Saskatchewan Agtech Growth Fund (AGF)
Eligibility & Details
What this program funds and who can apply
Program Description
Up to $450,000 (30% of eligible costs; lifetime max $900,000) for Saskatchewan-based organizations leading agtech R&D projects. Industry partners must fund 50%+. Supports agricultural technology innovation to strengthen Saskatchewan's position as a global agtech leader.
Eligibility Requirements
- Saskatchewan-based organization leading an agtech R&D project
- Industry partners must fund 50%+ of project costs
- Project must focus on agricultural technology innovation
- Lifetime maximum of $900,000 per organization
Quick Assessment
Funding Details
- Amount
- Up to $450,000 per project (30% of costs; $900,000 lifetime max)
- Type
- Grant
- Level
- Provincial
- Co-Funding
- Up to 30% of eligible costs
- Deadline
- Open (twice-yearly intakes)
Program Scorecard
Competition, effort, and approval at a glance
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How to Win
Insider tips, common pitfalls, and what successful applicants look like
Insider TipSaskatchewan is Canada's agtech capital — lean into this in your application. Projects that solve real problems identified by Saskatchewan farmers or agri-businesses (not just technology looking for a problem) score highest. The $900K lifetime cap means you can come back for a second project if the first succeeds.
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Success Profile
Collaborative agtech R&D projects addressing real agricultural challenges — precision agriculture tools, crop monitoring systems, livestock management technology, food traceability solutions, or agricultural AI applications. Projects with strong Saskatchewan farm or agri-business partner engagement.
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Evaluation Criteria
Four primary dimensions: Strategic alignment with Saskatchewan's agricultural R&D priorities; Potential to address a specific industry-wide challenge experienced by Saskatchewan producers or agri-businesses; Novelty and innovativeness of the technological solution; Clear and feasible path to commercialization with sustainable long-term impact. Industry partner commitment (50%+ funding) and quality of customer letters of intent are key differentiators.
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Application Playbook
Step-by-step process, required documents, and expenses
Application Steps
Required Documents 7
Eligible Expenses 9
- Digital agriculture software development including sensors and precision agriculture tools
- Smart farm equipment development including robotics, machinery automation, and harvesting systems
- Animal health technology R&D
- Agrifood supply chain and traceability system development
- Agricultural marketplace and fintech platform development
- Incremental salaries for R&D and technical personnel
- Contracted technical services and third-party testing
- Consumable materials required for R&D activities
- Intellectual property protection and technology transfer costs
Ineligible Expenses 6
- Projects without a genuine agricultural technology focus
- Routine business operations, overhead, or non-R&D activities
- Projects where AGF contribution would exceed 30% of total project budget
- Projects for organizations that have reached the $900,000 lifetime maximum
- Capital equipment not required for the project duration
- Marketing, commercialization, or distribution activities
Intake Periods
Twice yearly. Fall 2024 intake: opened September 30, 2024, closed October 31, 2024. Spring 2025 intake dates announced on innovationsask.ca. Monitor the AGF program page for current intake schedule.
Deadline Notes
Twice-yearly intake windows. Check Innovation Saskatchewan website for upcoming intake dates and EOI deadlines.
Open Application Portal →Ineligible Organizations
- Organizations not headquartered or primarily operating in Saskatchewan
- Projects without active agricultural industry partners contributing at least 50% of budget
- Projects seeking AGF contribution exceeding 30% of total project budget
- Organizations that have reached the $900,000 lifetime cap
- Projects without a genuine agricultural technology focus
- Organizations pursuing routine commercial activities rather than R&D
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Funding Stack Strategy
Compatible programs, clawback risk, and combined funding potential
Compatible Programs
Clawback Risk
Medium RiskSee which programs combine with this one — and how much more you could get. Unlock with Premium →
How AGF Compares
Side-by-side with similar programs
| Program | Amount | Difficulty | Payment | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saskatchewan Agtech Growth Fund (AGF) | Up to $450,000 | Moderate | Reimbursement | Open (twice-yearly... |
| AgriScience Program — Projects Component | Up to $5,000,000 per project | Hard | Reimbursement | Ongoing |
| Mitacs Accelerate | $15,000 per internship unit | Easy | Advance Payment | Ongoing |
| Protein Industries Canada Supercluster | up to $4M | Hard | Mixed (Advance + Reimb.) | Ongoing |
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