Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, January 26, 2021 – The Canadian Agri-Food Automation and Intelligence Network (CAAIN) is pleased to announce significant progress in its first two project funding competitions.
CAAIN’s eight Core Partners advanced the initial project ideas for the network in the first call for proposals in the spring of 2020. More details on the selected initiatives will be released this spring when terms and conditions have been finalised.
A second, nationwide, $15-million open competition is seeking research and innovation projects to advance the agri-food sector through data-driven frameworks, automated technologies, and smart farm platforms. Successful proposals will demonstrate economic impact and value for Canada’s agri-food industry. All projects will require the participation of at least two small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) partners responsible for covering no less than 60 percent of the total project costs.
Since October 2020, applications have been received from industry partners, the not-for-profit sector, and academic institutions from across Canada. Over 40 proposals have been received and are being evaluated. Successful projects will be announced in Summer 2021.
“What stands out to the whole CAAIN team, including our external reviewers, is the extraordinary quality and variety of submissions we received through both competitions,” said Interim CEO, Dr. Cornelia Kreplin. “These initiatives, when complete, could significantly advance technology employed by the Canadian food and agricultural sectors, adding value along the supply chain and contributing to GDP through increased domestic sales and expanded export markets.”
The two competitions have also succeeded in attracting attention to, and growing, the CAAIN network and expanding the ag-tech community. This will stimulate additional innovation and leverage expertise in ways that was not previously possible, bridging the gap between emerging technologies and traditional farming and food production approaches.
For information on project eligibility, competition conditions, and CAAIN membership, or to find out more about our partners, go to caain.ca, check us out on LinkedIn, of follow us on Twitter.
Quotes
“Our Government invested in CAAIN in order for Canadians to benefit from the creation of highly skilled jobs and new businesses, improved food safety and livestock traceability, and smarter agriculture that reduces greenhouse gas emissions. CAAIN’s selected projects will drive new growth in the agriculture sector and increase the competitiveness of Canadian farmers.”
Hon. François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry Canada
“Our agriculture sector needs technology to grow and diversify. CAAIN’s investments in research and technology will support more value-added agriculture products and create new jobs for Albertans.”
Hon. Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Alberta Agriculture and Forestry
“From using artificial intelligence to enhance crop yields to using drone technology for tractors, Alberta is on the cutting edge of agricultural technology. Investments like this will continue to solidify Alberta’s position as one of the best places in the world to develop new agricultural technologies and bring ideas to life. This is critical to the diversification of our economy and creating jobs for Albertans.”
Hon. Doug Schweitzer, Minister of Alberta Jobs, Economy and Innovation
“Canada is building on its strong agricultural history and to become a global leader in agri-food technologies and production. The world is counting on Canada to find new ways to produce and export more to meet global food demand. Competitions and investments like these will show we are up to the challenge.”
Laura Kilcrease, Chair, CAAIN Board of Directors
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About CAAIN
The Canadian Agri-Food Automation and Intelligence Network is a not-for-profit company launched in July 2019 with a $49.5‑million Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada contribution and a mission to support the creation of technological solutions for the most challenging problems facing Canada’s agri-food sector.
Project Funding Inquiries
Cornelia Kreplin, DVM, PhD
Interim CEO
Canadian Agri-Food Automation and Intelligence Network
780.450.5563
cornelia.kreplin@caain.ca
Media Inquiries
Eric Morin, CMP
Manager, Communications and Marketing
Canadian Agri-Food Automation and Intelligence Network
780.405.3742
eric.morin@caain.ca