CAAIN — 2024 Smart Farm Network Competition Canada

CAAIN — 2024 Smart Farm Network Competition

Canada
Develop smart farm networks for Canadian agtech innovation
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grant_single_labels|criteria
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  • grant_single|maxCount
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grant_single|deadlines
  • grant_single|closingDateJanuary 12, 2024
  • grant_single|grantStatusClosed
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
  • Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
grant_single|grantors
  • Canadian Agri-Food Automation and Intelligence Network (CAAIN)
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grant_card_status|closed

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The 2024 Smart Farm Network Competition, managed by the Canadian Agri-Food Automation and Intelligence Network (CAAIN), aims to support the creation or advancement of smart farm networks by providing up to $1 Million CAD in funding, reimbursing up to 40% of eligible expenses. The program focuses on evaluating agricultural technologies under commercial conditions, fostering collaborations within Canada's agtech community, and promoting the adoption of innovations to enhance competitiveness and profitability in the agricultural sector.

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The CAAIN Smart Farm Network Competition supports projects that aim to enhance the agricultural sector's innovation and productivity across Canada. Eligible activities focus on evaluating technological advancements and fostering collaborations among smart farms and network members.
  • Development and operation of Canadian smart farms producing recognized agri-food products or addressing specific agricultural challenges like Indigenous-focused agriculture, soil health, or regenerative agriculture.
  • Evaluation of the latest knowledge and emerging technologies to enhance agricultural productivity and profitability, with a commitment to sharing verifiable evaluations with the agtech community.
  • Implementation and demonstration of innovations and technologies to Canadian agricultural producers, researchers, and communities.
  • Contribution of high-level data summaries for the CAAIN Data and IP catalogues, promoting transparency and collaboration among network members.
  • Provision of learning opportunities aimed at developing a skilled workforce in the agtech sector.
  • Participation in a nationwide network of smart farms coordinated by CAAIN, ensuring data and knowledge sharing in a structured format.
  • Evaluation and reporting on the benefits of evaluated technologies, focusing on economic, social, and environmental aspects like improved productivity, efficiency, reduced emissions, and enhanced carbon capture.

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the network composition, contributions, and compliance with CAAIN objectives.
  • The network 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).
  • The network must include cash contributions from at least two small or medium enterprises (SME) incorporated in Canada, defined as businesses with 499 or fewer employees according to Statistics Canada.
  • All network partners must be in good standing with CAAIN, with no overdue reporting or monies owed.
  • Proposal objectives must align with those of CAAIN and the ISED Strategic Innovation Fund Stream 4.
  • The initiative must be incremental to the regular business of project team member organizations, with financial commitments distinct from investments that would otherwise occur.
  • The network commits to widely sharing the results of all technology assessments supported by CAAIN and uploading research and evaluation results onto a CAAIN-led or managed software platform.
  • The network commits to promoting the CAAIN brand in association with the smart farm or smart farm network.
  • Past and existing funding recipients of CAAIN are welcome to apply.
  • The smart farms or networks must be involved in developing or operating a Canadian smart farm focused on recognized agri-food products or addressing specific Canadian agricultural challenges.
  • The network must be capable of empirically validating the use of the latest knowledge and emerging technology relevant to the proposed smart farm project and assessing its potential economic value.
  • The network must provide learning opportunities that contribute to the development of a skilled workforce.
  • Commit to sharing high-quality, verifiable evaluations of emerging technologies with the agtech community and demonstrating the latest technology to Canadian agricultural stakeholders.
  • Commit to joining and collaborating with a nationwide network of smart farms coordinated by CAAIN.
  • Commit to sharing demonstration data using a common structured format with other network members, and using CAAIN’s data collaboration and management platform.
  • Keep resultant IP and data in Canada for a minimum of five years.
  • Have the knowledge and skills to evaluate and report on the benefits of the technology or knowledge being evaluated.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

The 2024 Smart Farm Network Competition seeks to create and develop smart farm networks across Canada, offering opportunities for various organizations to participate under specified eligibility criteria.
  • Networks must be comprised of organizations with operations in Canada, possibly including academic/research institutions, not-for-profits, and for-profit entities.
  • Multi-stakeholder networks involving Canadian operations are encouraged, and while international collaborations are welcome, funding can only flow to Canadian entities.
  • Networks must include cash contributions from at least two small or medium enterprises (SMEs) incorporated in Canada, defined as businesses with 499 or fewer employees.
  • All network partners must be in good standing with CAAIN, having no overdue reports or monies owed.
  • Proposal objectives must align with those of CAAIN and the ISED Strategic Innovation Fund Stream 4.
  • The initiative must be incremental, not part of the regular business of project team members, and require distinct financial commitments.
  • Networks must commit to widely sharing results and uploading research and evaluation data on a CAAIN-managed platform.
  • Commitment to promoting the CAAIN brand is required.
  • Past and current funding recipients of CAAIN are eligible to apply.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

This grant does not explicitly outline specific industries or types of companies that are restricted from applying. However, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements and align with the program's objectives to be considered for funding support.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

Eligible expenses for the Smart Farm Networks Program encompass a range of costs incurred in executing the approved project activities, specifically non-recurring and necessary costs identifiable to the project.
  • Direct Labour: Gross wages or salaries for eligible activities directly related to the project.
  • Subcontractors and Consultants: Costs for work or services by external third parties directly related to the project.
  • Direct Materials & Supplies: Costs of materials specifically identified for use in the project and consumed during project activities.
  • Equipment: Capital cost of equipment purchased specifically for the project, including costs to bring it into working order.
  • Intellectual Property & Other Direct Costs: Eligible direct costs that do not fall within other categories but are necessary for project activities.
  • Travel and Outreach Costs: Travel expenses directly related to project activities and considered appropriate and reasonable.
  • Indirect Costs (Overhead): Costs necessary for business conduct but not directly attributable to specific project activities, capped at certain thresholds.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

This grant is available to companies and organizations operating within Canada. The eligibility ensures that Canadian entities benefit from and contribute to national agricultural innovation goals.
  • Organizations with operations in Canada including SMEs, academic, and research institutions.
  • Networks that include cash contributions from at least two SMEs incorporated in Canada.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria with allocated point scores to ensure alignment with the grant’s objectives.
  • Technical merit: The innovation must be scientifically sound and exist minimally as a functional prototype, evaluated for its potential for commercialization or wider adoption in Canada.
  • Breadth and knowledge of the network members: The network should include representatives from the agricultural product value chain, capable of evaluating technologies from diverse perspectives.
  • Economic and Social Benefits to Canadian agtech and agriculture: The network's development should create future value beyond its immediate members, with emphasis on regional and localized impact.
  • Training opportunities: Proposals should detail experiential learning opportunities, such as student involvement or industry worker training.
  • Budget: Expenditures must be reasonable, well-justified, and in adherence to CAAIN costing principles.

grant_single_labels|register

Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
  • Step 1: Request Project Application Form (PAF)
  • Email garson.law@caain.ca to request a copy of the Project Application Form.
  • Step 2: Prepare and Submit Project Application Form (PAF)
  • Outline the eligibility requirements and criteria in the PAF.
  • Clearly align the proposal with CAAIN’s priorities for this competition.
  • Submit the completed PAF by January 12, 2024.
  • Step 3: Full Project Proposal (FPP) Submission (if invited)
  • If invited, prepare the FPP including detailed project description, financial workbook, and all necessary documentation.
  • Complete sections such as project objectives, design and work plan, investment details, and risk mitigation strategies.
  • Submit the FPP draft by February 16, 2024.
  • Finalize and submit the FPP by March 15, 2024.
  • Step 4: Revisions to FPP
  • If required, provide additional information or address feedback given on the FPP.
  • Submit revisions by April 26, 2024.
  • Step 5: Await Final Decision
  • Final funding decisions by CAAIN’s Board of Directors will be made in June 2024.
  • Receive notification about the final decision and next steps if approved.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
  • CAAIN encourages high growth companies to build smart farm networks by connecting with academic, post-secondary, and not-for-profit partners.
  • Applications must include documentation showing financial commitments from Canadian SMEs.
  • A focus is placed on contributing to the development and validation of technologies tailored to diverse agroclimatic conditions across Canada.
  • Projects that successfully create learning opportunities for the agtech workforce are prioritized.
  • There is a U.S. $1 million cap for CAAIN funding per project, but only up to 40% of eligible project costs will be reimbursed.
  • Digital and automation technology investments are viewed favourably when aligned with smart-farm development and workforce training.
  • In-kind contributions, although non-matchable, are considered a vital reflection of team dedication and likelihood of success.
  • Collaboration with international organizations is permissible, but funding flows exclusively to Canadian entities.
  • CAAIN requires widespread dissemination of evaluated technology results and compliance with mandated reporting and auditing practices.
  • Projects should ideally illustrate economic, environmental, and social benefits when evaluating new technologies.
  • Comprehensive performance monitoring will occur for up to five years post-completion to evaluate long-term impacts and facilitate future opportunities.
  • Announcements of funding support must be pre-approved by CAAIN.
  • Data sharing and intellectual property are strongly encouraged to ensure network sustainability.
  • Earlier proposals may need revisions based on detailed reviews by CAAIN advisory committees.

grant_single_labels|contact

garson.law@caain.ca

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