Agtech Growth Fund (AGF)
$450,000.00
Grant
Description:
The Agtech Growth Fund (AGF) is a research and development (R&D) funding program designed to accelerate the commercialization of game-changing technological innovations in the province’s agricultural sector.
Through AGF, Innovation Saskatchewan (IS) provides non-repayable grants to projects that address a specific industry challenge
Comments on Funding:
1. Lead proponents can receive a maximum of $450,000 in AGF grants to support the
commercialization of their innovation or technology. Proponents should only request amounts
that can be broken down into justifiable costs. Unjustified expenditures will negatively affect the
success of an application.
2. Lead proponents can apply for additional funding (over the $450,000) if they are working on a “new project”.
April 30 September 30 Annually
Eligibility:
Applications must:
Meet the following criteria to be considered for funding:
1. Proposed by a group of active private sector partners that represent the project’s value chain (researchers, those involved in the production/supply process, and customer/end users).
a) Active partner: participating in the project either through cash and/or in-kind contribution, equity investment, and/or letter of intent to purchase.
b) Project must be led by a Saskatchewan-based organization*. Preference will be given to lead proponents with headquarters presence in Saskatchewan. The project group can consist of non-Saskatchewan organizations, providing majority of the group have headquarter presence in Saskatchewan.
c) Priority is given to proposals that also have an academic partner from a Saskatchewan post-secondary or research institute.
2. Demonstrate how the technological innovation will solve a specific industry-wide challenge and benefit the agriculture sector as a whole, not just individual companies.
3. Technological solutions must be novel and innovative.
4. Demonstrate a feasible path to commercialization and how the benefits of the project will be sustained over the long-term.
5. Industry partners must provide 50% or more of the project’s budget. The amount requested from IS is no more than 30% of the proposed budget.
*Projects led by non-Saskatchewan organizations with innovative technologies of significant benefit to Saskatchewan will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. IS reserves full discretion to declare the lead proponent ineligible.
Application Steps:
Applicants must:
1. Apply through the Online Application Portal.
2. For more information, please contact Matthew Hayduk at matthew.hayduk@innovationsask.ca
Documentation Needed:
Applicants must submit:
1. an Expression of Interest;
2. a completed Financial Questionnaire Form;
3. at least two letters of intent from prospective and/or committed
customers of the technology being developed;
4. additional information, as requested.
Other Things to Note:
AGF will accept applications for R&D projects related to the following areas:
a) Digital Ag Software/Hardware (e.g., sensors, imagery, precision ag);
b) Smart Farm Equipment (e.g., robotics, machinery, automation);
c) Animal Health;
d) Agrifood Supply Chain (e.g., traceability);
e) Agricultural Marketplace and Fintech.
About the author
Maurice
