Closed
HARVEST Business Accelerator Funding Opportunity
Funding for Canadian agri-food biotech scale-up
Last Update: April 29, 2026
Funding available
$ 350,000 - $ 750,000
Timeline
- Closing date : April 13, 2026
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
HARVEST provides between $350,000 and $750,000 per approved project to help Canadian companies commercialize biotechnology-based solutions. It supports clean technology projects in agriculture and agri-food, including primary agriculture improvements and waste upcycling innovations.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Increase production or service capacity
- Implement environmental initiatives
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 750,000 $
- Minimum amount : 350,000 $
Timeline
- Closing date : April 13, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Manufacturing
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Development and commercialization of biotechnology-based innovations in agriculture and agri-food
- Primary agriculture clean technology projects that improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact
- Waste upcycling projects that reuse agricultural or food-processing by-products
- Projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve environmental performance
Documents Needed
- Completed intake form
- Completed application form
- Project work plan
- Project budget
- Financial statement or co-funding proof
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Canadian for-profit enterprises
- Companies in the life sciences and biotechnology sector
- Canadian cleantech and agricultural companies
- Companies in agriculture and agri-food value chains
Who is not eligible
- Academic institutions, unless contracted as a project partner
- Projects focused on fundamental research
- Projects focused on market research
- Commercial launches of already-developed technology
Eligible expenses
- Salaries and benefits directly tied to project work
- Contracted services specific to the project
- Equipment needed for the project
- Other direct project costs
- Overhead costs within the allowed cap
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Market analysis and marketing activities
- Legal fees
- Inventory setup costs
- Hospitality expenses
- Land, building, and construction costs
- Government fees
- Bonuses and severance pay
- Costs already reimbursed by another public program
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are first screened for eligibility and suitability.
- Qualified applicants are invited to submit a full application.
- Full applications undergo external review and assessment.
- Only selected projects receive an award decision.
- Funding is released only after co-funding is received or committed.
Additional information
- A comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment is required.
- The program is divided into two streams: PACT and wasteCANcreate.
- Companies may apply through an intake form followed by a full application.
- Final eligibility decisions rest with the program organizers.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the HARVEST Business Accelerator Funding Opportunity Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the HARVEST Business Accelerator Funding Opportunity. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the HARVEST Business Accelerator Funding Opportunity?
HARVEST provides between $350,000 and $750,000 per approved project to help Canadian companies commercialize biotechnology-based solutions. It supports clean technology projects in agriculture and agri-food, including primary agriculture improvements and waste upcycling innovations.
How much funding can be received?
HARVEST Business Accelerator Funding Opportunity Funds up to $750,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the HARVEST Business Accelerator Funding Opportunity program?
To be eligible for the HARVEST Business Accelerator Funding Opportunity program, you must:
Canadian for-profit company
Work performed in Canada
Biotech or life science innovation
What expenses are eligible under HARVEST Business Accelerator Funding Opportunity?
Development and commercialization of biotechnology-based innovations in agriculture and agri-food
Primary agriculture clean technology projects that improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact
Waste upcycling projects that reuse agricultural or food-processing by-products
Projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve environmental performance
Who can I contact for more information about the HARVEST Business Accelerator Funding Opportunity?
You can contact Ontario Genomics by email at pact@harvestaccelerator.ca.
Where is the HARVEST Business Accelerator Funding Opportunity available?
The HARVEST Business Accelerator Funding Opportunity program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the HARVEST Business Accelerator Funding Opportunity a grant, loan, or tax credit?
HARVEST Business Accelerator Funding Opportunity is a Partnering and Collaboration