Zone Agtech has announced the launch of the AgXis Program, an ambitious initiative aimed at revolutionizing Quebec’s agricultural and agri-food sector. This innovative program is designed to address critical challenges faced by agricultural producers in the province, such as labor shortages and operational inefficiencies, by providing cutting-edge technologies. As the first program of its kind, AgXis is set to become a key driver of agricultural innovation, ensuring the sustainability and competitiveness of Quebec’s agricultural sectors.
The Importance of the AgXis Program
In recent years, Quebec’s agricultural producers have faced increasing challenges, including labor shortages and operational inefficiencies, further intensified by the impacts of climate change. These issues threaten the province’s food autonomy and the long-term viability of its agricultural sectors. In response, Zone Agtech, in collaboration with the Réseau d’expertise en innovation horticole and five key industrial partners—Epsilia, Taste of the North, Univerco, Dubois Agrinovation, and ProduceTech—has launched the AgXis Program to tackle these challenges head-on.
A Program Tailored to Producers’ Needs
The AgXis Program is specifically designed to meet the needs of Quebec’s fruit and vegetable producers by providing them with 25 priority agricultural technologies. These technologies have been developed to address the unique requirements of five agricultural sectors: strawberries and raspberries, apples, potatoes, greenhouses, and market gardening. Each of these sectors will benefit from five technological innovations that have been tailored to the specific needs identified by the producers themselves.
AgXis aims to create a bridge between the needs of producers and technological solutions. By fostering collaboration between producers, researchers, and technology companies, the program encourages the adaptation and maturation of technologies that address real-world challenges in the agricultural sector.
How the AgXis Program Works
The AgXis Program is designed to maximize the adoption of selected technologies by agricultural producers. Innovative companies with technologies that can meet the needs of producers are invited to apply by September 20. Selected companies will embark on a unique technological and commercial development journey, benefiting from various resources and opportunities.
Participating companies will receive:
- Ten hours of strategic coaching to address scaling and commercialization challenges in Quebec (valued at $1,500 per company).
- Ten hours of consultation with thematic experts to solve priority development challenges (valued at $3,000 per company).
- Access to a market with at least five clients.
- Participation in ten workshops and masterclasses (valued at $5,000 per company).
- Participation in two field visit days to explore Quebec’s agtech ecosystem, alongside a cohort of 25 agtech companies, clients, investment funds, and experts.
- Access to experimentation and demonstration sites to test and prove the effectiveness of their technologies in real-world conditions.
- Introduction and promotion to funding organizations, both dilutive and non-dilutive.
- Two meeting days in Quebec to engage with the agricultural innovation ecosystem and meet potential buyers, program coaches, and experts.
- Co-development sessions with agricultural producers to adapt technologies to real-world needs.
The total value of these opportunities is estimated at around $50,000 per company.
At the end of the program, a technology showcase will be organized in collaboration with partner agricultural associations, providing companies with the chance to present their innovations and connect with potential buyers and industry players. Additionally, four selected companies will participate in performance evaluations, leading to the creation of information tools dedicated to producers, further strengthening their market positioning.
Call for Applications
The AgXis Program offers a unique opportunity for agricultural technology companies looking to establish or expand their presence in Quebec and North America. By joining this program, companies will gain access to a rapidly growing market and play a pivotal role in transforming Canadian agriculture. This initiative supports the sustainability and competitiveness of local agricultural sectors while helping to solve critical challenges.
Interested companies are encouraged to submit their applications on the AgXis Program page on the Zone Agtech website. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of an initiative that is set to shape the future of Quebec’s agriculture.
Learn more about the program here.
About Zone Agtech
Zone Agtech, the first innovation ecosystem of its kind in Canada, is located in the MRC de L’Assomption, near Montreal. It is dedicated to advancing innovations and technologies that will shape the agriculture of tomorrow—more productive, sustainable, and eco-friendly.
Zone Agtech’s members and partners work collaboratively to create more efficient and resilient agricultural practices. Through a rich program of innovation, events, and activities, Zone Agtech accelerates the development and transfer of agricultural innovations to local and international markets.
The Zone Agtech ecosystem benefits all stakeholders in Quebec—innovators, large companies, scientists, farmers, distributors, citizens, and future generations—by providing an inclusive environment that drives Quebec’s economic development toward a clean and forward-looking industry. Join us today to help transform the agricultural sector in our province!
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