Eight Ontario ag start-ups awarded seed funding to grow
Summary
These companies will receive coaching and mentorship to encourage regional economic development, along with a grant of up to $30,000 each in non-repayable seed financing to help them launch innovative new products and services, expand their operations, access new markets, attract investment and create jobs. DMT Bioproducts is looking into developing a commercially viable bioprocessing technology to process locally grown biomass and convert them into fuel. Specifically the company is looking into optimizing a process for Miscanthus giganteus, a perennial grass that has potential as a biofuel and requires little farming attention. Their autonomous robot RoamIO, which could be comparable to a field Roomba, boasts low soil-compaction and the ability to attach tow-behind accessories such as herbicide sprayers and spreaders for seed, fertilizer and salt. This support has reached early-stage southern Ontario businesses in agriculture, agri-food, sustainable and environmental technology, advanced manufacturing and social innovation.