Guelph, Ontario – December 6, 2021 — Bioenterprise Canada is launching the third round of an open call for applications for its southern Ontario SmartGrowth Program that will target innovative solutions in digital agriculture. The program is funded in part by the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).
The SmartGrowth Program offers eligible enterprises, headquartered in southern Ontario with:
Up to $100,000 in project-based, matching funding to support scale-up and expansion projects
Coaching and mentorship support services
Projects should focus on digital agriculture and related sectors, with eligible activities including, but not limited to, job creation and talent acquisition, product demonstration, and adoption of unique technologies to improve productivity and sustainability.
Companies utilizing digital technologies such as blockchain, cloud-based solutions, sensor & imaging technologies for food processing, precision agriculture & data analytics are welcome to apply. A full list of program objectives and eligibility criteria can be found in the SmartGrowth Program Guide available at bioenterprise.ca.
“Digital agriculture is increasingly prevalent in the value chain not only for its innovative new technology, but the sustainability and accessibility benefits that come from digitization. From increased efficiency to universal application of data collection, these technologies are showing what a collaborative and capable ag sector can achieve when adapting to advances in parallel sectors,” says Dave Smardon, CEO of Bioenterprise Canada. “We have previously awarded 17 innovative, high-potential companies with funding through the SmartGrowth Program, and those projects are already translating into tangible economic benefits. We are extremely excited about the launch of round three, focusing on digital agriculture. This is an excellent opportunity for innovative entrepreneurs in the region, and for agriculture to keep pace with advancing global technology.”
Eligible companies must meet thresholds on annual revenues, expansion potential, technological adoption impact, and potential economic benefits. Successful recipients of the SmartGrowth Program will also be awarded a one-year complimentary membership to Canada’s Food & Agri-Tech Engine, Bioenterprise Canada’s membership program which provides members with commercialization support services and access to their global network.
Each participant in the SmartGrowth Program will receive customized business support services, full access to Bioenterprise Canada’s substantial network of services and mentors, and targeted support for underrepresented groups including youth, women, and Indigenous peoples.
Applications will be accepted starting on Monday, December 6, 2021, including a webpage with program details, a Program Guide, and information on how to apply. Questions can be directed to submissions@bioenterprise.ca. The deadline to apply is Friday, January 14, 2022 at 12pm EST.
About Bioenterprise Canada
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 Canada offers a wide range of expertise and support to its clients. Partnerships open doors to new industries, technologies and platforms to help food and agri-tech businesses innovate and grow.
Contact
Alexandra Burdett, Director of Programs, Bioenterprise Canada, alexandra.burdett@bioenterprise.ca
About FedDev Ontario
For more than 12 years, FedDev Ontario has actively worked to advance and diversify the southern Ontario economy through funding opportunities and business services that support innovation and growth in Canada’s most populous region. The Agency has delivered impressive results, which can be seen in southern Ontario businesses that are creating innovative technologies, improving their productivity, growing their revenues, and in the economic advancement of communities across the region.
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