Prairie Agtech Validation Program

Calling All Alberta Agricultural Producers and Prairie-Based Agtech Companies

Introduction

Canadian Agri-Food Automation and Intelligence Network (CAAIN) is a non-profit organization that supports the development of data-driven agtech solutions for the most significant challenges and opportunities facing Canada’s producers and primary processors.

The Opportunity for Producers

(Scroll down to see the opportunity for Agtech providers)

CAAIN needs passionate and forward-thinking Alberta agricultural producers to participate in our new Prairie Agtech Validation Program. This initiative is designed to bring the latest advancements in digital agriculture directly to the farm.

Our program offers two unique engagement pathways:

Partner in Development: Collaborate with promising prairie-based agtech companies in their early stages. By providing invaluable feedback and insights as an expert customer, you will directly influence the development trajectory of technologies, ensuring they are practical and effective for your operations, ultimately accelerating their commercialization.
Validate and Showcase Innovation: We will select four producers to collaborate closely with agtech companies and leading research experts. With financial backing from CAAIN, you will have the opportunity to validate and demonstrate pre-commercial digital agriculture innovations directly in your operation. This real-world testing is crucial for preparing these technologies for a successful and rapid market launch.

Here’s What We Offer Producer Participants

At the Forefront of Innovation: Four producers will work with experts from the Pan-Canadian Smart Farm Network and CAAIN to identify and implement cutting-edge, commercial-ready agtech solutions on their property. As participants, you will also benefit from free integration of all your existing digital data (and even your paper records) onto a unified platform. Rest assured, your data remains entirely your property and under your control.

Valuable Compensation and Support: Up to eight producers will be compensated for their time, expertise, and mentorship in providing crucial feedback to technology providers.
Strategic Networking Opportunities: Forge connections with other progressive producers, leading industry professionals, and become an integral part of the growing Canadian agricultural technology development ecosystem.

If you are interested in this exciting opportunity or want to know more about the program, fill out the form below. Please note that not all who express interest will necessarily be selected for the program.

Producer Application Form

Name

First

Last

Phone

Address

Address Line 1

Address Line 2

City

State / Province / Region

Postal Code

Country

Operation Location

Address Line 1

Address Line 2

City

State / Province / Region

Postal Code

Country

Location of agricultural operation (if different from mailing address)

Approximate Size of Your Operation

Could include number of cattle, grain acreage, etc.

Type of Operation

What are your main agricultural products (e.g., oilseeds, grains, pulses, beef, dairy, etc.)?

Agtech Area(s) of Interest

Which of the five types of agricultural technology are you interested in validating/demonstrating? (Select all that apply.)

Reason for Involvement

Why are you interested in joining this program? What interests you about agtech? (200 words or less)

Head Start

Do you have a specific technology or company based in the Prairies that you are interested in looking at more closely or bringing into your operation? (Please note that this is not a program requirement.)

of Email Reason

Meeting Availability

Are you willing to provide periodic feedback?

The Opportunity for Agtech Companies

Are you a Prairie-based agtech company developing cutting-edge innovation in robotics, automation, AI, or data-driven decision-making on the cusp of pre-commercialization? Are you ready to accelerate your technology’s development by connecting more effectively with your ideal customer?

If your innovation targets farmers or ranchers, you might be a perfect fit. We need forward-thinking innovators eager to forge stronger connections with the agricultural community.

CAAIN’s Prairie Agtech Validation Program offers two ways for you to participate in this innovative initiative:

Connect up-and-coming Prairie-based agtech companies with producers to help ensure your development trajectory will reach the farm or ranch and accelerate commercialization. Think of this as working with the expert customers.
With CAAIN’s financial support, each of two companies will be paired with two producers and research experts to validate and demonstrate pre-commercial innovation in a commercial environment, helping support a quicker and more successful agtech product launch.

What’s In It for You? Glad You Asked

Producer Validation: Gain invaluable feedback on the value of your innovation to producers. Companies selected to test their innovation on our smart farms or ranches will gain critical real-world data to validate the effectiveness of your product in a commercial setting.
Expert Collaboration: Projects selected for on-farm/ranch validation and demonstration will receive financial support and will collaborate with leading agtech researchers and expertise in Alberta, all committed to refining your commercial-ready technologies under real operating conditions.
Financial Support: Offset the costs associated with producer feedback and on-farm/ranch testing through financial incentives and other support from CAAIN.

If you’re excited about this opportunity and want to explore how our program can help you connect better with farmers and advance your agtech solution, fill out the form below. Please note that not all who express interest will necessarily be selected for the program.