AgriNEXT launched to drive development and scaling of Canadian agtech ventures 

September 9, 2021. Two Canadian innovation leaders have come together to launch a pan-Canadian accelerator and network hub dedicated to driving the adoption of green technology solutions in the agriculture industry.

Foresight, Canada’s cleantech accelerator, and Natural Products Canada (NPC), a champion for bio-based innovation, are launching agriNEXT, a new pan-Canadian, sector-specific accelerator and network hub that will bring together stakeholders in agtech - innovators, industry, investors, government, and academia - to scale agtech solutions and promote adoption. 

Building on the success of Foresight’s initiatives in the carbon, energy, and water sectors, agriNEXT will help ventures scale through industry-specific training, mentorship, and ecosystem engagement. By connecting ventures with funders, investors, and corporate partners, agriNEXT will accelerate the growth of these ventures while supporting adoption of sustainable solutions in the agricultural sector. 

As Founding Partner of agriNEXT, NPC brings its comprehensive suite of supports for commercialization of bio-based innovation, including advisory services and strategic connections, commercialization programs, capital, and an extensive network of start-ups, research institutes, investors, corporations, and others. To date, NPC has helped over 800 Canadian innovations, including investing in 13 start-ups. NPC has also announced the launch of a new $50M investment fund, NPC Ventures, dedicated to Canadian natural product innovation.

The agriNEXT launch marks the first collaboration between the two organizations since Foresight became NPC’s official node partner in British Columbia earlier this summer. Together, Foresight and NPC will leverage their respective expertise, connections, and resources to help sustainable Canadian ventures from coast to coast to coast.

“There is an urgent need to accelerate cleantech solutions in agriculture - the survival of our planet depends on it,” says Jeanette Jackson, CEO of Foresight. “We are delighted to partner with NPC to launch agriNEXT and bring the ecosystem together to meet this challenge.”

“Canada has the potential to be a leader in sustainable food production,” says Shelley King, CEO, Natural Products Canada. “The agriNEXT accelerator will ensure that Canadian ventures are supported, connected, and financed effectively so they can play a pivotal role in solving the global food challenge.”