The Saskatchewan government has launched a program that connects agtech businesses with local farmers willing to test products still in development, Farms.com reports.
The Agtech Commercialization Readiness program, ACRE, run through Innovation Saskatchewan, will give startups up to $30,000 to pilot and validate technology in real on-farm conditions.
A product must be at least at technology readiness level 6 on Innovation Canada's scale, meaning a model or prototype close to the desired configuration that has been tested in a simulated environment or laboratory.
A project partner must provide matching money, and input and equipment retailers and producer groups qualify. If a project needs $60,000, ACRE will release $30,000 once an eligible partner invests the other $30,000. Funds can cover salaries, travel, accommodation and intellectual property costs, but not land, buildings or equipment.
"By helping more Saskatchewan-made technologies reach the market, ACRE will create new economic opportunities," Innovation Saskatchewan Minister Warren Kaeding said in an October 29 statement.
The Saskatchewan Cattle Association backed the program. Research chair Christine Strube said producers are interested in tools that address animal identification, environmental sustainability, water quality, animal health and forage productivity. Applications are open, and Innovation Saskatchewan is targeting November 30 for responses.
Reporting by Diego Flammini for Farms.com.
Photo: Parihav / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Source: Farms.com
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