Guelph, ON (Friday, March 4, 2022) – Bioenterprise Canada is pleased to announce the successful applicants of the Ontario Agri-Food Research Initiative (OAFRI) Commercialization Stream! More than 20 organizations have been selected to receive funding to conduct market validation and product development projects, and to bring those innovative solutions to the market. Not only will these projects strengthen Ontario’s agri-food sector, but they will also ensure Ontarians continue to have access to the safe, high-quality food the province is known for.
Through an agreement with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), the Government of Canada and Ontario is providing Bioenterprise with up to $2.4M through the Canadian Agriculture Partnership to deliver the OAFRI Commercialization Stream. This initiative provides successful applicants with up to $150,000 in non-repayable acceleration financing to transform innovative agri-food research ideas into leading-edge technologies, services, and new market-ready products.
“Ontario is committed to supporting innovative research that drives the development of new made-in-Ontario products, practices, and technologies,” said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “This is why we’re investing in innovations that will build a stronger and more resilient agri-food sector for years to come and to strengthen our economy.
“The OAFRI Commercialization Stream is a significant statement from the federal and provincial governments that agriculture is an economic priority for Canada’s global leadership,” says Dave Smardon, President of Bioenterprise Canada. “By focusing on market validation and product development, we are targeting the wealth of untapped technologies coming out of Ontario’s innovation value chain. These projects are the next heavy hitters for Ontario’s job creation and economic growth.”
The partnership between OMAFRA and Bioenterprise Canada is part of the Ontario Agri-Food Research Initiative. Projects funded through this initiative are designed to increase competitiveness and to benefit all Ontarians by continuing to provide safe and healthy food while increasing trade opportunities for Ontario grown and made food items.
We would like to offer our congratulations to the following successful recipients:
Biodiffusion Technologies Inc.
Bruce Peninsula Biosphere Association
Innovative Farmers Association of Ontario
Join our mailing list for updates on this initiative or contact Bioenterprise today to explore additional commercialization support services and programs.
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