypes.
Consulting services fees necessary for the R&D activities.
Intellectual property protection related expenses.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The Agtech Growth Fund (AGF) evaluates and selects proposals based on strategic alignment with the program's objectives, technical merit, financial feasibility, and overall impact on Saskatchewan's agricultural sector. Below are the detailed evaluation and selection criteria.

Alignment with Industry Needs
Innovation and Uniqueness
Path to Commercialization
Financial Leverage
Academic Research Asset Leverage
Project Design
Proponent Capacity
End User Impact/Adoption
Challenges to Technology Adoption
Competitive Analysis
Risks Identification
Economic Impact
Environmental Impact
Long-term Impact

grant_single_labels|register

Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:

Step 1: Preliminary Registration
- Create an account on the online application portal.
- Complete the "Eligibility Questionnaire" to ensure initial eligibility.
Step 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.
Step 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.
Step 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.
Step 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.
Step 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.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here is additional relevant information regarding the Agtech Growth Fund (AGF):

Applicants who exceed the available funding in a given year may not be funded, despite meeting all eligibility criteria, if their proposals are not aligned with strategic priorities.
Feedback is provided for draft proposals submitted before the final submission date.
Selected applicants who receive an invitation to submit a full proposal will have to adhere to strict deadlines.
Regular engagement with Innovation Saskatchewan is recommended for applicants throughout the process.

grant_single_labels|contact

matthew.hayduk@innovationsask.ca

Apply to this program

Driving Agricultural Innovation in Saskatchewan

The Agtech Growth Fund (AGF) is a pivotal initiative aimed at accelerating the commercialization of groundbreaking technologies within Saskatchewan's agricultural sector. Administered by Innovation Saskatchewan, this grant provides significant financial support to projects tackling specific industry challenges through novel technological solutions.

Empowering Agricultural Advancement Through Strategic Funding

The Agtech Growth Fund, or AGF, is a cornerstone in fostering the technological evolution of agriculture in Saskatchewan. This targeted funding initiative seeks to empower projects that deliver innovative solutions to pressing challenges faced by the agricultural industry, thereby enhancing the sector's productivity and sustainability. With the province's deep-rooted agricultural traditions, the AGF serves a crucial role in integrating cutting-edge technologies with conventional farming practices to create a robust and forward-looking agri-ecosystem.

The fund primarily supports research and development endeavors that show promising commercial potential in a variety of focus areas, including digital agriculture through advanced software and hardware, smart farm equipment such as robotics and automation, animal health innovations, and improvements along the agrifood supply chain, including traceability systems. By channeling resources into these fields, AGF not only seeks to solve reoccurring agricultural challenges but also to solidify Saskatchewan's position as a leader in agtech worldwide.

Applications to the AGF are meticulously vetted based on a range of strategic criteria designed to ensure that funded projects are both innovative and viable. At the core of AGF’s vision is a collaborative approach that brings together private sector partners, researchers, producers, and end users. This broad coalition helps ensure that the innovations supported are industry-aligned and capable of delivering widespread benefits across Saskatchewan's agricultural sector rather than isolated advantages to individual enterprises.

Successful projects must illustrate a clear path from development to market, demonstrating not only technical feasibility but also commercial viability. This holistic approach ensures that supported technologies are not only groundbreaking but also implementable in real-world settings, providing tangible benefits to the province's farmers and agribusinesses. Moreover, industry partners are required to substantially contribute to the project’s budget, showcasing their commitment and confidence in the proposed innovation.

The AGF runs twice yearly intakes, allowing innovation-driven companies to submit expressions of interest which are then rigorously reviewed by an internal committee from Innovation Saskatchewan. This competitive process ensures that only the projects most aligned with the province’s strategic R&D priorities receive funding, thereby optimizing the use of public funds and maximizing impact.

In conclusion, the Agtech Growth Fund represents a significant opportunity for agricultural innovators in Saskatchewan to propel their technologies from concepts to market-ready solutions. By fostering collaboration among various stakeholders and focusing on strategic challenges within the sector, AGF catalyzes advancements that are set to redefine agriculture in Canada and beyond. The program not only stimulates economic growth and technological prowess but also fortifies Saskatchewan’s agricultural identity as a hub of innovation and sustainability.