Global Incubator Programme: Canada - Agri-Tech

In order to be eligible for the Global Incubator Programme, you must be a small or medium sized company based in the UK. We are looking for businesses with the ambition and commitment to scale globally. The programme best suits businesses that already have some traction and sales in the UK that are now looking to innovate their products and services through building global partnerships and collaborations to accelerate their growth and scaling journey. A senior person from the company needs to commit to being involved in all stages of the programme.

The three stages of the programme are as follows:

Prepare

A two-day preparation workshop delivered to the entire cohort in the UK. You will be allocated an Innovate UK EDGE innovation and growth specialist to work with in the UK who will work with you on your strategic action plan for the programme. You will receive an overview of the innovation and sector landscape of the country’s market, a full briefing on the programme and working with the incubator, and support to better present your business and the value proposition.

Pursue

This 4-6 months stage of the programme is about working with the incubator. A typical programme will see a visit to the market at the beginning, providing the opportunity to consider technology and market fit, preliminary customer validation and an introduction to ecosystem players. This will be followed by regular (weekly or fortnightly) virtual sessions with the incubator team, mentors, and experts, to do a deep dive into understanding what it takes to be successful in accessing the market. The final part is a second visit to the market, including a demo day to showcase the achievements of the cohort, continuing to raise the profile and make connections for the businesses involved.

Exploit

Work with your innovation & growth specialist to continue to exploit the programme, building on all the connections, knowledge, and expertise gained. You should now be in a much better position with the necessary understanding and networks to accelerate your global growth and scaling journey.

To apply for this programme, you must:

• Be the CEO, founder or a senior decision maker in the business
• Be a UK based business with fewer than 250 employees
• Have a focus on Agri-Tech

Saskatchewan is home to a vibrant start-up culture and a strong ecosystem of world-leading agriculture and food companies.

As with many other industries, technology is driving global agriculture forward. The future relies on collaboration, innovation, and the ability to leverage strengths and become leaders who drive a sustainable future across the UK, and around the world.

Saskatchewan has always been a leader in agriculture.

• It is home to more than 40% of Canada’s cultivated farmland – some of the most productive farmland in the world.
• There is a strong ecosystem of world-leading Agri-Tech, renowned education and research institutions, world-class transportation and logistics infrastructure, and a strong business community.
• Builder of Agri-Tech focused venture capital fund, Emmertech.
• An existing vibrant start-up culture and community that’s growing and setting new heights within the tech ecosystem.

Innovate UK will fund and organise flights, accommodation, in market travel, and any additional fees for successful applicants. Innovate UK will also pay for any reasonable adjustments throughout the initiative.

Only one representative from each company will be funded. On acceptance to the initiative a commitment fee of £2000 will be obtained from each delegate, which will be refunded on completion of the full activities and agreed action plan.

Non-completion after formal acceptance may result in forfeiting some or all the commitment fee.

We would welcome applications from innovative Agri-Tech companies that focus on, but not limited to;

• Big data and predictive analytics
• Supply chain, traceability, and sustainability
• Precision agriculture
• Robotics and automation
• Farm management software, sensing, and Internet of Things
• Animal health

• Advisory support: Guidance from sector experts and experienced entrepreneurs in Canada.
• Connections to capital: Introductions to VCs and corporates looking to invest in new ventures.
• Tools and Guidance: Virtual cohort sessions, stage specific agtech content, mentorship, peer-to-peer guidance and access to marketing and communication expertise.
• Access and introductions: Connections to North American-based producers and partners.
• Professional network: Participate in a vibrant community of Agri-Tech entrepreneurs and industry
  professionals.
• Attend Demo Day: Participate in a physical demo day during a key sector conference as part of the final week of incubation at Ag in Motion, Canada’s largest outdoor farm show with 30,000 attendees over three days.
• Exploit the opportunity: Each business is supported by an Innovate UK Business Growth innovation & growth specialist to help maximise the potential of being part of the programme and beyond.

To learn more about the programme, register for the applicant briefing event on the 21st November 2024.

Application form can be found here.

• Closing date for applications: 3 January 2025
• Shortlist interviews: 22-24 January 2025
• First market visit: 7 – 10 April 2025
• Second market visit: 14 – 17 July 2025

For more information, assistance with your application or to discuss accessibility needs, please contact the global team at global1@innovateukedge.ukri.org.