Agtech Growth Fund (AGF)

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

• 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.

• Step 1: Submit Expression of Interest (EOI) and Eligibility Questionnaire
  • Access the online application portal for the Agtech Growth Fund (AGF).
  • Complete and submit the Expression of Interest (EOI) form.
  • Fill out the Eligibility Questionnaire provided through the application portal.
  • Ensure submission before the intake deadline (April 30 for Intake 1, September 30 for Intake 2).
• Step 2: Wait for Shortlisting and Invitation
  • After review of your EOI and questionnaire, await notification from Innovation Saskatchewan.
  • If selected, you will receive an invitation to submit a full proposal.
• Step 3: Prepare and Submit Full Proposal
  • Prepare a detailed full proposal as per AGF requirements.
  • Applicants are advised to submit a draft version for feedback before the final submission deadline.
  • Incorporate feedback provided by Innovation Saskatchewan, if applicable.
  • Upload and submit the final proposal through the online application portal by the specified deadline (May 31 for Intake 1, October 31 for Intake 2).
• Step 4: Await Funding Decision
  • Innovation Saskatchewan's internal selection committee will review full proposals.
  • Final funding decisions will be communicated by July 31 (Intake 1) or December 31 (Intake 2).

• 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.