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Applications for AGTECH ACCELERATOR Cohort 4 are now open.

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AGTECH ACCELERATOR

Saskatchewan is home to vibrant startup culture and a robust ecosystem of world-leading agriculture and food companies. There is no better time than now, and no better place than Saskatchewan to lead the growth of agtech in Canada and beyond.

The AGTECH ACCELERATOR brings agriculture and technology together to accelerate the growth of Canadian agtech startups built to solve global problems. This accelerator is built with founders and farmers as the foundation– we believe this is the recipe for success.

The What

3-month accelerator program with an opportunity for investment from our investment partners. 

The AGTECH ACCELERATOR program stands out by providing unparalleled opportunities for founders to connect directly with influential players in the agricultural sector:
  • Million Acres Program: Engage with forward-thinking producers from across Canada in 1:1 meetings or roundtable discussions
  • Industry Leaders: Gain exclusive mentorship and cohort sessions with key agriculture leaders like Farm Credit Canada, AGT Foods, Bayer, UFA, and more.
  • Investor Connections: Curated 1:1 meetings and introductions to top agtech investors from North America and beyond.
  • Smart Farms & Research: Connection to smart farms, research trials and academic expertise through our program partners
  • Tailored Cohort Sessions: Timely cohort sessions based on the current challenges or opportunities faced by agtech founders at similar stages

Those selected to be a part of the AGTECH ACCELERATOR’s yearly cohort will benefit from a three-month virtual and in-person accelerator program that provides Canadian agtech startups with access to capital, programming, connections, and mentorship needed to help them scale.

To date, we have supported 47 companies over 3 cohorts, who have achieved collective success and milestones including:

  • $119.2M raised in private capital
  • $72.1M generated in revenue
  • $44.4M received in public funding
  • 193 new jobs created

Collective Metrics from Jan 2022 – June 2024

The Who

AGTECH ACCELERATOR is open to pre-seed to seed Canadian and UK startups with technology solutions focused in the following areas:

  • Big data and predictive analytics
  • Supply chain, traceability, and sustainability
  • Precision agriculture
  • Robotics and automation
  • Farm management
  • Sensing and Internet of Things
  • Software and Hardware
  • Animal Health

Not sure if you fit into these categories? We will consider anything under the umbrella of “where technology meets the farm gate” Reach out to agtech@cultivator.ca to chat with someone from our program team.

The Why

Our high-performance accelerator provides impactful programming, access to capital, and key industry connections. As an AGTECH ACCELERATOR cohort company, you’ll have access to the following:

  • High-impact programming with exclusive access to services, perks, and discounts
  • Exposure to national and international investors and organizations
  • Access to expert mentors and advisors
  • Reoccurring connections with producers and farmers from across the nation
  • Access to high-profile corporate and industry leaders

As with many other industries, technology is driving global agriculture forward. The future relies on collaboration, innovation, and the ability to leverage our strengths and become leaders who drive a sustainable future here at home, across the country, and worldwide. Who better to lead the growth of agtech in Canada and beyond than Saskatchewan:

  • Home to more than 40% of Canada’s cultivated farmland – some of the most productive farmland in the world.
  • Strong ecosystem of world-leading agtech and food tech companies, renowned education and research institutions, world-class transportation and logistics infrastructure, and a strong business community.
  • Vibrant startup culture and community growing astronomically and setting new heights within the tech ecosystem.
  • Numerous local and government supports, helping founders launch, grow, and scale.
  • Saskatchewan has always been a leader in agriculture, and we’re driven to continue leading into the future.

The When

Cohort 4 Outline:

  • Recruitment: Nov 15, 2024 – Jan 3, 2025
  • Kick-off week: April 7 – 10, 2025 in Regina, Sk.
  • Virtual programming: April 23 – July 9, 2025
  • Finale week: July 14-17, 2025 at Ag in Motion, Langham Sk. and in Saskatoon, Sk.

The AGTECH ACCELERATOR will host one cohort each year from April to July — to ensure optimal time for growth, investment, and recruitment. 

The Where

A high-impact hybrid program with key in-person activations.

Our cohorts follow a hybrid program model with some in-person and virtual components. This includes two weeks of founders having the opportunity to be boots on the ground from the Cultivator HQ in April and on-site at Canada’s largest outdoor farm expo in Western Canada, Ag in Motion, in July with the opportunity to leverage key contacts and resources across the great province of Saskatchewan.

Cultivator has the advantage of operating in a hyper-connected mid-sized ecosystem like Saskatchewan with the added ability to deliver programming to founders across Canada.

FAQ

What is the ideal stage for participating companies?

  • The ideal stage for participating companies typically includes those at the pre-seed to seed stages, with a minimum viable product (MVP) or a product already in the market. Companies at this stage have validated their concepts and are ready to scale. Pre-seed companies may also be included if they demonstrate strong potential and a clear go-to-market strategy.

What is the time commitment?

  • Our cohort offers a blend of in-person and virtual weeks. Founders are required to attend in-person sessions for two key weeks—kick-off and finale week—running from Sunday to Thursday, with full-day schedules. For the remaining weeks, founders are required to join weekly virtual cohort calls for 1.5-2 hours to stay engaged and connected throughout the program.

What if I can’t attend in person?

  • To get the most out of the program, we highly recommend having a founder participate.
  • IF the founder or CEO is unable to attend in person, we recommend sending a representative in your place, such as a co-founder or senior executive who can actively contribute.

What is the cost for founders?

  • There is a limited cost to founders for participation, with up to $400 reimbursement for flights from Cultivator. We cover hotel accommodations in Regina and Saskatoon during the in-person weeks and while most meals will be provided, you may need to cover the occasional breakfast or dinner.
  • Cultivator does not take any equity in any of the startups that participate in the AGTECH ACCELERATOR program.

Is there guaranteed investment? Do I need to be actively raising?

  • There is no guaranteed investment and you do not need to be actively raising, but we will introduce you to investors, providing valuable connections for future opportunities.

Who will we be connected with?

  • You will have the opportunity to connect with industry leaders, mentors, producers, investors, and partners through our in-person weeks and during virtual programming.
  • We facilitate one-on-one connections with investors and mentors, allowing for personalized guidance and support. 

Still have questions?

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Cohort 3 - 2024

15 companies have been selected to participate in our third cohort of the AGTECH ACCELERATOR. Learn more about these innovative companies.

LEARN MORE

Cohort 2 - 2023

16 companies were selected to participate in cohort 2 of the 2023 program. The companies extended globally across Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia.

LEARN MORE

Cohort 1 - 2022

16 companies participated in our inaugural cohort of the AGTECH ACCELERATOR. Learn more about the solutions these companies are creating for the future of agriculture.

LEARN MORE

Million Acres Project

We are bringing producers and founders together by creating a network that represents a collective of one million acres around the world.

LEARN MORE

Partners

Each of our AGTECH ACCELERATOR partners brings their unique assets that contribute to accelerating the innovation and commercialization of game-changing technologies on a global scale, and help us to build globally competitive leaders within the agtech space.

LEARN MORE

Advisory Council

As a collective group, the AGTECH ACCELERATOR Advisory Council shares years of experience, different views in the industry, and extensive knowledge of the global business market.

LEARN MORE

The latest news

April 11, 2024 Agtech, News

Two AGTECH ACCELERATOR companies secure spots on the esteemed FoodTech 500 List!

Vivid Machines and FlyBox have proudly secured spots among the top 500 companies in the FoodTech industry globally, as recognized by Forward Fooding's esteemed FoodTech 500 list!

Read

March 25, 2024 Agtech, Event recaps, News

AGTECH ACCELERATOR Cohort 3 Kick-off Week

15 companies gathered in Regina, Saskatchewan to kick off the AGTECH ACCELERATOR program with a wide variety of events, content, mentorship, and networking.

Read

February 12, 2024 Agtech, News

Unveiling the latest crop of cohort 3 AGTECH ACCELERATOR companies

The AGTECH ACCELERATOR, founded by Cultivator powered by Conexus (Cultivator), Emmertech, and Economic Development Regina (EDR), is excited to announce the 15 companies selected to participate in cohort 3 of the program. Meet the companies and learn more here!

Read

December 1, 2023 Agtech, News

AGTECH ACCELERATOR Cohort 2 company OneCup AI featured at Agribiton

Learn more about BETSY the artificial intelligence tool helping ranchers as they were featured on 980 CJME.

Read

November 1, 2023 Agtech, News

AGTECH ACCELERATOR celebrates bountiful Cohort 2 before planting the seeds for Cohort 3

The AGTECH ACCELERATOR has achieved remarkable success, setting a new standard for innovation in the agriculture technology sector. Read the full metrics we have collected on Cohort 2 here!

Read

September 25, 2023 Agtech, News

Agribition launches Animal Agtech Awards for 2023

Canadian Western Agribition is excited to launch the Canadian Animal AgTech Awards presented by Deloitte, and supported by Cultivator powered by Conexus's AGTECH ACCELERATOR. Learn more here.

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September 21, 2023 Agtech, News, Partnerships

FCC partners with AGTECH ACCELERATOR

Providing financial support to AGTECH ACCELERATOR is a natural fit for FCC’s venture capital program. Read more about the alignment of the partnership here!

Read

July 31, 2023 Agtech, News

Vive Crop Protection Inc. selected for Government of Canada’s GHP

Vive Crop Protection Inc. (AGTECH ACCELERATOR Alumni) has been selected for the inaugural cohort of the Government of Canada’s Global Hypergrowth Project. One of eight companies to be named. Read the full article to learn how Vive is being recognized as a high-growth trajectory agricultural leader in Canada.

Read

More News

Have questions or want to get involved in the AGTECH ACCELERATOR?

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