Tech2Farm

The Tech2Farm program boosts the adoption of agri-tech solutions by fostering strategic partnerships between global leaders and Alberta tech companies.

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Program Status: Active
Program Status refers to the state of work going on within this particular program. If the Program is 'Active', it is either accepting new applications or research is currently underway. If the Program is 'Inactive', the Program is neither accepting new applications nor is any research being conducted.
Intake Status: Open
Intake Status refers to the state of the Program's call for new applications. If the Intake is displaying 'Open', the Program is accepting new applications. If the Intake is displaying 'Closed', the Program is not accepting new applications.

Program at a Glance

Strategic Initiative: Agriculture & Food Innovation
Priority Area(s): The Tech2Farm program connects Alberta agri-tech firms with global leaders to tackle agri-tech challenges and promote innovation.
Program Guide: Tech2Farm - Program Guide

Eligibility

Alberta-based: Yes
Organization Type: Small to Medium Enterprise

Overview

The Tech2Farm program supports the validation and commercialization of agri-tech innovations through collaborative projects between Alberta technology companies and global industry leaders. The program builds on the connection between Alberta’s agri-food, energy, and climate tech sectors to bring in international expertise and resources to address shared challenges such as food insecurity, waste reduction, and resource efficiency. Alberta Innovates supports these initiatives with funding and strategic guidance. Operating across key hubs – Alberta, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and the UK, Tech2Farm enables global collaboration. Other markets may be considered at our discretion. Alberta Innovates aims for industry adoption of technology to generate revenue for Alberta companies.

The program aims to achieve the following key outcomes for the benefit of Albertans:

  • Validate and commercialize innovations that will strengthen Alberta’s Agriculture and Food sectors, helping the province become a global leader in environmental, social, and governance performance.
  • Diversify our economy by supporting high-potential Alberta companies in accessing new markets.

Funding Available: up to $500,000 per project

Within this limit, Alberta Innovates may contribute up to 50% of total eligible project costs, with the remainder to be covered by private, government, or approved in-kind sources.

Open Intakes

Tech2Farm - Continuous Intake

Due date: Continuous

More details

Eligibility

The Tech2Farm program is open to:

  • Alberta-based for-profit small and medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) with an Alberta footprint, which is determined by the following:
    • Significant physical and corporate operational presence in Alberta.
    • Appropriate Alberta ownership;
  • Revenue-generating companies with fewer than 100 full-time employees and less than $25M annual gross revenue

with projects that:

  • Focus on commercialization demonstrations that address key agricultural challenges such as food insecurity, waste reduction, and resource efficiency.
  • Have technology being developed by the Project within TRL levels 8 to 9
  • Demonstrate a clear competitive advantage or unique value proposition with operational scalability, supported by existing or planned infrastructure or partnerships.

Eligible Tech2Farm projects must involve a two-party collaboration between an Alberta-based company and an industry leader. A smart farm, testing facility, or research partner must also be arranged with a separate party or the industry leader.

For full details of eligibility criteria, consult the Program Guide.

How To Apply

  1. Review and familiarize yourself with the Program Guide.
  2. Complete and submit the Expression of Interest (EOI) Form in SmartSimple, our online application portal.
  3. Applicants who demonstrate appropriate readiness and receive a positive recommendation will be invited to submit a Full Proposal.

If you are unsure if your project scope meets the requirements, reach out to the Project Advisor listed under Contact Information below. 

Industry Connections Support

Are you interested, but do not have a strong Industry Partner? Take advantage of the Scaleup GAP Industry Connections support provided by SVG Ventures THRIVE.

This optional resource offers agri-food companies expert assistance in customer discovery, matchmaking, and EOI strengthening.  You can find the full details in the Program Guide and under “Support Resources” below.

Evaluation Process

We review all applications to determine fit with program objectives and intended outcomes. During the review process, Alberta Innovates leverages internal staff and external reviewers with subject-matter and business expertise to evaluate applications submitted. Applicants must demonstrate financial strength and market readiness.

Proposed projects will be evaluated against criteria in three major categories: Opportunity, Implementation, and Impacts. For more details on the evaluation process, consult the Program Guide.

Support Resources

Contacts

Virginia Mulligan, PhD

Program Director, Agriculture & Food Innovation


Open and Upcoming Intakes

Tech2Farm - Continuous Intake

The Tech2Farm program connects Alberta agri-tech firms with global leaders to tackle agri-food challenges and promote innovation.

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