The Agri-Tech Accelerator Explained: Catalyzing Growth of Canada’s Food Systems

Michael McGee, Director of Innovation at Bioenterprise, and Dr. Lenore Newman, Director of the Food and Agriculture Institute at the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) explain why agri-tech accelerator programs are critical for the future of food. 

By Tabitha Caswell for Bioenterprise

Boosting the innovation, commercialization, and adoption of promising new agri-food products and technologies, agri-tech accelerator programs play a significant role in connecting the moving pieces of our modern food system. 

But these programs don’t run themselves. Who is behind them and why are they important for Canada and the rest of the world?

In this Inside Bioenterprise article, we’ll demystify the purpose of accelerators and why they’re pivotal in fostering the development, growth, and adoption of agricultural and food technologies. We’ll also explain how accelerator programs work and who is leading them.

From local to global impact, you’ll gain a foundational understanding of how these programs and organizations empower entrepreneurs, introduce cutting-edge innovations into our food systems, and strengthen our economy. 

Dr. Lenore Newman, Director of the Food and Agriculture Institute at the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) and author of multiple books and publications, including a co-authored research paper, The Role of Incubators and Accelerators in the Fourth Agricultural Revolution: A Case Study of Canada (2021), brings her perspective.

Also joining in the conversation is Michael McGee, Director of Innovation at Bioenterprise. With extensive board experience in both private and public companies, Michael has been investing risk capital in small and medium enterprise businesses since the early 1990s. Wearing many hats throughout his career, currently, he’s a Director of Durum Industrial Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) and Stoked Oats out of Calgary, Alberta.