L’Assomption RCM, November 1st, 2021 – In partnership with Cycle Momentum and Bioenterprise Corporation, Zone Agtech is relaunching the Cycle Momentum Agtech Acceleration Program – powered by Zone Agtech. The first acceleration program 100% dedicated to the commercialization of innovative agricultural technologies in Quebec, this initiative aims to offer concrete solutions for reducing the sector’s environmental footprint and help agricultural producers adapt to climate change, as well as supporting food autonomy in Quebec. This program will help move the province towards a greener, more efficient, and more profitable agricultural sector.
As part of the Cycle Momentum Agtech Acceleration Program – powered by Zone Agtech, five seed-stage enterprises with innovative agricultural technologies will benefit from various forms of support including access to the agricultural resources required to commercialize their technology. This immersive program will support the commercialization of ag tech by focusing on the quality of innovation, demonstration in an operational environment with pilot partners, and financing opportunities.
Companies are invited to apply to the Cycle Momentum Agtech Acceleration Program – powered by Zone Agtech starting today, until December 13th, 2021. Activities for this second cohort will begin at the end of January 2022. Powered by Zone Agtech, this program is designed for innovative agricultural companies with solutions to reduce GHGs, increase food autonomy or promote agricultural adaptation to climate change. Prospective applicants must also be located in the Zone Agtech or must commit to relocating there by the end of the program.
This initiative is part of a three-year partnership (2020-2023) between Zone Agtech, Bioenterprise Corporation, and Cycle Momentum. Thanks to an investment of $570,000, this alliance serves to catalyze the development of innovative agricultural technologies in Quebec in addition to supporting the mission of Zone Agtech.
“The Cycle Momentum Agtech Acceleration Program, powered by Zone Agtech, is unique in Quebec and responds to an unmet need,” says Marilou Cyr, Director of Zone Agtech. “Each country recognized for the strength of its agtech industry has its own innovation zone and acceleration program dedicated to this industry. The collaboration between experts from Zone Agtech, Cycle Momentum and Bioenterprise Corporation has created an extremely valuable program for Quebec entrepreneurs that brings together world-class coaches and mentors and offers a vision as much on what is happening in Quebec, as in Canada and internationally. We are very happy to announce the opening of intake for this 2nd cohort.”
“We are delighted to help accelerate the development of clean technologies in the agricultural sector. We are looking for entrepreneurs who are committed to both the development of the agricultural sector and the reduction of greenhouse gases”, emphasizes Patrick Gagné, President and CEO of Cycle Momentum. “We want to help these entrepreneurs better commercialize their technological solutions and to grow rapidly.”
“Our continued partnership with Zone Agtech and Cycle Momentum represents a considerable expansion of Canada’s Food and Agri-Tech Engine. It also allows us to make our expertise and resources further available to companies and organizations in Quebec,” explains Bioenterprise CEO Dave Smardon. “At the same time, we will have the opportunity to contribute to the export of promising food and agri-tech innovations from Quebec to the rest of Canada and to continue establishing funding partnerships as well as regional and national collaborations.”
About Zone Agtech
An incubator for know-how, entrepreneurship and innovation, Zone Agtech is located in the regional county municipality of L’Assomption, Quebec. It is a dedicated geolocated zone that brings together the entire local ecosystem to propel new agriculture, enabling both SMEs and large companies associated with it to successfully position themselves and reap unique competitive advantages. Strategically situated on the North Shore of Greater Montréal, the Zone provides direct access to a metropolitan logistics hub with research teams, a business network, advisors, training, research facilities, and visibility platforms all within a single location.
Since its launch by the L’Assomption RCM in 2020, Zone Agtech has distinguished itself as a key player in the development of the agtech and plant bioproducts industry in Quebec. Zone Agtech has already established several networks, developed international partnerships, created four consortiums, and, through its organized events, reached more than a thousand vital actors in the sector. Some forty companies are also setting up in the geolocated zone. In less than two years, Zone Agtech has brought together more than 200 Quebec companies and organizations within the agtech community, more than 1,600 scientists representing 24 complementary areas of expertise, 10 financial partners, and 3 acceleration partners.
For more info: www.zoneagtech.ca
About Cycle Momentum
Cycle Momentum – formerly known as The Ecofuel Accelerator – is a specialized and personalized accelerator dedicated to cleantech start-ups. Founded by Cycle Capital, Cycle Momentum works with entrepreneurs who develop and commercialize clean technologies to help build globally competitive companies. The Ecofuel Accelerator offers entrepreneurs a specialized and personalized program of training workshops, networking sessions, experienced mentors and gives investors access to some of the most promising Canadian cleantech ventures.
In addition to the funding provided by the Quebec government, Cycle Momentum benefits from the collaboration of Cycle Capital, Energy Transition Quebec, Fonds Vert, Écotech Québec, Fasken, and the city of Montréal.
For more info: https://cyclemomentum.co/
About Bioenterprise Corporation
Bioenterprise is Canada’s Food and Agri-Tech Engine, bringing more than 15 years of industry experience and a national and international network of research institutions, academia, mentors, experts, government, and industry players nationwide to help small and medium-sized businesses in the sector to connect, innovate, and grow. Through its experienced service partner network, Bioenterprise offers a wide range of expertise and support to its clients. In partnership with other industries, Bioenterprise opens doors to new technologies and platforms to help food and agri-tech businesses innovate and grow.
For more info: www.bioenterprise.ca
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