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USask partners with Agtech Accelerator to fill labour and knowledge gaps

The University of Saskatchewan has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Agtech Accelerator, a venture-capital-backed accelerator assisting early stage start-ups that are seeking solutions to global agricultural problems through innovation and technological advances. It was launched earlier this year.

The accelerator will provide companies with the tools they need to grow, secure capital and create high-quality job opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students in Saskatchewan. Through partnerships with Saskatchewan post-secondary institutions, including the University of Saskatchewan, the accelerator can collaborate directly with researchers and educators and work to fill both knowledge and labour gaps in the sector.

“USask has a strong history of providing research that actively improves how agricultural producers feed the world,” said Baljit Singh, University of Saskatchewan’s vice-president, research. “This partnership is an example of how our institution is focused on innovation and creating new paths of discovery by working with industry.”

Saskatchewan holds more than 40 per cent of Canada’s arable farmland, with more than 30 million acres used for crop production each year. This, combined with the strong research climate and a tradition of innovation from industry, is establishing the province as a world leader for agtech.

The partnerships between the University of Saskatchewan and the Agtech Accelerator is based on a three-year agreement. This year, the University of Saskatchewan will provide $20,000, with a potential total investment of up to $180,000 throughout the agreement.