Competition Looking for Innovative Agriculture/Aquaculture Entrepreneurs

Competition Looking for Innovative Agriculture/Aquaculture Entrepreneurs

$20,000 in Prize Money is Up for Grabs

TRURO, NS – The call is out for Atlantic Canada’s innovative agriculture and aquaculture start-up companies.

AgriTECH Park and the Colchester Regional Development Association (CORDA) have announced the start of the Agri-Marine Innovation Competition, a contest designed to find and fund high-potential, early-stage innovative agriculture and aqua-culture companies.

The aim of the competition is to attract companies looking to add more value to traditional agriculture and marine resources in such areas as food, energy and health. 

“Nova Scotia is well positioned to take advantage of the projected increase in demand for agri-tech products and services,” says Ericka Wicks, CORDA’s Business Sustainability Coordinator. “The talent at AgriTECH Park and the neighboring Nova Scotia Agricultural College is a solid foundation for Colchester’s growth in this sector.” 

The first prize winner will receive $20,000 in cash and incubator/start-up space in the Park’s new Innovation Centre, an environmentally-friendly 25,000 square foot facility that offers a pilot plant for small product runs, lab and office space, and technical support for tenant companies located in Bible Hill.

At the time the prize is awarded, the competing companies will need to be incorporated in Nova Scotia, with the intent to build the business here.

 “AgriTECH Park’s Innovation Centre is the ideal place for these new businesses to incubate and grow,” says Laurie Sandeson, Director of AgriTECH Park.  “There are research, business mentorship, education and infrastructure resources available to the winning company, as well as strong relationships with corporate partners.  Adding venture capital and business support services is an added bonus for companies looking to do exciting things in agriculture and aquaculture.”

Entrepreneurs have until 12 p.m. noon on Friday March 30th, to submit their entries for round one. The judging panel will select a short list that will be invited to move on to round two of the competition. The short list will be announced on April 19th. The winner will be announced in June 2012.

For more information on the competition and to make submissions, visit www.innovationatagritech.com