The Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund (OCIF) is investing up to $2.75 million over five years to support and establish AgSphere, a hub designed to advance agrifood innovation across Canada by serving as a central ecosystem merging agriculture, technology and food.
“AgSphere is about helping create a collaborative, connected and united agriculture ecosystem where innovation, ideas and new technologies can thrive,” said Brad Parry, President and CEO, Calgary Economic Development and CEO, Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund.
“This investment strengthens our agriculture sector, drives economic growth and is another step forward in positioning Calgary as the innovation capital of Canada.”
Strengthening Canada’s agriculture innovation and global competitiveness
With global demand for food and fuel intensifying, AgSphere aims to increase innovation, technology adoption, attract investment and address a workforce shortage in the agriculture industry.
“Calgary and Alberta have deep roots in agriculture, and that legacy continues to drive innovation today. As we experience a growing population, AgSphere will help innovators and entrepreneurs continue tackling global food and energy challenges with creative 'made-in-Calgary' solutions,” said Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas.
The hub will link Western Canada’s agricultural expertise with Calgary’s strengths in technology, energy and access to capital and talent.
"On a global level, Canadian farms are already the very best at efficiency, leveraging technology, sustainability, and Canada's brand is highly trusted for delivering quality and safety,” said Chris Paterson, Executive Director, AgSphere.
“However, in a very competitive world, Canada needs to continue to build on that advantage and also become the global leader of ag and food innovation. That is the focus of AgSphere.”
AgSphere builds a connected agriculture ecosystem
To strengthen Canada’s agricultural competitiveness, the hub will connect producers, startups, investors and partners, including founding partners AdFarm, the Calgary Stampede, Olds College of Agriculture & Technology and OCIF.
“AgSphere is coming at a critical time, as farmers are looking for ways to enhance their operations," said Ben Graham, President of AdFarm.
"We need initiatives like AgSphere so that this ecosystem can rise to the challenge of meeting farmers’ needs well into the future. From right here in Western Canada, we are perfectly
positioned to create a Canadian impact and attract international talent, companies and capital to drive the sector forward.”
Temporarily housed at Stampede Park, the initiative will include an innovation and education centre, event space, Canada-wide producer network and career platform.
“We are proud to welcome AgSphere to Stampede Park, where agriculture, community and innovation meet every day. Agriculture has been at the heart of the Stampede for more than a century, bringing producers, innovators and consumers together throughout the year in ways that support jobs, investment and collaboration,” said Joel Cowley, CEO, Calgary Stampede.
“The hub strengthens this impact by supporting training, education and pathways into Canada’s growing agribusiness sector, and highlights Canadian agriculture’s role on the world stage.”
OCIF’s investment in AgSphere will look to support 75 companies and train 450 individuals over five years, including students and the reskilling of professionals. The Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC) estimates that by 2030, Canada’s agriculture sector will face a workforce shortage of more than 100,000 workers — a 15 per cent increase from 2023.
"AgSphere is a natural fit for Olds College, building on our shared commitment to support best practices and innovation in the agriculture industry. Collaboration is our way forward to drive meaningful impact and future success," said Todd Ormann, Vice President External Relationships & Research, Olds College of Agriculture & Technology.
“By uniting our College’s agricultural and educational strengths with Calgary’s growing innovation ecosystem, this hub will accelerate new technologies, attract investment and help build the skilled workforce our industry needs for the future.”
Calgary as a leading destination for innovation across sectors
Calgary’s Innovation Strategy is a bold roadmap to make our city Canada’s innovation capital by building sector-specific innovation nodes and funding networks across the city. Successful implementation of the strategy is expected to add 187,000 jobs and contribute over $28 billion to Calgary’s economy by 2034.
Innovation across sectors has surged in Calgary in recent years, powered by talent, startups, research institutions, new accelerators and increasing venture capital investment.
In agriculture and energy, Calgary is emerging as a centre of excellence in value-added food processing, protein development, controlled-environment agriculture and energy innovation.
In 2024, the agribusiness sector contributed $13.5 billion to Alberta’s GDP and employed more than 76,000 people, according to Statistics Canada.
According to Farm Credit Canada’s Innovation Investment Report, every dollar invested in agriculture knowledge generation yields an estimated $10 to $20 return — reinforcing the high-impact nature of OCIF’s support.
Learn more about how OCIF is fuelling Calgary’s future at www.opportunitycalgary.com.