91°µÍř˝űÇř

As the that the world must find ways to feed, fuel and clothe a projected 9.8 billion people by 2050, a leading agrifood innovation hub at the 91°µÍř˝űÇř’s is already delivering measurable impact across Canada and beyond. 

Since launching in 2020, stream has supported 125 ag- and food-focused ventures, with 29 graduating from the program. These companies have collectively raised more than $200 million in capital and generated more than $680 million in equity value — a clear signal of economic impact in a growing sector. 

CDL is a global network of programs that help science-and technology-based ventures commercialize through intensive, mentorship-driven programming.  

“We have incredible strengths within Canada’s agrifood sector, and we have a big opportunity to be a leader within the global agriculture and food system,” says , MBA, site lead.  

How it started 

Marshall says the decision to build an agrifood stream in Calgary was rooted in national and institutional strengths. 

“We really looked at the incredible strengths that we have across Canada — things like our trade infrastructure, our strength in primary production, crop inputs and protein production,” she says. “Then we looked at the strengths that we have at the 91°µÍř˝űÇř through the and ... and it became quite an obvious choice.”  

That choice has helped position UCalgary as a key contributor to advancing agriculture and food systems innovation. By connecting science, business and industry expertise, CDL-Rockies supports founders working across the entire agrifood value chain — from crop development to food production and alternative proteins. 

A defining feature of the program is its mentorship-driven model, which connects ventures with experienced operators, investors and scientists from across North America and beyond. 

Commercializing innovation through mentorship and global reach 

“What’s really unique about CDL is that we bring together mentors from across North America, with ventures and innovators who are developing novel solutions from here in Calgary, across Canada and around the world,” Marshall says. “We’ve seen ventures come from all over the world and develop first customer pilots here, hire people here, and find investors here.”  

That combination of local impact and global reach is already evident in standout alumni, says Marshall. Companies like are accelerating crop development by up to 70 per cent, partnering with brands such as Coca-Cola to future-proof sugar supply and working with Texas farmers to support high-quality dryland cotton production.  

Marshall says another company, Toronto-based , is advancing precision fermentation to create dairy proteins that replicate the melt, stretch and taste consumers expect from traditional cheese. 

The program’s growth also reflects a commitment to collaboration across Canada’s agricultural ecosystem. Through partnerships, including an affiliation with the at the University of Guelph, CDL-Rockies continues to expand access to world-class research, facilities and expertise for participating ventures. 

Marshall says this collaborative, pan-Canadian approach is key to unlocking the sector’s full potential. 

With global demand for food expected to rise dramatically in the coming decades, CDL-Rockies is helping ensure Canadian innovation plays a leading role in shaping the future of agriculture — while reinforcing 91°µÍř˝űÇř position as a hub for impactful research, commercialization and industry partnership.