The partnership will provide experiential learning and applied research opportunities for students in agriculture and computer science programs
December 9, 2021 – Saskatchewan Polytechnic announced a new partnership with the Agtech Accelerator today that will assist in driving the Saskatchewan economy forward and advance the province’s collective capacity to become a global leader in agriculture technology.
“This partnership is a natural fit for Saskatchewan Polytechnic,” says Dr. Larry Rosia, Sask Polytech president and CEO. “Our Applied Research team provides the expertise and facilities required to move Agtech Accelerator companies forward to become more productive and innovative, as they test and pursue new ideas and solutions. Our exceptional digital development facilities, faculty skills and proficiencies, talented student researchers, applied research experience, and vast network of connections in the tech and agriculture sectors will be critical drivers of the innovation that will result from this leading-edge partnership.”
Agriculture is central to the economic vibrancy of our province, and agriculture technology has an important role to play in our province’s growth plan. The Agtech Accelerator, a venture-capital-backed accelerator founded by Cultivator powered by Conexus (Cultivator), Economic Development Regina and Emmertech, is leveraging the wide range of tech and agriculture expertise, knowledge, research and connections held by Saskatchewan’s post-secondary institutions, in order to assist early-stage Canadian agtech startups. This announcement brings Sask Polytech on board as a fully engaged funding partner of the Agtech Accelerator, along with the University of Regina and University of Saskatchewan.
“Post-secondary institutions are a key component to any innovative ecosystem,” said Jordan McFarlen, business incubator manager, Cultivator. “Saskatchewan Polytechnic continually shows the ability to adapt and grow to meet the ever-changing needs of the industry. When we think about agtech and the need for talent, innovation, and research, we’re excited to be working with Saskatchewan Polytechnic on the Agtech Accelerator.”
Sask Polytech’s Digital Integration Centre of Excellence (DICE) will be a great resource to help foster innovation and help solve data challenges. The Innovative Manufacturing Centre (IMC) is another facility that the Agtech Accelerator will have access to. The IMC provides entry to the latest manufacturing tools, equipment and expertise to improve production methods and prototype new products. This partnership will also benefit students enrolled in the new three-year Agriculture and Food Production diploma program that will provide learners with the foundational, technical, environmental and managerial skills to meet the needs of agriculture employers.
The Agtech Accelerator and Sask Polytech partnership is based on a three-year agreement. This year, Sask Polytech will provide $20,000, with a potential total investment of up to $60,000 throughout the agreement.
To learn more about the Agtech Accelerator, visit cultivator.ca/agtech.
Saskatchewan Polytechnic is signatory to the SDG Accord. Sustainable Development Goal alignment is one of the ways Sask Polytech is leading the rise of polytechnic education.
