Ontario has a large and diverse agri-food sector, boasting a variety of crops and production practices across the province. In order to help propel the food sector forward and ensure the stability and prosperity of Ontario’s food systems, the government has created the Grow Ontario provincial food strategy with funding support from 2023-2028. The goal of Grow Ontario is to promote Ontario products, food, and technology. One way that this strategy is being implemented is through the Ontario Agri-Food Research Initiative.
The Ontario Agri-Food Research Initiative (OAFRI) funds agri-food research and innovation projects within Ontario with the goals of funding demand-driven research and innovation activities, supporting resiliency and sustainable growth, improving knowledge or technology to address business challenges, and expanding market opportunities locally and globally.
The OAFRI has 4 funding streams, categorized based on technology readiness level (TRL).
1. Applied Research – Use of scientific investigation to solve existing problems.
2. Pilot and Demonstration – Engaging in the development of a model or prototype of new technology.
3. Commercialization – Scaling innovative technologies, products, and services into the real world or commercial environment.
4. Knowledge translation and transfer – Activities that drive the transformation of research knowledge into use through activities like synthesis, exchange, engagement, etc.
Amount of Funding Available
- Applied Research Stream: Up to $200,000 per project.
- Pilot and Demonstration Stream: Up to $200,000 per project.
- Commercialization Stream: Up to $30,000 per project for market validation grants and $50,000 – $150,000 per project for product development grant.
Eligibility
To be eligible for this program, projects must fit within one of the technology readiness levels. Additionally, the lead applicant must
- Be located within Ontario
- Be able to demonstrate capacity to perform quality research and innovation activities
- Be a part of
– A university or college
– A research organization, institute, or foundation
– An industry organization or business
– A non-governmental organization
– A municipal or indigenous government or government agency
Deadline
The first intake for the Applied Research, Pilot and Demonstration, and Commercialization streams closes January 11th, 2024.
Call EVAMAX today to get started on your application!
Resources:
Ontario Agri-food Research Initiative | ontario.ca
Grow Ontario: a provincial agri-food strategy | ontario.ca
