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Agtech Growth Fund (AGF)
SK, Canada
Funding for agtech R&D projects in Saskatchewan
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|closingDateApril 30, 2024
- grant_single|grantStatusClosed
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Finance and insurance
grant_single|grantors
- Government of Saskatchewan
- Innovation Saskatchewan
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
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|terms_and_conditions
The Agtech Growth Fund provides non-repayable grants to support R&D projects that address specific challenges in the agricultural sector. This fund facilitates industry collaboration and innovation through targeted financial support.
- Non-repayable grant funding available to projects addressing specific industry challenges.
- Funding request from Innovation Saskatchewan must be no more than 30% of the proposed project budget.
- Industry partners are required to provide 50% or more of the project’s budget.
- Projects involving non-Saskatchewan organizations assessed on case-by-case basis for eligibility.
- Funding decisions are contingent on alignment with R&D priorities and availability of budget.
- Invitations for full proposals are selective and based on initial expression of interest and eligibility.
grant_single_labels|projects
The Agtech Growth Fund supports research and development projects focusing on technological innovations in Saskatchewan's agricultural sector. Eligible activities emphasize advancements and commercialization across several key areas to address industry-specific challenges.
- Development of Digital Ag Software or Hardware such as sensors, imagery, and precision agriculture technologies.
- Creation and integration of Smart Farm Equipment including robotics, machinery, and automation solutions.
- Innovations in Animal Health technologies enhancing veterinary applications and livestock management.
- Advancements in Agrifood Supply Chain technologies improving traceability and transparency.
- Development of Agricultural Marketplace and Fintech solutions to streamline financial transactions and market access.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$ 135,000
Launching a web-based platform for farm management analytics
$ 130,500
Development of AI-based pest detection technology
$ 129,000
Development of a drone-based crop monitoring system
$ 135,000
Creating an advanced irrigation management system
$ 135,000
Commercialization of a new organic fertilizer
$ 129,000
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
This grant is available to organizations primarily based in specific regions to align with the funding body's regional objectives. Eligible applicants are strategically positioned to leverage regional advantages and contribute significantly to local development goals.
- Projects must be led by Saskatchewan-based organizations.
- Preference is given to lead proponents headquartered in Saskatchewan.
- The project group must consist primarily of organizations with headquarters in Saskatchewan, although it can include non-Saskatchewan entities.
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
