Calgary, Alta. (Rural Roots Canada) – Ag innovation is increasingly focused on solving practical, on-farm challenges, moving ideas from the lab and into real-world production.
That’s according to Laura Mock, director at Cultivator Powered by Connexus, a tech incubator located in Regina, speaking at the Advancing Women in Agriculture conference in Calgary in March.
“The work that we’re doing is really at the intersection of innovation and agriculture,” says Mock. “We want to support those who are developing the next wave of innovation that will change the face of farming, whether it be producing greater yields more sustainably, supporting efficiency on farming operations, or even just improving the quality of life for producers.”
Mock says it’s important to work with those innovators and connect them with producers so that their innovations can be tested commercially. So far, dozens of startups have moved through the Cultivator cohort program and into on-farm testing.
“We’ve supported 62 founders already from across Canada and around the world,” Mock says. “We’ve seen a tremendous amount of innovation coming from the UK and some from Australia, and we’ve been able to bring that innovation to Canada.”
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Mock explains the goal is ultimately to speed up how innovation reaches the farm, while also making sure producers have the data and confidence they need to adopt new technologies at scale.
She encourages innovators to apply for the next cohort when applications open near year’s end. It’s part of the reason why she was at the Women in Ag conference.
“Again, the work I do is at the intersection of innovation and agriculture, and both sectors have been incredibly underrepresented from a female leadership standpoint,” she explains. “For me, it was really important that we are present, we are advocates, we’re championing the growth of women in these sectors.”
She adds the warmth and caring of the women at the conference, and their desire to open doors, mentor, and connect with other women to help them grow is “phenomenal.”
“I just love the intention behind it because again, when you show up with intention, you’re more likely to achieve results, and that’s what we’re seeing at the conference.”
