How much funding can be received?

There is no informations about how much funding can be received.

What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Who are the financial supporters of the Ontario Agri-food Research Initiative?

Ontario Agri-food Research Initiative is funded by Government of Ontario

What are Ontario Agri-food Research Initiative's eligibility criterias?

The lead applicant must be located in Ontario. The applicant must demonstrate capacity for quality research and innovation activities. Eligible entities include universities, colleges, research organizations, industry or non-government organizations, and municipal or indigenous governments.

Ontario Agri-food Research Initiative

Last Update: June 17, 2025

ON, Canada

Funding for Ontario agri-food research and innovation projects

Ontario Agri-food Research Initiative at a glance

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Timeline

Open Date : October 15, 2024
Closing date : January 13, 2025

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting

Grant Providers

Government of Ontario

Status

Closed

Overview of the Ontario Agri-food Research Initiative program

The Ontario Agri-Food Research Initiative provides funding for agri-food research and innovation projects in Ontario, with several streams such as applied research, pilot and demonstration, knowledge translation and transfer, and commercialization, although the maximum funding amount is not explicitly provided. Eligible activities include scientific investigation, prototype development, knowledge mobilization, and scaling innovative technologies for commercial use.

Financing terms and conditions

This grant supports various streams aimed at driving innovation within the Ontario agri-food sector by providing funding that aligns with the research priorities of each stream.

Funding is provided through multiple streams including applied research, pilot and demonstration, knowledge translation and transfer, and commercialization.
Funding targets activities ranging from the research and development stage to market-ready commercialization projects.
The specific financing structure varies according to each stream, and is guided by the Technology Readiness Levels applicable to the project.

Eligible projects & activities

Applied research projects aimed at generating new knowledge or proof-of-concept solutions for challenges in the agri-food sector.
Pilot and demonstration projects for developing and testing prototypes or models of new agri-food technologies.
Knowledge translation and transfer initiatives to facilitate the adoption and use of research findings within the sector.
Commercialization activities to scale and bring agri-food innovations, products, or services to market.
Agri-food business support activities through the Grow Ontario Accelerator Hub, including mentoring, growth planning, and investment readiness services.

Eligibility criteria of the Ontario Agri-food Research Initiative program

The lead applicant must be located in Ontario.
The applicant must demonstrate the capacity to perform quality research and innovation activities.
The applicant must be part of a university or college, research organization, institute or foundation, industry organization or business, non-government organization, or a municipal or Indigenous government or government agency.
The project must align with at least one of the research priorities outlined in the specific stream intake guidelines.

Who is eligible?

Universities or colleges based in Ontario
Research organizations, institutes, or foundations located in Ontario
Industry organizations or businesses within Ontario
Non-government organizations in Ontario
Municipal or Indigenous governments or government agencies in Ontario

Eligible expenses

Market validation activities, such as conducting market research related to new technologies, products, or services.
Product development, including prototype creation and field trials.
Activities aimed at removing barriers to market launch or private sector adoption.
Optimization of minimum viable products to meet customer needs.

Eligible geographic areas

Ontario

How to apply to the Ontario Agri-food Research Initiative program

Determine Eligibility

Ensure your organization is located in Ontario and falls under an eligible category such as a university, college, or research organization.

Choose Appropriate Funding Stream

Identify the relevant stream for your project based on the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) and project objectives (e.g., applied research, pilot and demonstration, knowledge translation and transfer, or commercialization).
Review the research priorities outlined in the specific stream intake guidelines to ensure alignment.

Understand the Guidelines

Download and read the 2024 guidelines (PDF) for your chosen stream to understand the detailed requirements and criteria.
For applied research, pilot and demonstration, and knowledge translation and transfer streams, access the guidelines via the Ontario government website.

Prepare Application

Compile all necessary documents and information required by the guidelines, including project descriptions, budgets, and timelines.
Draft your application ensuring it addresses the funding criteria and research priorities.

Submit Application

For applied research, pilot and demonstration, and KTT streams, log in to the Research Management System (RMS) to submit your application.
If applicable, contact RMS support at RMS@ontario.ca for assistance.
For the commercialization stream, visit the Bioenterprise website to submit your application.

Attend Information Sessions (Optional)

Register for the virtual information session on October 29, 2024, for insights into the applied research, pilot and demonstration, and KTT streams.
Attend the Bioenterprise event on October 16, 2024, to learn more about the commercialization stream.

Additional information

Applicants must align their projects with at least one research priority defined in the stream-specific intake guidelines.
Intake periods and deadlines differ depending on the funding stream, so applicants should monitor specific dates for each stream.
Virtual information sessions and webinars are available for prospective applicants to learn about objectives, priorities, and application procedures.
Applicants can review examples of successfully funded past projects and amounts awarded.