Global Incubator Programme in Canada - Agri-Tech

In order to be eligible for the Global Incubator Programme, you must be a small or medium sized company based in the UK. We are looking for businesses with the ambition and commitment to scale globally. The programme best suits businesses that already have some traction and sales in the UK that are now looking to innovate their products and services through building global partnerships and collaborations to accelerate their growth and scaling journey. A senior person from the company needs to commit to being involved in all stages of the programme.

The three stages of the programme are as follows:

Prepare

A two-day preparation workshop delivered to the entire cohort in the UK. You will be allocated an Innovate UK EDGE innovation and growth specialist to work with in the UK who will work with you on your strategic action plan for the programme. You will receive an overview of the innovation and sector landscape of the country’s market, a full briefing on the programme and working with the incubator, and support to better present your business and the value proposition.

Pursue

This 4-6 months stage of the programme is about working with the incubator. A typical programme will see a visit to the market at the beginning, providing the opportunity to consider technology and market fit, preliminary customer validation and an introduction to ecosystem players. This will be followed by regular (weekly or fortnightly) virtual sessions with the incubator team, mentors, and experts, to do a deep dive into understanding what it takes to be successful in accessing the market. The final part is a second visit to the market, including a demo day to showcase the achievements of the cohort, continuing to raise the profile and make connections for the businesses involved.

Exploit

Work with your innovation & growth specialist to continue to exploit the programme, building on all the connections, knowledge, and expertise gained. You should now be in a much better position with the necessary understanding and networks to accelerate your global growth and scaling journey.

To apply, you must:

• Be a UK-based innovation-led company with ambitions to grow and internationalise
• Be a company with fewer than 500 employees
• Have a focus on Agri-Tech

Saskatchewan is home to a vibrant start-up culture and a strong ecosystem of world-leading agriculture and food companies. As with many other industries, technology is driving global agriculture forward. The future relies on collaboration, innovation, and the ability to leverage strengths and become leaders who drive a sustainable future across the UK, and around the world. Saskatchewan has always been a leader in agriculture.

Innovate UK will fund and organise flights, accommodation, in-market travel, and conference fees for successful applicants. Innovate UK will also pay for any reasonable adjustments throughout the initiative. One representative from each company will be funded.

On acceptance to the Programme a commitment fee of £500 will be obtained from each delegate, which will be refunded on completion of the full activities and agreed action plan. Non-completion after formal acceptance may result in forfeiting some or all the commitment fee.

Successful applicants will benefit from an intensive 9 to 12 months three phased programme and bespoke support from an Innovation and Growth Specialist throughout.

Getting ready for the market: Preparation workshops to build knowledge and understanding of the market and opportunities, consideration of cultural differences and how to do business in Canada, protecting Intellectual Property and training on articulating your value proposition and how to pitch.

Visiting the market: Exclusive access to the Canadian market and the opportunity to meet with key contacts, research organisations and companies. Meet potential collaborators and partners through pre-arranged meetings and matchmaking events.

Exploiting the opportunity: A follow-up workshop and bespoke support from an Innovate UK EDGE Innovation and Growth Specialist to exploit contacts and knowledge gained during the visit and develop cross border innovation projects.

Applications close: 8th December 2023

Shortlist Interviews: 9th – 15th January 2024

First Market Visit: 9th – 16th March 2024

Second Market Visit: 15th – 22nd June 2024

For more information, assistance with your application or to discuss accessibility needs, please contact the global team at global1@innovateukedge.ukri.org.