Canadian Agriculture Technology Innovation R&D Partnering Delegation to Brazil

 You’re invited to apply to participate in the Canadian Agriculture Technology Innovation R&D Partnering Delegation to Brazil, delivered under the Canadian International Innovation Program (CIIP).

The Partnership Development Activity (PDA) will take place in person from February 23 to 27, 2026 in Brazil.

Interested companies must apply no later than November 9, 2025.

The delegation is designed to increase awareness of the opportunities available within the Brazil market. It will focus on introducing Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with innovative technologies on Agtech solutions to potential Brazilian partners.  

The delegation targets Canadian companies working on technologies/solutions in the following areas in the Agricultural Technology (Agtech) sector:   

Precision agriculture

• IoT sensors, and AI analytics to monitor crops, optimize irrigation, and predict yields.

Agricultural biotechnology

• Genetic engineering for improved crop resilience; seeds (genetic engineering) 
• Microbial solutions for soil health and pest control

Biologicals 

• Biopesticides: Control pests, weeds, and diseases using natural mechanisms
• Biofertilizers: Improve nutrient availability and uptake by plants
• Biostimulants: Boost plant growth, stress tolerance, and soil health
• Microbial inoculants: Introduce beneficial microorganisms into the soil or plant environment

Soil management 

• Soil analysis 
• Defensives 
• Management 

Interested SMEs must be capable and ready to pursue joint R&D collaborations, with the goal of future commercialization. Examples of R&D collaboration may include:

• validation of the suitability of Canadian technology to the Brazilian market
• adaptation of Canadian technology to meet market characteristics
• joint development of new products and services by combining Canadian and Brazilian technologies

The cohort will be made of eight to ten Canadian SMEs with demonstrated capabilities in agtech.

The delegation is targeting Canadian companies working on technologies and solutions in the focus areas listed in the delegation objectives. 

To benefit from this initiative, Canadian delegates should:  

• be a profit-oriented, SME incorporated in Canada
• have previous experience in or working towards commercializing technology for domestic and/or international markets
• have capacity and interest to co-develop technology with Brazilian partners
• be committed to expanding activities to the Brazilian market
• have sufficient working capital and human resources to undertake multi-year R&D collaboration and commercialize the results

Dates: February 23 to 27, 2026 
Location: 

• São Paulo 
• Campinas 
• Piracicaba
• Ribeirão Preto

Before the official itinerary begins, the program will offer:

• a virtual overview (pre-departure) of the Brazilian agriculture sector, delegation itinerary, funding opportunities, pitch coaching, and research security considerations
• a review of the delegation activities
• a welcome reception/networking dinner and meet and greet

February 23: São Paulo

• Meeting at FAPESP with speaking and pitching opportunities
• Tailored business-to-business (B2B) matchmaking meetings and networking lunchMeeting at BASF/AgroStart, with an overview of the AgroStart program
• Pitching opportunities for participants

February 24: Campinas

• Meeting at Embrapa Agricultura Digital 
• Site visit to Embrapa 
• Tour of Environment Technologies Experimental Farm in Jaguaríuna

February 25: Piracicaba 

• Visit to ESALQ Agriculture School (Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture, University of São Paulo), overview of activities and networking with researchers and local startups 
• Visit to PULSE (Raisen’s Innovation Hub) with pitching opportunities for participants and presentations by Brazilian companies

February 26: Ribeirão Preto

• Meeting at Supera Parque Innovation Hub, with pitching opportunities for participants, presentations by Brazilian companies and tailored B2B matchmaking meetings

February 27: Ribeirão Preto

• Site visit to Supera Park’s sugar cane plantation and ethanol plant
• Networking luncheon with sector contacts, Supera Park management, selected companies, municipal officials and selected guests 
• Delegation debriefing; review of activities, meetings and follow up actions

The agtech sector in Brazil is a rapidly growing and dynamic industry, with many companies and startups working to develop innovative technologies and solutions that improve efficiency and productivity.

• Brazil is the world’s largest agricultural net exporter
• Brazil has the largest territory of arable land in the world 
• Brazil is a top five producer and exporter of 34 agricultural commodities
• Brazil is a key supplier to international markets, particularly China

Brazilian agriculture exports totaled USD 159B in 2022. With the use of new technologies and high level of local research ecosystem, the agricultural market in Brazil attracts companies from around the globe. While a highly competitive, the market is very rewarding for companies that achieve sustainable entry

Sector development is mainly driven by private sector investments, which has more flexibility to define priorities, allocate funds and establish technical/commercial partnerships.   

• Use of precision agriculture techniques to gather and analyze data to optimize crop production and reduce costs. This includes the use of sensors, drones, and other data-gathering devices to collect information on factors such as soil conditions, weather patterns, and crop health.
• Development of new plant varieties and breeding techniques. For example, the use of genomics and biotechnology to create crops that are more resistant and adaptable.
• Growing focus on sustainability and environmental concerns, with a demand for solutions such as precision irrigation systems. Industry analysts expect that such technologies will be available to much of the planted area of the country within the next three years.  
• In the 1970s, Brazil was a net importer of food, but it has since become a top five global producer and exporter of many agricultural products. This growth is largely due to the adoption of new technologies, a trend that remains strong today.

In summary, Brazil is a natural and key destination for Canadian agriculture technologies, thanks to the:

• market size
• fast adoption of new technologies
• well-structured sector value-chain:
  • Academic research
  • Incubators
  • Accelerators
  • Hubs
  • Large private sector companies and agricultural groups
  • Well established technology support programs for farms

The Canadian International Innovation Program (CIIP) may provide financial support to eligible Canadian SMEs participants for up to 50% of all eligible expenses that include but are not limited to:

• economy airfare
• local transportation 
• accommodation
• meals
• conference registration fees

To access the CIIP Applicant’s Guide, contact a CIIP representative at innovation@international.gc.ca.

Not-for-profit organizations can apply to join the delegation as observers without eligibility for financial support.

1. Click the “Apply” button to access the online application form. Select the official language of your choice and the delegation you want to apply to then complete all questions.
2. Completed applications must be submitted online no later than November 9, 2025.
3. Global Affairs Canada, the Embassy of Canada to the Netherlands, and NRC-IRAP will select Canadian companies that will participate in the delegation. Successful applicants will be notified by November 21, 2025.
4. Selected companies will be invited to apply for financial support for travel expenses.

If you have any questions concerning application process, please see the CIIP webpage and/or email CIIP at innovation@international.gc.ca.  

Global Affairs Canada (GAC)'s Trade Commissioner Service, in collaboration with the National Research Council Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP), delivers the Canadian International Innovation Program (CIIP) in the the Netherlands. CIIP supports industrial R&D partnership development activities between Canadian SMEs and companies in key markets, including Brazil.