Apply to the CDL program

For founders building solutions applicable throughout the entire AgriFood value chain—from producer to plate.

The CDL-Rockies’ AgriFood stream is based in Calgary, Canada. It leverages the region’s vast pool of expertise in agricultural innovation to help founders rapidly scale and commercialize their science- or technology-based venture. CDL is an objectives-based mentorship program whereby founders work with and learn from experienced entrepreneurs, as well as world-class scientists, economists and business students with deep subject matter expertise. Companies enter the program through a competitive application process and, if accepted, will begin the nine-month program with a cohort of their peers.

CDL is a non-profit organization. There are no fees for participation and CDL does not take any equity. Learn more about the CDL program.

Who Should Apply?

The CDL-Rockies’ AgriFood stream is ideal for founders building scalable solutions that are applicable throughout the ag value chain. Ideal candidates are well on their way to developing an MVP, or are already in market with their product. CDL Ag focuses on new technologies with the potential to significantly impact or improve current operations within the following areas:

Example Innovation Areas

  • Sustainable Agriculture: soil carbon markets, biomass and waste innovations, circular economy, etc.
  • Ag Biotechnology: novel crop inputs, soil microbiome, genomics, etc.
  • Precision Farming: sensors, IoT, predictive analytics, automation, etc.
  • Food Safety & Security: supply chain management, food borne pathogen testing & prevention, traceability innovations, etc.
  • Food Technology: food processing & manufacturing, alternative proteins, cellular agriculture, process automation, etc.
  • Livestock Health & Wellness: animal surveillance, disease prediction & prevention, increased productivity, etc.

Not sure if CDL AgriFood is right for you? Contact Dora Tamas, AgriFood Stream Manager, for more information or to speak with someone about the program.

Our Mentors

CDL-Rockies mentors represent a broad cross-section of extraordinary, accomplished entrepreneurs, scientists, active angel and venture investors across industries who employ a global mindset. They are integral to the success of each CDL-Rockies program and are invested in finding and supporting innovations—and the visionary innovators behind them—to solve critical problems. Mentors provide founders with the business expertise required to commercialize, as well as their time, resources and networks.

For more information or to schedule an introduction meeting with the CDL team, email:

Dora Tamas
AgriFood Stream Manager, CDL-Rockies

“The CDL process fundamentally reworked the company and our focus and direction. We actually changed our name and completely changed the identity. We were able to really dig in and refine our vision as a team.”

Gavin Schneider

Co-founder & CEO, Maia Farms

“The mentorship provided through the CDL program had a significant impact on our company. Exposure to mentors with varied backgrounds provided us with new and valuable perspectives, and allowed us to build relationships with these phenomenal mentors, many of whom we would not have met otherwise.”

Erik Westblom

Co-Founder & CEO, Provision Analytics

Applications are now closed for the 2025/26 program year

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