How agtech companies use commercialization grants to scale faster

Building an agtech company costs a lot. Field trials, regulatory checks, and first sales all need funding before real revenue arrives. Commercialization grants help agtech companies close this gap. They fund the move from proven technology to a product ready for the market. Best of all, founders do not have to give up any equity.

In Saskatchewan, provincial programs now offer up to $450,000 per project to speed up agtech commercialization. For founders who need to grow quickly, these grants can help bring products to market much sooner.

How commercialization grants support agtech growth

Commercialization grants are for companies with working technology. These grants do not fund basic research. Instead, they pay for activities that turn innovation into real sales.

For agtech companies, common uses include:

Testing technology with farmers or agri-food partners
Increasing manufacturing or deployment capacity
Proving products work in real farming conditions
Entering the market and attracting early customers
Protecting intellectual property for commercial use

Many agtech solutions depend on seasonal cycles. Missing just one growing season can delay revenue for an entire year. Commercialization funding helps you move faster and avoid cash flow problems.

The Agtech Growth Fund: a key example in Saskatchewan

One of the top programs for late-stage agtech companies is the Agtech Growth Fund (AGF).

Program overview

The Agtech Growth Fund, run by Innovation Saskatchewan, supports projects that help commercialize agricultural technologies in the province.

Key details:

Funding amount: Up to $450,000 per project
Cost coverage: Maximum 30% of eligible project costs
Funding type: Grant funding (non-dilutive)
Status: Open
Jurisdiction: Saskatchewan

Your company must also invest in the project. Still, the program lowers your financial risk during scale-up.

Who the Agtech Growth Fund is for

This program supports:

Agtech and agri-food companies
Businesses with technology that has clear agricultural uses
Companies working in or moving into Saskatchewan

Projects need to show strong potential for economic impact, adoption by producers, and long-term growth in the sector.

How agtech companies actually use this funding to scale

Successful applicants use commercialization grants to reach clear growth goals.

Common ways companies use this funding:

Scaling pilot projects: Moving from small tests to larger, multi-farm trials
Manufacturing readiness: Buying special equipment needed for commercial launch
Product refinement: Improving products based on feedback from farmers
Market validation: Showing demand through paid pilots or early contracts

GrantHub’s eligibility matcher helps you quickly find commercialization programs by province, technology stage, and agricultural focus.

Eligible expenses under the Agtech Growth Fund

Each project is reviewed on its own, but typical eligible costs include:

Technology development that supports commercialization
Specialized equipment and machinery
Labour directly tied to the project
Prototyping and validation work
Commercial-scale testing and deployment

Expenses must clearly help speed up commercialization. Early research or unrelated costs are not eligible.

Common mistakes to avoid

Applying too early
If your technology is still in basic research and development, your application will likely be rejected.

Weak market proof
Reviewers want to see demand. Letters from producers or early customers make your application stronger.

Underestimating matching funds
AGF covers up to 30% of costs. If you do not have enough cash or financing for the rest, your project can stall.

Ignoring stacking rules
You can often combine commercialization grants with other programs, but you must disclose all funding sources.

Tips for a stronger application

Show real-world results: Provide data or feedback from field trials to prove your technology works.
Highlight partnerships: List any agreements with producers, agri-food companies, or research institutions.
Plan your budget: Clearly show how you will cover your share of project costs.
Explain your impact: Describe how your project will help Saskatchewan’s agtech sector grow.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Agtech Growth Fund?
The Agtech Growth Fund is a Saskatchewan program that helps commercialize agricultural technologies. It gives grants to help agtech companies grow and reach the market faster.

Q: How much funding can agtech companies receive?
Eligible projects can receive up to $450,000, covering a maximum of 30% of eligible project costs.

Q: Is the Agtech Growth Fund repayable?
No. This is grant funding. You do not need to repay the money if you meet the project terms.

Q: What types of projects are eligible?
Projects must help commercialize agricultural technology. This includes scaling deployment, proving performance, or entering new markets.

Q: Can this grant be combined with other funding?
Often, yes. You can usually combine this grant with others, but you must list all funding sources for approval.

GrantHub lists a wide range of active grant programs for Canadian agtech companies. You can check which commercialization grants fit your business profile.

Does Your Agri-Tech or Agtech Startup Meet Technology Readiness Requirements?
How Saskatchewan supports tech, agtech, and food processing startups
Sector-specific innovation and commercialization funding in Canada

Next steps

Commercialization grants help agtech companies grow faster and reduce risk. If your technology is ready for market, the right grant program can fund your next stage without giving up ownership. GrantHub helps you find commercialization grants, like the Agtech Growth Fund, that match your stage, location, and agricultural focus. This means you can spend more time building your business and less time searching for funding.

How agtech companies use commercialization grants to scale faster