CALGARY, AB. February 1, 2023 – SVG Ventures|THRIVE continues to support high-potential agrifood tech companies through the second iteration of its THRIVE Canada Accelerator program. Following a rigorous selection process, 15 companies with innovative ground-breaking solutions have been selected to participate in the award-winning program that accelerates sustainability, innovation, and technology across the industry.
THRIVE is uniquely positioned to support Canadian entrepreneurs by connecting them with their extensive ecosystem and global network of investors, mentors and corporations. Over the course of the 3 month program companies will refine their go-to-market strategy, connect live with investors and mentors in Silicon Valley and Canada, and build a solid foundation for scalable growth.
Companies were selected for their potential to disrupt traditional farming practices, promote industry sustainability and reduce environmental impact while giving farmers the tools to increase yields and productivity.
“This cohort highlights the strength of Canada’s agrifood industry. We continue to see Canada punch above its weight in innovation and technology in the sector and this cohort is no exception.” said John Cassidy, Managing Director Canada, SVG Ventures|THRIVE, “These companies have the potential to be global leaders some day and we are thrilled to support them along their journey.”
“Alberta Innovates is pleased to partner with SVG Ventures|THRIVE. There is a strong showing of Alberta companies in this latest cohort and that speaks to a powerful ecosystem, supporting small and medium-sized businesses right across our province, says Laura Kilcrease, CEO, Alberta Innovates. With the help of the SVG Ventures|THRIVE Accelerator, we’re working to create a more resilient, vibrant, and richer community of agri-food businesses in Alberta.”
The 15 companies originate from across Canada representing a total of six provinces and all regions of Canada’s agrifood landscape.
The THRIVE II Canada Accelerator Cohort is comprised of:
- AgGene: Calgary, Alberta
- AgriPlay Ventures: Calgary, Alberta
- Annelida Organics: Nisku, Alberta
- Canadian Rockies Hemp Corp.: Bruderheim, Alberta
- Earthli Plant Powered Superfoods: Halifax, Nova Scotia
- Growcer: Ottawa, Ontario
- HempAlta: Calgary, Alberta
- Highpoint Ag Bedding: Abbotsford, British Columbia
- Knead Technologies: Calgary, Alberta
- Nexus Robotics: Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, Quebec
- OneCup AI: Calgary, Alberta
- Picketa Systems: Frederickton, New Brunswick
- Pure Life Carbon: Red Deer, Alberta
- Sentire: Vancouver, British Columbia
- Soilgenic: Calgary, Alberta
The program kicks off in Silicon Valley in March where the companies will have multiple opportunities to meet with THRIVE’s extensive ecosystem of corporates, investors and mentors. The program culminates with a ‘live pitch’ Demo Day in July.
About SVG Ventures THRIVE
SVG Ventures|THRIVE is a global agrifood investment and innovation platform. Headquartered in Silicon Valley, THRIVE is the most active agtech investor in the world — investing in, accelerating, and providing market access to more than 8,000 startups throughout more than 100 countries. THRIVE works with promising startups, leading corporations, top universities, and global growers to commercialize agtech and foodtech solutions to the biggest challenges facing agrifood. THRIVE experts, events, programs, and platforms work to foster large-scale adoption of climate-smart technologies. THRIVE’s Canadian Partners include founding partner Farm Credit Canada, Calgary Economic Development, Old’s College, Platform Calgary, UFA, ATB, Nutrien, among others. Learn more about THRIVE summits, events, challenges, and programs at https://svgventures.com/.
About the Scale Up and Growth Accelerator Program
The THRIVE Canada Accelerator is also part of the Alberta Scaleup and Growth Accelerator Program that is run by a consortium led by Alberta Innovates. The consortium, which also include Jobs, Economy and Innovation and the Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund, allocated $35 million over three years to retain business accelerators. It is part of an overall government goal to help create 20,000 jobs and increase technology firm revenue to $5 billion by 2030.
About Alberta Innovates
Alberta innovates is the province’s most comprehensive research and innovation agency. From funding to commercialization, they are Alberta’s innovation engine. They foster and accelerate research and innovation to benefit citizens and drive economic growth. Their total managed portfolio impact is $1.2 billion in value encompassing 1,320 active projects.
Alberta Innovates works across sectors to fund, partner and enable entrepreneurship throughout the province. The corporation operates in 11 locations with more than one million sq ft of industrial testing and lab facilities and 600 acres of farmland. Alberta Innovates employs 589 highly skilled scientists, business and technical professionals and has an annual operating budget of $250 million.
Learn more about Alberta Innovates.
Media Contact
Alycia Smith
SVG Ventures|THRIVE
Alycia.smith@svgventures.com
