Knowledge & development partners

AG-ACt | Agricultural Genomics Action Centre

The Agricultural Genomics Action Centre (AG-ACt) is an innovative knowledge mobilization centre supporting Genome Canada’s Climate-Smart Agriculture and Food Systems research portfolio

Services

Offers knowledge mobilization training and resources to build capacity, Bridges the gap between cutting-edge genomics research and real-world application, Provides access to cross-sector networks and ecosystem engagement opportunities

Sectors

Agri-food, Agri-tech, Climate-smart agriculure, Genomics, Environmental sustainability

TRL Stage: 1 – 4

Agricultural Manufacturers of Canada (AMC)

The Agricultural Manufacturers of Canada (AMC) is a national organization with global impact and a member-driven industry association representing over 300 agricultural equipment manufacturers and the many companies that support them.

Services

Foster and promote the growth and development of the agricultural equipment manufacturing industry in Canada.

Sectors

Manufacturing

TRL Stage: N/A

Agrivoltaics Canada

Growing Benefits of Solar and Agriculture Together.

Services

We promote farmer led solar through agrivoltaics advocacy work.

Sectors

Agriculture, Energy

TRL Stage: N/A

BC Tech Association

BC Tech is the largest member-led technology non-profit in British Columbia, and we’re dedicated to turning startups into scaleups.

Services

Our work supports members to grow and diversify their talent pool, acquire new customers, access capital and accelerate their scaleup journey.

Sectors

AI/ML, AR/VR/MR, Blockchain, Cleantech, Cloud/SaaS, Cybersecurity, Digital Health, Digital Media, FinTech, Gaming, Healthtech, Lifesciences, Quantum, Security, Smart Cities, Software and emerging tech.

TRL Stage: All stages

Bioscience Association of Manitoba (BAM)

Bioscience Association Manitoba (BAM) is a member-driven industry association supporting over 200 members across health, agricultural, and clean biotechnology. We advance the sector through advocacy, workforce development, promotion, and industry connections, helping drive innovation and grow Manitoba’s bioscience economy.

Services

BAM supports startups and scaling companies through industry connections, workforce development programs, sector navigation, advocacy, and opportunities for visibility through events and promotions.

Sectors

Biotech, Health and Life sciences, Agriculture, Biotech, Clean biotechnology

TRL Stage: N/A

Brandon University

Across the Brandon University campus there are state-of-the-art research laboratories and facilities with high calibre equipment. Researchers undertake a variety of projects and are involved with both internal and external collaborators.

Services

Research Laboratories and Facilities

Sectors

Agri-Food

TRL Stage: 1 – 4

Brock University

Brock University is a public research university located in St. Catharines, Ontario, with strong capacity in applied research and industry-engaged collaboration. Brock provides specialized laboratory and field-based research infrastructure to support validation, testing, and innovation-driven partnerships across multiple sectors.

Services

Startups / Scaleups / Accelerators: Brock supports growth-stage companies and industry partners through applied research collaboration and access to specialized research facilities, including: Brock LINC – partners with industry, startups, government, and community organizations to advance innovation. We connect partners with Brock University’s research expertise and facilities, supporting project scoping, funding, partnerships, commercialization, agreements, IP, licensing, venture resources, and research talent and infrastructure, Brock–Niagara Validation, Prototyping and Manufacturing Institute (VPMI) – is a state-of-the-art Brock University research institute linking researchers and students with industry through applied research, testing, validation, and performance evaluation. Its mass spectrometry, microscopy, and materials platforms support bioproducts, bioscience, agriculture, and chemical sectors with innovation, training, and partnerships, Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI) – internationally recognized research expertise in cool climate viticulture and oenology, providing industry-driven research, analytical services, and technical consultation, Brock University Norris W. Walker Research Farm (anticipated launch: Fall 2027) – state-of-the-art field research infrastructure supporting clean plant programming, precision agriculture, ecological systems research, and sustainable agri-food innovation, Level 3 Containment Laboratory (CL3) – advanced biosafety laboratory infrastructure enabling high-containment infectious disease and cell biology research collaborations

Sectors

Agri-food and sustainable agriculture, Viticulture and wine, Bioproducts and bio-manufacturing, Bioscience and health-related research, Chemical manufacturing and industrial innovation, Environmental sustainability

TRL Stage: 1 – 9

Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC)

The Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council is a national, non-profit organization focused on addressing human resource issues facing agricultural businesses across Canada.

Services

Training, Consulting, Networking, workforce skills

Sectors

Agri-Food

TRL Stage: N/A

Canadian Association of Farm Advisors (CAFA)

The Canadian Association of Farm Advisors (CAFA) Inc. is dedicated to assisting farm families and businesses by increasing the skills and knowledge of farm advisors and consultants.

Services

Access to on-going farm-focused professional development and learning opportunities

Sectors

Agri-Food

TRL Stage: N/A

Canadore College

At Canadore College, applied research connects knowledge, technology, people and ideas to solve real-world challenges. We support researchers, students, and partners at every stage of the research journey.

Services

Short—and long-read sequencing platforms, which enable us to work with various sample types and applications in the genomics field. We have an Illumina MiSeq short-read sequencer for high-throughput analysis of Dna samples and Oxford nanopore GridIon and Mk1C long-read sequencing platforms, which allow us to detect select epigenetic modifications and perform de novo genome assembly.

Sectors

Agrifood/Agritech, Health Sciences support, and Water/Wastewater treatment.

TRL Stage: 1 – 4

College Boreal

Boréal is a Francophone leader that offers high-quality training and services to a diverse clientele. It catalyzes the sustainable development of communities, from the local to the international.

Services

Support and guidance in project development, including the development of funding applications and receiving ethical approval when necessary
Identification of sources of funding and administrative management of projects, agreements, and reports
Prototyping and concept validation
Creation and sharing of tools and resources
Access to the expertise of our highly qualified researchers
Support from our students in your projects supervised by our researchers
Access to our research and innovation facilities and to our state-of-the-art equipment

Sectors

Agriculture, Aquaculture, Forestry

TRL Stage: 1 – 4

Conestoga College (Food Centre)

At the Conestoga Food Research & Innovation Lab (CFRIL), we collaborate with organizations across the food processing, packaging, and foodservice sectors to deliver practical, scalable solutions. Our state-of-the-art laboratory and pilot plant facilities support every stage of the product development cycle—from concept to commercialization. Whether you’re a startup or an established enterprise, our team works closely with you to drive innovation, solve challenges, and bring new ideas to market.

Services

Services offered to Startups, Scaleups, Small, Medium and large sized corporations as well as non-profits.

Sectors

Food processors, Ingredient manufacturers, Packaging

TRL Stage: 3 – 9

Durham College of Applied Arts & Technology

The Office of Research Services, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ORSIE) is Durham College’s research and innovation hub. We provide research and development solutions through funding opportunities, faculty expertise, state-of-the-art research facilities, and student learning experiences.

Services

We conduct projects that model or simulate solutions, develop and test prototypes, adopt new technologies and knowledge, and develop and evaluate new or improved products and processes.

Sectors

Beverage, AI, Cybersecurity

TRL Stage: 1 – 5

ecampus Ontario

eCampusOntario is a provincially-funded non-profit organization dedicated to advancing innovation, collaboration, and excellence in digital education for Ontario’s postsecondary education sector. eCampusOntario builds bridges between education and employment via Key Products & Services.

Services

Startups/Scaleups/Accelerators – Ontario Collaborative Innovation Platform (OCIP.ai): Supports partnerships between SMEs and Ontario’s Higher Education Institutes for collaborative research & innovation projects, Micro-credential Portal: Facilitates access to short duration training and upskilling programs to help fill skills gaps, Work-Integrated-Learning Opportunities: eCampusOntario provides employers with streamlined access to student talent and wage subsidy funding through the Student Work Placement Program (SWPP)

Sectors

Agri-tech, Food-tech, AI

TRL Stage: All

Fanshawe College

Fanshawe College’s Centre for Research and Innovation administers all community and industry-focused applied research partnerships for the institution, operating three dedicated research facilities (the Centre for Applied Research and Innovation in Biotechnology, the Centre for Connected Building Technology, and the Packaging Advancement Centre) with the goal of solving industry-identified challenges related to product development, process optimization, efficiency and productivity enhancements, and technology evaluation and adoption across a variety of sectors.

Services

Services offered to Startups/Scaleups/Accelerators – Centre for Applied Research and Innovation in Biotechnology (CARIB) Labs: Product development and scale up, Process analysis and optimization, Product testing (e.g., microbial shelf life, nutritional profiling, challenge studies), Method development (for extraction, purification, biochemical analysis, etc.), Waste valorization. Packaging Advancement Centre (PAC) (food and beverage and natural health and wellness sectors): Identification of primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging solutions, Exploration of novel and sustainable packaging materials, Validation of packaging solutions with small-batch packaging trials, Sourcing of packaging suppliers, equipment, and materials, Design and optimization of packaging lines. Centre for Connected Building Technology (CCBT) labs: Design and fabrication of Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs), Design and fabrication of Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs), Processing and analysis of large-scale data sets using artificial intelligence-based workflows, Optimization and implementation of industry 4.0 technologies

Sectors

Agri-tech, Food-tech, AI, Food and Beverage processing, Natural health and wellness, Biotechnology

TRL Stage: 3 – 8

First Nations University (FNU)

The FNUniv Research Office’s overall purpose is to improve the quality of life of Indigenous people through the research supports we provide to nations, communities, researchers, and students. The resources are meant to support Indigenous communities, researchers and students, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous.

Services

Assists with the development of research agreements, provide guidance on Indigenous research engagement protocols, and review project proposals and grant applications, as well as funding agreements and processes.

Sectors

Agri-Food, Indigeneous focused

TRL Stage: 1 – 4

Food Innovation & Research Studio – FIRST at George Brown

The Food Innovation & Research Studio (FIRSt) is a group within George Brown Polytechnic that can be you outsourced Innovation Team. FIRSt is a group of food scientists and chefs that can be hired to complete a technical project in food and beverage. Any size of company can hire our team, and we can work with the founder, or the technical department within a large organization. FIRSt has permanent and dedicated staff that know how create a research plan, trial different solutions, and finalize a bench-top formulation or result. Our team of food scientists and chefs work in most food product categories including bakery, snacks, beverage, ready to drink (RTD) and ready to serve alcoholic beverages, sauces, condiments and more. Our team has supported over 450 companies in the past 7 years!

Services

Product and Recipe Development, Testing and Compliance, Validation and Support

Sectors

Food & Beverage, Nutraceuticals, Nutrition

TRL Stage: 2 – 9

Grain Farmers of Ontario – GFO

Grain Farmers of Ontario is the province’s largest commodity organization, representing Ontario’s 28,000 barley, corn, oat, soybean, and wheat farmers. The crops they grow cover more than six million acres of farmland, generate over $4.1 billion in production value, contribute over $27 billion in economic output, and support more than 90,000 jobs across the province. We are an industry organization that represents the best interests of Ontario grain farmers by advancing research, developing markets, providing agronomic support, advocating to government, etc.

Services

Grains Innovation Fund that has annual intakes and provides up to $75,000 towards projects that will drive growth and innovation in Ontario’s grain end-use markets. The annual intake opens in late summer. More details can be found at https://gfo.ca/grains-innovation-fund/, or by contacting marketdev@gfo.ca

Sectors

Agri-tech, Food-tech, AI

TRL Stage: N/A

Hydrogen Business Council of Canada – HBC

HBC is a like-minded community bringing knowledge and opportunities to the minds and hands of those who can apply and realize the benefits of hydrogen energy in their work and their lives.

Services

Hydrogen education and awareness-raising in Ontario and in Canada
Advocating for hydrogen solutions on behalf of our members, partners and stakeholders, with government decision makers at every level – to remove barriers and create incentives.
Exploring ways and means for HBC to be instrumental in the enablement and development of H2 projects – both for end users and as part of building out a viable hydrogen production infrastructure.

Sectors

Energy, Agri-Food

TRL Stage: N/A

IDEAWORKS at Mohawk College

The Energy & Power Innovation Centre (EPIC) is a dynamic hub of innovation in energy and power, addressing operational challenges for Canadian companies, with a distinct emphasis on energy and resource management. EPIC’s unique blend of multi-disciplinary experts gives it the ability to be a one stop shop in energy, efficiency, and the low carbon economy.

Services

We offer a collaborative ecosystem where companies can innovate, test, and adopt cutting-edge electrification technologies. Whether it’s helping utilities and major electrical contractors with training and commissioning, assisting large manufacturers in developing innovative efficiency systems, supporting cleantech startups in proving their concepts to attract investment, or enabling businesses to take advantage of the low-carbon economy, our tailored services are designed to meet our partners where they are and where they want to go.

Sectors

Agri-Tech, Construction, and Manufacturing with intersections with both AI and Cleantech

TRL Stage: N/A

Intellectual Property Ontario – IPON

(IPON) is a provincial agency focused on providing intellectual property services and support to help Ontario businesses and researchers innovate and grow.​​

Services

Services offered to Startups/Scaleups/Accelerators:
– IP Benchmarking
– IP Funding (up to $300,000 lifetime cap)
– 1:1 IP Coaching
– IP Education
– IP Insurance

TRL Stage: All

Jelly Academy

Jelly Academy is an entry-level digital marketing skills training program with years of experience helping small business owners and those looking to amplify their career with the necessary knowledge, skills and tactics to support their goals.

Services

We provide digital marketing training for businesses that are in need of skills and strategies to drive growth.

Sectors

All

TRL Stage: 2 – 9

KPU – Applied Genomics Centre (AGC)

The Applied Genomics Centre (AGC), supported by Genome BC is Canada’s first Technology Access Centre (TAC) engaged in applied research and development of genomic and metabolomic tools to support the agri-tech sector.

Services

Our applied research projects focus largely on using genomic and metabolomic tools to investigate issues in agriculture around improving crop consistency, crop yield and animal health.

Sectors

Agriculture, Health science, Biology, and Horticulture

TRL Stage: 1 – 5

KPU – Institute for Sustainable Horticulture (ISH)

Kwantlen’s Institute for Sustainable Horticulture (ISH) was created in 2004 to be a partnership of academia with B.C.’s horticultural industries and the community to support British Columbia in meeting demands for a higher level of sustainability and environmental responsibility from horticulture, silviculture, forestry, and urban landscapes. We understand “sustainable horticulture” as a system built on the pillars of environment, economy and culture

Services

Develop Bioproducts
Sustain and Improve Ecosystem Health
Share Knowledge
Contribute to KPU
Nurture Our Innovative and Sustainable Applied Research Institute

Sectors

Horticulture: cultivation of fruit, nut, vegetable, herb and ornamental plants for human use; Food, Medicinal and Aesthetic.

TRL Stage: 1 – 5

Lakehead University

Ingenuity is Lakehead University’s business incubator, supporting students and recent alumni in transforming ideas into viable ventures. Ingenuity provides structured pathways for innovation through mentorship, applied learning, market validation, and accelerator programming. Our mission is to foster entrepreneurial thinking, drive regional economic development, and empower students to create meaningful impact through business creation and industry collaboration.

Services

Ingenuity supports early-stage startups and emerging ventures through a three-stage development model that includes ideation support, market validation with seed funding, and participation in the Ascend Accelerator program. Entrepreneurs receive one-on-one mentorship, access to industry advisors, applied workshops, pitch opportunities, and work-integrated learning support through student-led business services. We focus on equipping founders with practical tools in marketing, business development, financial planning, and customer discovery to help them launch, grow, and scale sustainably.

Sectors

All

TRL Stage: All

Life Sciences Ontario – LSO

We unite industry, academia, government, and innovators to strengthen Ontario’s life sciences ecosystem. We help our sector grow, compete, and thrive locally and globally.

Services

collaboration, advocacy, networking, education

Sectors

Biopharmaceuticals, Agriculture, Agri-food, Bioeconomy, Medical devices, Animal health, Environmental technologies

TRL Stage: N/A

Loyalist College

The Applied Research and Innovation Office (ARIO) at Loyalist College connects industry, faculty, researchers, and students through dynamic applied research projects. Home to the Centre for natural Products (CNP) and the Centre for Healthy Communities (CFHC)

Services

Loyalist College is home to two innovative applied research centres that support industry, community and academic collaboration. Each centre brings specialized expertise to solve real-world challenges and drive meaningful impact.

Sectors

Natural products and Health

TRL Stage: 1 – 4

Luqia

Created through the merger of the activities of the national Optics Institute (INO) and the Computer Research Institute of Montréal (CRIM), Luqia is a brand-new industrial innovation lab operating at the intersection of academia and industry, bringing together expertise in artificial intelligence, advanced photonics, and quantum technologies under a single organization. Issu de la fusion des activités de l’Institut national d’optique (INO) et du Centre de recherche informatique de Montréal (CRIM), Luqia est un tout nouveau laboratoire d’innovation industrielle, à la croisée de l’académique et de l’industriel, qui réunit en une seule entité des expertises en intelligence artificielle, en photonique avancée et en technologies quantiques.

Services

Luqia offers a range of services, from research and development and materials characterization to prototype development and short production runs of products based on optical technologies.

Sectors

Agri-tech, AI

TRL Stage: 1 – 8/9

Niagara College

At Niagara Colleges Research and Innovation division, we conduct projects that provide innovative solutions, such as producing and testing prototypes, evaluating new technologies, and developing new or improved products or processes for small- and medium-sized businesses.

Services

Prototyping, de-risking, market research, product development, feasibility studies, risk assessments, go-to-market strategies, technology validation, marketing and branding support, growth trials, integrated pest management, cannabis research.

Sectors

Business and Commercialization, Healthy Aging and Wellness, Horticultural and Environmental Sciences, Advanced Manufacturing, Food and Beverage

TRL Stage: All

Nipissing University

Nipissing University (NU) is a student‑centered, Northern Ontario university advancing research, innovation, and undersgraduate and graduate education with strengths in environment & climate, health & well‑being and education. Through the Office of Research, Innovation & Graduate Studies, NU supports discovery, partnerships, and commercialization pathways for regional impact.

Services

Research & technical collaboration: Access to faculty experts, research labs, and facilities for applied R&D, validation, and testing, Guidance on IP, funding programs, and industry partnerships, Access to High Quality Personnel (HQP) graduate and undergraduate research assistants

Sectors

Environment and Climate, Health, Community research, Social sciences

TRL Stage: 1 – 3

Olds College

Olds College of Agriculture & Technology is a technical institution offering industry demand-driven programming with an intensive focus on agriculture and technology. In addition to high-tech, hands-on agriculture education, Olds College is known for its innovative applied research that lays the foundation for solving real-world problems in farming, food and land — and is one of Canada’s Top 20 Research Colleges.

Services

The Smart Farm’s purpose is to implement the world’s best digital agriculture technologies for crop and livestock production to improve farming operations and efficiencies through smart technologies and practices. The Smart Farm has the ability to develop, validate and test products using technology and applied research on an operating farm, allowing businesses at any stage of progression to gain in-field testing to move through the innovation chain, and into the hands of farmers and producers.

Sectors

Agriculture Technology, Crop Production & Soil Science, Livestock Production — Genetics, Reproduction, Nutrition, Production & Management, Data Technology & Machine Automation, Animal Health, Science & Welfare, Land & Water Reclamation

TRL Stage: 2 – 8

Ontario Genomics

Ontario Genomics’ mission it to lead the application of genomics-based solutions across key sectors of the economy to drive economic growth, improve quality of life and global leadership for Ontario.

Services

Ontario Genomics supports groundbreaking genomics and biotechnology research and commercialization in food and agriculture, medicine and cleantech.

Sectors

Agri-Food, Human Health, Bioproducts and Environment

TRL Stage: 1 – 5

Richardson Centre at University of Manitoba

Leaders in food science and nutrition. We partner with the food industry in collaborative research and pre-commercial development activities, focusing on advancing food quality and human nutrition through traditional and innovative food processing techniques.

Services

The Centre connects researchers from the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences with the food and agriculture value chain by engaging in collaborative research and development activities.

Sectors

Food and Agricuture

TRL Stage: 1 – 5

Springboard Atlantic

Springboard Atlantic is a network of 19 universities and colleges in Atlantic Canada with a mission to grow the economy through the commercialization of research, development of intellectual property and collaborations between industry and academia.

Services

Springboard Atlantic IP Advantage provides financial support and education on intellectual property to startups and SMEs in Atlantic Canada

Sectors

All

TRL Stage: 1 – 3

University of Alberta

Agri-Food Discovery Place is a University-owned pilot plant facility. It is a world-class innovative research, training, and technology transfer facility and provides education to highly qualified individuals.

Services

Meat Safety & Processing (level 2 containment)
Carcass & Meat Science
natural Health Products & Functional Food
Animal Nutrient & Ingredient Development (including petfood formulation and extrusion)
Fermentation for optimization and scale up of level 1 microorganism

Sectors

Food and Agriculture

TRL Stage: 1 – 5

University of British Columbia

The Faculty of Land and Food Systems (LFS) is where science meets society’s urgent needs. Our students and faculty members use their diverse perspectives and experience to inspire their research. We work together to build resilient food systems, further sustainable agriculture, improve food security, promote healthier communities, and ensure the health and welfare of animals.

Services

At LFS, some of our key research strengths include sustainable agriculture, food safety and quality, nutrition and health, smart agriculture, precision agriculture and climate issues.

Sectors

Food, Agriculture and Health

TRL Stage: 1 – 5

University of Fraser Valley

Food and Agriculture Institute at the University of the Fraser Valley- an applied research and training institute focused on agricultural technology and policy.

Services

We offer mentoring and applied research in partnership with private ventures. We also pair emerging talent within the university with private enterprise.

Sectors

Agricultural technology, Agricultural policy, Sustainable food systems

TRL Stage: 1 -5

University of Guelph

The University of Guelph is a leading agri-food research and innovation institution, recognized for its depth across the agri-food value chain and its strong culture of collaboration with industry, government, and ecosystem partners. Through its Research Innovation Office and the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance, the University plays a key role in advancing research, talent, and infrastructure that underpin Ontario’s agri-food innovation ecosystem.

Services

The University of Guelph supports startups and scaleups by providing access to research expertise, specialized facilities, and pilot-scale testing environments to advance technology development and validation. We also offer support in intellectual property strategy, technology transfer, licensing and partnership development to help translate discoveries into market-ready solutions. Working in close collaboration with Bioenterprise and other ecosystem partners, the University complements accelerator programming by supporting technical de-risking, product validation, and pathways to industry adoption.

Sectors

Agri-tech, Food-tech, Plant and Animal biosciences, Sustainable and Climate-smart agriculture, Bioproducts and Circular bioeconomy, and AI and data-enabled agri-food systems.

TRL Stage: 2 -7

University of Waterloo

Our students combine top notch academic learning with work term experiences to bring you tech-savvy solutions, diverse perspectives and the ability to connect your business to the next generation mindset.

Services

Waterloo co-op students are available for four or eight month work terms to help with large projects, daily tasks and everything in between. With more than 25,000 students from 120+ programs available to hire, we’re here to help you find the talent you need.

Sectors

All

TRL Stage: N/A

Vineland Research and Innovation Centre

Vineland coordinates applied research, innovation, and commercialization activities across Ontario’s horticulture value chain, aligning government, private‑sector, and research partners to deliver measurable outcomes to the sector.

Services

Vineland provides applied R&D, product and technology validation, pilot and demonstration trials, commercialization‑focused research, knowledge translation and transfer, and access to specialized research infrastructure and technical expertise to support market‑ready innovation.

Sectors

Agri‑tech, Horticulture, Greenhouse production, Field and orchard production, Food systems, Crop protection and inputs (biologicals, biofertilizers), Food-tech, Plant breeding and genetics, Digital and data‑enabled agriculture, and sustainable agri‑food innovation.

TRL Stage: 3 – 9

Yukon Agricultural Association

The Yukon Agricultural Association (YAA) is a non-profit, democratically elected organization representing farmers and producers across the Yukon Territory.

Services

YAA engages with producers, policymakers, and researchers to drive innovation and sustainability in Yukon agriculture. Through advocacy, education, and collaboration with government and non-government partners, the organization ensures that the voice of Yukon producers is heard at all levels.

Sectors

Agri-Food

TRL Stage: N/A

Yukon University

Together we thrive. We provide a place for every person, every path, and every bit of potential. Start your journey by exploring our areas of study.

Services

We support innovators and entrepreneurs with funding, resources, expertise and incubation.

Sectors

All

TRL Stage: 1 – 4