How much funding can be received?

The Canadian Agri-Food Automation and Intelligence Network (CAAIN) 2024-2025 Open Competition offers up to $3 Million CAD in funding per project to support collaborative activities that advance automation, robotics, and data-driven decision-making in agri-food production, as well as the creation and integration of smart farm networks. Eligible activities include projects that develop technological innovations aimed at improving agricultural productivity and profitability, environmental sustainability, and the training of a technologically skilled agricultural workforce.

grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions

The CAAIN - 2024 – 2025 Open Competition provides structured funding support to advance innovation in agri-food technology. The financing modalities are designed to optimize project outcomes through strategic co-financing and resource management.

Successful applicants will be awarded up to $3 Million CAD for project execution.
CAAIN will reimburse projects up to 40% of the Total Eligible Supported Expenses.
All funded initiatives are subject to a 5% administration fee.
CAAIN will only match unencumbered cash contributions towards eligible supported expenses.
Funding is not matched against governmental sources, in-kind contributions, or future project-related revenue.
Applicants must justify the funding amount requested, with CAAIN potentially approving less than requested.
Capital equipment related costs require CAAIN and ISED approval for disposal, which may involve repayment if sold.
Indirect costs (overhead) are capped at up to 55% on eligible direct labour costs, with specific conditions applied to subcontractor and consultant costs.

grant_single_labels|projects

This grant focuses on supporting projects that enhance the development and integration of technology in the agri-food sector. Eligible activities revolve around automation, data-driven decision-making tools, and smart farm systems to improve agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability.

Advancing automation and robotics applications in agri-food production and primary processing operations.
Developing data-based decision-making tools designed to improve knowledge, reduce risks, and optimize agricultural production processes.
Implementing smart farm platforms or networks that facilitate technology adoption through comprehensive partner integration and framework creation for validation, demonstration, and scaling of new technologies.
Providing training opportunities aimed at developing a technologically skilled agricultural workforce to support the adoption of new technologies.

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the project team composition, financial contributions, and alignment with program objectives.

Project teams/networks must be comprised of organizations with operations in Canada, involving multiple stakeholders such as academic/research institutions, not-for-profit organizations, and for-profit entities (SMEs, MNEs).
Projects must include cash contributions from at least two small or medium enterprises (SME) incorporated in Canada, defined as those with 499 or fewer employees.
All project partners must be in good standing with CAAIN, having no overdue reporting or monies owed.
The proposal objectives must align with CAAIN and the ISED Strategic Innovation Fund Stream 4.
The initiative must be incremental to the regular business of project team member organizations, with distinct financial commitments and new project scopes.
Project teams/networks must commit to sharing technology assessments and research results via a CAAIN-led or managed software platform.
Project teams/networks must promote the CAAIN brand in association with the smart farm or smart farm network.
Former and current funding recipients of CAAIN are welcome to apply.
The project must be developing a digital technology or operating a Canadian smart farm focused on specific agri-food products or challenges.
Must have the knowledge and skills necessary to evaluate and report on the benefits of the technology or knowledge being evaluated.
Must be capable of empirically validating and publicly sharing evaluations of emerging technologies.
Commit to sharing research and demonstration data for publication in the CAAIN directories.
Commit to using CAAIN’s data collaboration and management platform for data integration activities.
Commit to keeping resultant IP and data in Canada for a minimum of 5 years.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

The Canadian Agri-Food Automation and Intelligence Network (CAAIN) grant aims to support collaborative projects involving Canadian entities across the agri-food sector, with an emphasis on advancing technological innovation and commercial adoption.

Canadian organizations with operations in agriculture, technology development, or primary processing.
Projects involving collaborations between small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and other stakeholders such as universities or not-for-profit entities.
Project participants must include cash contributions from at least two Canadian SMEs.
International collaborations are welcome, but funding flows only to Canadian entities.
Applicants must ensure that projects align with CAAIN's goals, focusing on innovative uses of automation, robotics, or data-driven decision-making in agriculture.
Projects must be new initiatives distinct from routine business operations, with committed results and technology sharing agreements as part of their proposals.
Current and past CAAIN funding recipients are eligible to apply again.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

This grant does not explicitly exclude any specific types of companies or industries. However, eligibility is primarily centered around certain requirements such as Canadian operations and SME definition by Statistics Canada, and project compatibility with CAAIN objectives.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

The grant covers specific expenses directly related to the implementation and success of the project.

Direct Labour: Gross wages or salaries incurred and paid for eligible activities.
Subcontractors and Consultants: Costs for work or services performed by external third parties or affiliates.
Direct Materials & Supplies: Costs of materials specifically identified for the project, including those issued from general stocks.
Equipment: Capital costs for equipment purchased for project activities, including alterations and preparatory costs.
Intellectual Property & Other Direct Costs: Eligible costs not classified under other categories, directly related to project activities.
Travel and Outreach Costs: Eligible costs for travel directly related to project activities, which are appropriate and reasonable.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

This grant is available to organizations with operations in Canada as per the eligibility requirements. The eligible locations are geared towards Canadian entities to support local development.

Organizations with operations in Canada.
Canadian entities including SMEs, academic/research institutions, and not-for-profit organizations.
International collaborations are welcome, but must involve Canadian operations for funding allocation.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria to ensure alignment with the grant’s objectives.

Technical merit: The innovation concept must be scientifically sound and show progress of at least one Technology Readiness Level (TRL) through levels 1-7, with a focus on levels 3-7, towards commercialization or wider adoption in Canada.
Breadth and knowledge of the team/network members: The team should encompass multiple representatives of the agricultural product value chain and have collective expertise to evaluate technologies from various perspectives.
Economic and Social Benefits to Canadian agtech and agriculture: Projects should create future value for the Canadian agriculture sector and promote innovation adoption.
Training opportunities: Proposals should outline opportunities for experiential learning and training, including co-op or Work Integrated Learning programs targeting students or reskilling/upskilling industry workers.
Budget: Expenditures must be reasonable for the industry, appropriately justified, and adhere to CAAIN costing principles.

grant_single_labels|register

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

Step 1: Initial Project Application Form (PAF)
Complete and submit the Project Application Form (PAF) to outline criteria and eligibility requirements. Explain the project objectives and expected outcomes.
Ensure all sections are filled out correctly and align with CAAIN's priorities.
Submit the PAF before August 9, 2024, or under the rolling intake process afterwards.
Step 2: Invitation to Expression of Interest (EOI)
Receive an invitation to submit an Expression of Interest from CAAIN within 5 business days following your PAF submission if it meets the initial requirements.
Step 3: Submit Expression of Interest (EOI)
Develop a detailed description of the proposed project, including rationale, background information, and pathway towards commercialization or technology adoption.
Ensure the discussion of project partners and budgets supports objectives and likelihood of success.
Submit the EOI within 3 weeks of receiving the invitation.
Step 4: Invitation to Full Project Proposal (FPP)
Await invitation from CAAIN to submit a Full Project Proposal, which should follow 3 weeks after EOI submission.
Step 5: Submit Full Project Proposal (FPP)
Prepare a comprehensive project proposal including detailed project description, financial workbook, and all supporting documentation.
Incorporate feedback and critical reviews received from EOI stage.
Submit the FPP within 6 weeks of receiving the invitation.
Step 6: Receive Funding Decision
Wait for a final decision on your FPP, which will be communicated by CAAIN’s Board of Directors within 6-8 weeks after FPP submission.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

CAAIN funding is complementary to cash contributions from at least two Canadian SMEs, excluding governmental sources.
Project outcomes must include widespread sharing of results via CAAIN-managed platforms, reinforcing open collaboration.
Proposals need to showcase intent to enhance specific Canadian agricultural sectors through digital technologies or smart farms.
All projects must utilize CAAIN's data management platform, ensuring standardized data reporting and sharing.
A 5% administration fee applies to all funded initiatives, as stipulated by CAAIN.
The scope of funding is up to $3 Million CAD, with reimbursement up to 40% of eligible expenses.
Resultant intellectual property and data must remain in Canada for a minimum of 5 years post-project.
Broad collaborations leveraging expertise and addressing technological challenges are strongly encouraged.
Eligible smart farms and networks should include evaluations of emerging technologies under Canadian conditions.

grant_single_labels|contact

info@caain.ca

Apply to this program

Empowering Innovation in Agri-food through CAAIN Funding

The Canadian Agri-Food Automation and Intelligence Network (CAAIN) is offering substantial financial support for projects that integrate cutting-edge technology into agriculture. This funding initiative is aimed at bridging the gap between innovative developments in agriculture and their real-world application in the commercial sector.

Exploring the CAAIN Grant and Its Contributions to Agri-food Innovation

The Canadian Agri-Food Automation and Intelligence Network (CAAIN) is at the forefront of nurturing innovation in agriculture through its 2024-2025 Open Competition grant. With an allocation of $6 million CAD, CAAIN seeks to support projects that foster technological advancement within the agri-food sector. The focus is primarily on leveraging automation, robotics, and data-driven decision-making tools to enhance agricultural production and processing efficiencies.

CAAIN operates with a clear mission to connect innovators, researchers, and industry stakeholders through collaborative efforts, thereby strengthening Canada’s agtech ecosystem. This initiative not only funds pioneering projects but also actively cultivates an environment conducive to the development and scaling of smart farm networks across the country. By integrating partners across various sectors, CAAIN aims to create a robust framework for validation, demonstration, and wider technology adoption.

The importance of advancing technology in agriculture is underscored by global challenges such as climate change, food security issues, and resource depletion. CAAIN’s grant funding is meticulously designed to address these challenges by increasing precision, productivity, and profitability in the agri-food industry. Through supporting the creation of smart farms and networks, the initiative boosts the operational capacity of agricultural businesses and fosters the growth of a competent agricultural workforce trained in the latest technologies.

One of the significant aspects of this grant is its alignment with broader economic, social, and environmental goals. Projects aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through innovative farming practices, enhance land and water use efficiency, and improve food traceability are of particular interest. This aligns with CAAIN’s commitment to cultivating sustainable agricultural practices that not only generate economic benefits but also deliver positive societal impacts.

Moreover, CAAIN emphasizes the integration of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) principles in project proposals. This approach ensures a diverse range of perspectives are considered, thereby fostering creative solutions to complex agricultural issues. The inclusion of EDI elements is also seen as crucial for driving innovation and creating equitable opportunities within the agricultural sector.

The grant provides a comprehensive framework for project development and execution, with a multi-stage application process designed to ensure only the most impactful and innovative proposals are funded. From the initial Project Application Form stage to the final Full Project Proposal submission, CAAIN maintains rigorous evaluation criteria focusing on technical merit, economic viability, and social impact.

Successful applicants benefit not only from financial support but also from the vast network of CAAIN’s members, which includes opportunities for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and resource pooling. This ecosystem approach amplifies the potential for project success and scalability, thereby maximizing the return on investment both for the grant recipients and the broader agritech community.

In summary, CAAIN’s 2024-2025 Open Competition grant stands as a pivotal opportunity for Canadian agribusinesses seeking to innovate and lead the way in sustainable agriculture. By aligning technological advancements with essential agricultural practices, CAAIN helps pave the path towards a more sustainable, efficient, and technologically advanced agricultural sector in Canada.