Commercialization Fund

Overview of the Commercialization Fund program:

The Ag-West Bio Investment Program is a strategic initiative aimed at advancing Saskatchewan’s agricultural bioscience sector by offering critical financial support to early-stage companies. As Saskatchewan’s bioscience industry association, Ag-West Bio serves as both an investor and a business development catalyst, supporting startups that contribute to innovation in agriculture and food production. The program primarily targets companies in the initial phases of commercialization, providing them with funding that can be used for technology validation, market development, and business scaling. This program functions through equity investment, convertible debt, or other financial instruments tailored to the business’s stage and needs. The funding is often leveraged by additional private sector investment and aligns with Ag-West Bio’s mandate to stimulate the bioeconomy by nurturing innovation-led ventures. In addition to funding, participating businesses gain access to Ag-West Bio’s network, mentoring, strategic advice, and support in connecting with future investors. Companies applying to the program must demonstrate innovation in agri-biotechnology or life sciences that address agricultural challenges or create new opportunities in food and bioproducts. Ag-West Bio supports ventures across the entire value chain, including primary production, processing, and distribution.

Benefits of the Commercialization Fund program:

• Access to early-stage capital (up to $300,000)
• Strategic investment that helps attract follow-on investors
• Connections to a strong innovation network in Saskatchewans bioeconomy
• Business mentorship and commercialization support
• Market development and investment readiness guidance
• Potential co-investment with other private sector partners
• Access to Ag-West Bios expertise in regulatory, intellectual property, and business strategy

Eligibility criteria of the Commercialization Fund program:

• To qualify for the Investment Program:
• Applicants must be Saskatchewan-based companies or planning to establish a significant presence in the province.
• Must operate within the agricultural bioscience sector, including biotech, agri-food, agri-tech, or related areas.
• Must be an early-stage or scaling company with a novel product, technology, or service.
• A clear business plan and path to market must be demonstrated.
• Companies should be investment-ready or nearing that stage, with defined milestones.
• Applicants must show the potential for economic benefit to Saskatchewans bioeconomy.