Global Business Innovation Programme (GBIP) Agri-Tech Canada
The Global Business Innovation Programme to Canada has just launched and will focus on Agri-Tech including Precision Agriculture (& Aquaculture) and Livestock Management.
Headline information:
Application deadline – 11 December 2019, 12:00 noon
Visit dates – 25 January – 1 February 2020
Any questions , please email jayne.codling@businesswest.co.uk
GLOBAL BUSINESS INNOVATION PROGRAMME TO CANADA - FOCUS ON AGRI-TECH INCLUDING PRECISION AGRICULTURE & LIVESTOCK MANAGEMENT
KEY PROGRAMME DATES
Briefing event: 15 January 2020
In-country visit dates: 25 January - 1 February 2020
Post-visit briefing event: 11 March 2020
Closing date for full application: 11th December 2019
Innovate UK’s Global Business Innovation Programme (GBIP), delivered by Enterprise Europe Network, is looking for innovative UK SMEs in the agricultural technology sector. The programme aims to support collaborative research and development opportunities between UK and Canadian Agri- Tech companies, which will help to improve the productivity and sustainability of crop and livestock (including aquaculture) systems through integrated precision approaches and data driven solutions.
Successful applicants will be supported through a structured programme, which includes a seven-day visit to Canada. It will feature time in Canada’s prime beef production area of Alberta,
the two-day https://web.cvent.com/event/3006cd46-0ea6-4da7-a632-0b5cea088e34/summary?rp=00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000 in London, Ontario and the Guelph Agri-Food Cluster.
Delegates will receive bespoke one-to-one support from Enterprise Europe Network advisers to help them exploit the opportunity before, during and after the visit, as part of the full programme.
WHY CANADA?
Canada is a major agri-food producer possessing a vibrant research-base and innovative sector of industry, with leading-edge capability in genomics research, smart agriculture and artificial intelligence. The prairie state of Alberta is the focus of livestock in Canada and presents clear opportunities for the adoption of new precision technologies for livestock production.
Ontario is home to an internationally recognised cluster of innovative agricultural companies and the Precision Agriculture Conference & Ag Technology Showcase in London, Ontario (which is now in its seventh year) and will include a focus on livestock for the first time, alongside crop farming.
BENEFITS OF THE PROGRAMME
You must be available to attend activities on all key programme dates. Business representatives will work with a designated Enterprise Europe Network Adviser to support a structured programme encompassing three main phases:
Getting ready for the market workshop (15th January 2020)
• Pre-visit and in-country briefings that provide market information on how to do business in Canada, training on how to improve your pitch and articulating your value proposition as well as briefings on partnering and doing business in Canada, including how to protect your IP.
• Your business profile will be included in the official visit brochure, which will be distributed in Canada.
Visiting the market (25th January – 1st February 2020)
• Exclusive access to the Canadian market and the opportunity to meet key companies and research organisations. Targeted, pre-arranged meetings at organised matchmaking events.
• Attendance at the Precision Agriculture Conference & Ag Technology Showcase and additional access to the Agri-Tech sector, with opportunities to meet organisations from across Canada, covering: farmers, start-ups, innovators, accelerators, researchers, universities, businesses and government.
Exploiting the opportunity
• Utilising a tailored Innovate 2 Succeed approach, comprising one-to-one support from a specialist Innovation Adviser to follow-up and take advantage of the opportunities identified. This includes a post-visit workshop on 11th March 2020.
EXAMPLE ITINERARY (Subject to change)
25th January 2020 - Depart UK and arrive in Calgary, Alberta
26th January 2020 - Rest Day
27th - 28th January 2020 - Calgary, Site Visits, Meetings with innovators, accelerators and industry organisations, Flight to London, Ontario
29th - 30th January 2020 - Precision Agriculture Conference & Ag Technology Showcase in London, Ontario , Meetings with universities, businesses and government
31st January 2020 - Visit to the Guelph Agri-Food Cluster
31st January 2020 - Depart Toronto
1st February 2020 - Arrive UK
THE COST
Innovate UK will fund flights, six nights’ accommodation, in-market travel, conference fees, and meals for successful applicants. Only one representative from each company will be permitted.
On acceptance to the programme, a commitment fee of £500 will be obtained from each delegate, which will be refunded on completion of the full programme and agreed action plan.
Non-completion of the programme after formal acceptance may result in forfeiting some or all of the fee.
ELIGIBILITY
To participate in this programme your business must be an SME established in the UK. You must be available to attend activities on all key programme dates, and work with an assigned Enterprise Europe Network Adviser for the full duration of the programme.
HOW TO APPLY
Register you name here https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/global-business-innovation-programme-to-canada-tickets-82946708839 and follow the link in the Eventbrite confirmation email to complete the full online application form. The closing date for receipt of applications is 12:00 noon on Wednesday 11th December 2019.
This is a competitive process and you will be notified of the outcome on Thursday 19th December 2019.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Please contact the visit lead, Roger Hetherington r.hetherington@eeneast.org.uk or Bradley Cowley b.rowley@eeneast.org.uk