What is the Fertilizer Accelerating Solutions & Technology Challenge?

The Fertilizer Accelerating Solutions & Technology Challenge promotes the commercialization of solutions in the alternative fertilizer space. The main objectives are to transition alternative fertilizer solutions from research and validation phases to successful commercialization and market entry. This will address the dependency of Ontario agriculture on imported fertilizers, as well as provide alternatives to traditional fertilizers to ensure a continuous and cost-effective supply of fertilizer products to Canadian agriculture. 

Up to $200,000 in non-repayable funding is available to support projects advancing alternative fertilizer solutions to market!

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We’re looking for organizations in Ontario with solutions in the alternative fertilizer space that will be brought to market on or before Fall 2023. If that’s your organization, tell us about it.

Fertilizer Accelerating Solutions & Technology Challenge – Project Guidelines (2022-23)

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FAQ Document
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Project Eligibility

Eligible projects will address the risks in the fertilizer supply chain and drive economic and environmental benefits back to the Ontario ecosystem.

Eligible projects include activities that will result in:

  • Advancing alternative fertilizer product(s)/solution(s) to market
  • Demonstrating efficacy, efficiency, and performance validation of new alternative fertilizer product(s)/solution(s)

Note: All projects must advance the solution towards market readiness, and the solution must be at a minimum readiness level of Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 7 at the start of the project.

  • Priority will be given to projects that plan to advance solutions to market (TRL 9) by the end of Spring 2023.
  • Projects advancing solutions to market by the end of Fall 2023 are eligible and will be considered for funding, if available.

Project Details

Project Duration: Up to 14 months beginning no earlier than September 8, 2022 and ending no later than November 15, 2023.

Eligible Costs: With some limitations, this challenge can support the cost of; internal employee labour; consulting and professional service providers; equipment; consumables; essential travel expenses; legal costs; and other direct/indirect project costs. Please reference the Project Guidelines for full details.

All project activities must take place in Ontario with eligible costs incurred in Ontario.

Funding Available: Up to $200,000 in project-based matching funding where applicants can request up to 70% of the total eligible project budget.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants must:

  • Be located in Ontario.
  • Be a corporation, partnership, sole proprietor, or unincorporated association, including an Indigenous community or band council
  • Must have an alternative fertilizer solution (i.e., product, process, technology, or system) at or beyond TRL 7 at the start of the project

Timeline

  • September 23, 2022 - Challenge launch
  • October 5, 2022 - Intake opens
  • October 13, 2022 at 10am EDT
 - Virtual information session
  • November 4, 2022 at 11:59 am EDT
 - Application deadline
  • November, 2022 - Notification of awarded and declined applications
  • November 15, 2023 - Project completion deadline

Application Process

Application Toolkit

Applications will be accepted between October 5, 2022 to November 4, 2022, in a one-phase process. To apply, please complete the Application Workbook and Budget Workbook templates found in the Application Toolkit. Completed documents should be submitted using the Fertilizer Accelerating Solutions & Technology Challenge Intake Form.

Email, mail, in-person, and facsimile (fax) submissions will not be accepted. Applications must be received by the submission deadline to be considered for funding. Please reference the Fertilizer Accelerating Solutions & Technology Challenge Project Guidelines while completing your application.

Only successful Applications will result in financing and move towards negotiating a Contribution Agreement.

Project Guidelines
FAQ Document

Application Templates: 
Application Workbook
Budget Workbook

Apply Now:
Intake Form
Missed the Information Session?
View the recording

The Fertilizer Accelerating Solutions & Technologies Challenge is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

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