How much funding can be received?

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.

grant_single_labels|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.

grant_single_labels|projects

The Ontario Agri-Food Research Initiative provides funding for projects that contribute to research and innovation within Ontario's agri-food sector. Eligible projects focus on creating new knowledge, technologies, products, or practices to address industry challenges and enhance market opportunities.

Applied research activities generating new knowledge and experimental proof-of-concept at early Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) up to level 5.
Pilot and demonstration projects developing models or prototypes of new technologies at TRL 6.
Activities in knowledge translation and transfer (KTT) to transform research knowledge into practice through synthesis, exchange, and dissemination.
Commercialization efforts for scaling innovative technologies, products, and services to market through market validation and product development, advancing technologies through TRL 7-9.

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements that applicants must meet in order to qualify for funding.

The lead applicant must be located in Ontario.
The applicant must demonstrate their capacity to perform quality research and innovation activities.
The applicant must be part of one of the following organizations: a university or college, a research organization, institute or foundation, an industry organization or business, a non-government organization, or a municipal or indigenous government or government agency.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

Eligible applicants for this initiative include universities, colleges, research organizations, institutes, industry organizations, businesses, non-government organizations, municipal or indigenous governments or agencies located in Ontario. Applicants must demonstrate their capacity to perform quality research and innovation activities in the agri-food sector. However, federal and provincial government researchers, researchers from outside Ontario, and those with outstanding progress reports from previously funded projects are not eligible to apply as lead applicants, although they may collaborate.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

Certain applicants are not eligible for this grant based on their status or location. The restrictions are intended to ensure that funding aligns with the initiative's aims and eligibility criteria.

Federal and provincial government researchers, unless collaborating with an eligible lead applicant.
Researchers and organizations outside of Ontario, unless collaborating with an Ontario-based lead applicant.
Researchers with outstanding progress reports for other projects funded by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

The grant covers expenses directly related to research and innovation activities in the agri-food sector.

Personnel costs specifically for project-related research roles.
Equipment and materials required for research and development activities.
Costs of pilot or demonstration project development.
Knowledge translation and transfer activities, including dissemination and engagement.
Expenses related to market validation and product development for commercialization.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

This grant is available to organizations located in specific geographical areas as mandated by the eligibility criteria. Eligible organizations must be based within Ontario, Canada, aligning with the provincial focus of the initiative.

Organizations based in Ontario, Canada.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The Ontario Agri-Food Research Initiative evaluates projects based on a series of criteria to ensure they meet the strategic objectives of the grant program.

Relevance to the research priorities outlined in the specific stream intake guidelines.
Capacity of the lead applicant to perform quality research and innovation activities.
Potential for the project to enhance the resiliency and sustainable growth of the agri-food sector.
Effectiveness of the proposed knowledge translation and transfer strategies.
Viability of developing prototypes and models for pilot and demonstration projects.
Market readiness and potential for commercial success in commercialization projects.
Adherence to the principles of equity, diversity, inclusion, and Indigenization in the project approach.

grant_single_labels|register

Step 1: Determine Eligibility
Ensure your organization is located in Ontario and falls under an eligible category such as a university, college, or research organization.
Step 2: 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.
Step 3: 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.
Step 4: 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.
Step 5: 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.
Step 6: 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.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

The initiative adheres to the principles of equity, diversity, inclusion, and Indigenization.
The Ontario Agri-Food Research Initiative is jointly funded by the Governments of Canada and Ontario under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.
The Grow Ontario Accelerator Hub provides mentoring and advisory services, growth planning, and investment readiness supports on a continuous intake basis.
Researchers with outstanding progress reports for other projects funded by OMAFA must submit these reports to be eligible for new funding.
A virtual information session will be held for several streams to provide an overview and answer questions about the application process.

Apply to this program

Unlock Funding for Agri-Food Innovation in Ontario

The Ontario Agri-Food Research Initiative provides essential financial resources for research and innovation projects within the agri-food sector. This initiative aims to support sustainable growth and resilience by promoting demand-driven activities that create new knowledge, technologies, and market opportunities.

Detailed Insights into the Ontario Agri-Food Research Initiative

The Ontario Agri-Food Research Initiative (OAFRI), collaboratively funded by the Government of Canada and Ontario, is a significant pillar of the Grow Ontario Strategy under the Sustainable Canadian Agriculture Partnership. Designed to bolster the province's agri-food sector, the OAFRI offers several funding streams tailored to different phases of technology readiness and market deployment. This initiative specifically targets projects that align with its strategic objectives, nurturing innovations that enhance industry resilience, expand market reach, and address specific challenges within the agri-food environment.

The funding streams under OAFRI are distinctly categorized to provide project-based support across various stages of research and development. These streams include Applied Research, Pilot and Demonstration, Knowledge Translation and Transfer (KTT), and Commercialization. Each stream has unique objectives and caters to specific aspects of the research continuum. The Applied Research stream, for instance, focuses on generating foundational knowledge and establishing experimental proofs-of-concept up to mid-range technology readiness levels (up to TRL 5). This stream serves as a starting point for turning theoretical research into tangible solutions through scientific inquiry.

The Pilot and Demonstration stream bridges the gap between applied research and commercial applications by supporting projects that develop prototypes or models, completing the technology readiness level 6. It allows researchers to validate their concepts in practical settings, ensuring readiness for full-scale implementation.

Moreover, the Knowledge Translation and Transfer stream promotes the effective use of scientific knowledge by facilitating activities such as synthesis, exchange, collaboration, and dissemination among stakeholders. This stream is vital for speeding up the application of innovative research findings, ensuring they reach industry players in a timely and impactful manner.

The Commercialization stream is geared towards projects that are poised to take innovative solutions to market. This involves market validation and product development activities that help refine technologies and services for commercial application, advancing them through higher levels of technology readiness (TRL 7-9). This stream ensures that groundbreaking technologies are not only developed but also effectively introduced to market settings where they can generate economic and social benefits.

In addition to these structured funding streams, the Grow Ontario Accelerator Hub offers continuous support, focusing on nurturing agri-food business capacities through mentoring, investment readiness, and growth planning. This hub serves as a dynamic avenue for fostering innovation adoption and enabling more solutions and technologies to penetrate the market.

OAFRI is committed to principles of equity, diversity, inclusion, and Indigenization, ensuring that the application process is accessible and inclusive. Eligible applicants must demonstrate their ability to conduct high-quality research or innovation activities and be based in Ontario, associated with various organizations, including educational institutions, industry bodies, and non-government entities.

By participating in this initiative, organizations gain a robust platform to elevate their research endeavors, contribute to sustainable industry growth, and ensure that their innovations effectively benefit the broader agri-food sector. The initiative not only funds research but also drives strategic collaborations and knowledge exchange, fostering a more resilient and adaptable agricultural economy in Ontario.