By 2025, Canada will be one of the top five competitors in the agri-food sector. Globally, we’re one of the most trusted, competitive and reliable suppliers of safe, sustainable, high-quality agri-food products, as well as an innovator in value-added products to feed the dynamic global consumer.
Brampton is part of Ontario’s Food Cluster, one of North America’s largest Agri-Food sectors. The province boasts the most poultry farms and the second most pig and dairy farms in the country. It also has the largest number of cannabis-growing operations nationally.
The city’s rich agricultural tradition is supported by a thriving food and beverage sector and industry-leading technology that is shaping the science and practice of farming on a global scale.
Brampton is within close proximity to major food research centres such as the University of Guelph Food Institute, Conestoga College and the George Brown College of Food Innovation and Research Studio (FIRSt). In total, there are more than 25 academic institutions in Ontario offering Agri-Food programs.
Major players in the Agri-Food industry have their head offices in Brampton, including Loblaw Companies, Maple Lodge Farms, Italpasta and Export Packers. Other established food brands also have branch offices in the city, including Olymel, Sofina Foods, Give & Go Prepared Foods and FGF Brands.
BHive’s Agritech Cohort is a sector-specific incubation program suited to future-thinking, coachable founders looking to harness the power of technology to shape the future of farming.
Access to funding
Matching applicants with suitable investors and funding opportunities. .
Mentorship opportunities
Introductions to leaders in the AgriTech sector to provide mentorship, guidance and support.
Access to research facilities and lab space
Leveraging resources from one of the 21 post-secondary institutions located within an hour's drive of Brampton, including top-rated research universities in North America like McMaster University & University of Toronto.
Skilled talent Access to a skilled local workforce of agricultural professionals as well as thousands of students enrolled at the 21 post-secondary institutions located near Brampton.
Dedicated Sector Manager
Access to a dedicated Sector Manager specializing in Agritech to provide industry-specific advice for the Canadian and North American markets.
Our AgriTech cohort is suited to coachable, energetic founders building proprietary technologies to improve farming, vegetation, crop analysis, pest control, organic farming, soil analysis and more.
This cohort is aimed toward early-stage companies (pre-seed, seed, or Series), whether they have raised little to no investment or even projects (pre-incorporation); however, start-ups at all levels of the company life cycle will be considered.
Companies with any or all the following are preferred:
Are you a fast-growing foreign start-up looking to expand into North America? Get in touch with the BHive team to see how we can help accelerate your North American expansion.