Agricultural technology, or agtech, is an innovative industry focused on using technology to enhance farming practices, improve productivity, and ensure sustainability in food production. This sector encompasses a wide range of innovations, including precision farming, biotechnology, automation, data analytics, and more. The sector aims to solve global challenges such as food security, environmental sustainability, and inefficiencies in the agriculture and agri-food chain, through improvements in the effective use of resources to maximize crop yields, while minimizing ecological impacts and improving post-farmgate production methods.

Canada’s well-established agricultural sector has recently observed major advancements in technology, with smaller startups pushing the industry towards forward-thinking solutions. Technologies developed by Canadian companies include advanced sensors, analytics, and drones for precision agriculture to software platforms that enhance farm management. Canadian research institutions are also contributing to the growth of the agtech sector through collaborations with companies intended to bring innovations to market.

Both the Canadian government and the provincial governments have recognized the significance of the agtech industry, with initiatives and funding opportunities available to both startups as well as more established companies. Through programs offered through the Canadian Food Innovation Network, Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), Protein Industries Canada, and more, Canadian companies can access a number of opportunities to develop new technologies in the agtech space. We have compiled a list of nine agtech startups contributing to advancements in the agricultural and agri-food industries in recent years.  

  1. Catalera, a spinoff of the Vancouver-based Terramera, was founded in 2024 and has received $8 million in Series A funding from Farm Credit Canada and S2G Ventures. The company is developing pest control solutions using biological active ingredients to replace synthetics.
  2. Based out of Edmonton,Future Fieldsuses insect biotechnology, specifically from fruit flies, to develop sustainable recombinant proteins, in aiming to produce lower-cost lab-grown meats. The company was founded in 2018 and raised $15.1 million in Series A funding in 2023.
  3. Calgary-based Provision Analytics has developed software to improve food processing and manufacturing through data collection and analytics. Their work has been supported by Creative Destruction Lab, Protein Industries Canada, and venture capitalists including Team Ignite Ventures and Builders VC.  
  4. Since 2017, Mississauga-based Savormetricshas worked to reduce food waste through the implementation of sensors to monitor air quality, in combination with AI to remove contaminants from the air. The Canadian Technology Accelerator invested in the company in 2021, following previous investments from Creative Destruction Labs, Verstra Ventures and Sustainable Development Technology Canada.
  5. Cornwall’s Fieldless Farms uses indoor farming technology to increase the sustainability and security of food supply chains by reducing reliance on imports. The company has raised several rounds of funding through BDC Capital, and is a supplier to several Farm Boy stores.
  6. Based in Quebec,Nexus Robotics Inc.develops integrated robotics and AI systems for use in vegetable production, with a primary focus on improving weeding practices, while the system also enables diagnostics on crop health. Founded in 2017, the company is considered a major contributor to the autonomous agricultural robot market, having received funding from SVG Ventures, Sustainable Development Technology Canada, Innovacorp, and ACOA.
  7. Founded in 2018 in Calgary, Pure Life Carbon develops advanced carbon substrates for the agricultural industry, providing cost-efficient, sustainable, and high-performing alternatives to standard substrates. The company raised funding from SVG Ventures in 2023.
  8. Based in Quebec, KSM Fertilizersdevelops fertilizers which offer a 70% reduction in GHG emissions compared to similar products. The company received a $5-million grant in late 2024 from AgriInnovate, which followed previous funding from Fondaction, Investissement Quebec, and SDTC. 
  9. Elevate Farms, based in Toronto, has received USD$2.5 million in pre-Series B funding for its vertical farming solutions. The company uses innovative lighting, nutrient delivery systems, and climate-controlled environments to optimize plant health and maximize crop yields, while operating in limited space and resource constraints. 

As the agtech industry grows and increased sustainability and efficiency of the agricultural and agri-food sectors, startups play a key role in developing innovative technologies for use in wide-scale applications. Learn more about Sustainable CAP and other agtech funding programs through a consultation with one of our grant experts.