Partnership advances entrepreneurship in the Saskatchewan agri-food industry
Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre Inc. and Cultivator powered by Conexus sign Memorandum of Understanding.
[SASKATOON, SK, July 8, 2025] – Creating more opportunities for Saskatchewan agtech and food tech industry entrepreneurs is the driving motivation behind a new partnership announced today.
The Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre Inc. (“Food Centre”) and Cultivator powered by Conexus have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate, making it easier for founders to navigate the ecosystem. The Food Centre is a world-class contract research, manufacturing and incubation organization in Saskatoon. Cultivator is the first credit union led tech incubator in Canada, helping local startups start, grow and scale their companies right here in Saskatchewan. Cultivator’s AGTECH ACCELERATOR is a global leader in supporting founders to develop and commercialize their ag innovations.
By partnering together, both organizations are able to support these businesses in a much more in-depth and robust way.
These two organizations will promote cooperation through:
- Supporting food tech, agri-food tech, upcycling, and agtech startups
- Providing client referrals to one another
- Collaborating on programs, seminars, webinars, and workshops
The benefits for the Saskatchewan ag community
Both organizations share a focus on Saskatchewan innovation, whether it be through cultivating companies or supporting value-added opportunities in the food industry.
This dedication to Saskatchewan and helping grow businesses here at home benefits entrepreneurs, the ag community and the entire provincial economy for a thriving Saskatchewan.
Get involved
Budding entrepreneurs are encouraged to contact both organizations to take their businesses to the next level:
- Prospective clients of the Food Centre can visit this page to get in touch.
- Those looking to launch, grow, or scale their startup can contact Cultivator here.
“We are thrilled to announce our new partnership with Cultivator, which will help us expand our presence in ag-tech and upcycling sectors and support founders who are creating value for Saskatchewan’s economy. The founders and entrepreneurs backed by Cultivator deliver problem-driven solutions to our expanding ecosystem. Through this partnership, the Food Centre will provide continued technical and business support to help these founders advance and thrive on their entrepreneurial journeys.” – Food Centre President Mehmet Caglar Tulbek
“Cultivator and the Food Centre are both world-class organizations with complementary programming and resources. This partnership eliminates the need for founders to navigate the support network in silos. By aligning efforts, we’re reducing barriers, avoiding duplication and streamlining access to a powerful suite of supports—creating a more cohesive experience for founders and amplifying our shared goal of driving business success.” – Cultivator powered by Conexus Director Laura Mock
For more information and to arrange interviews, please contact:
Michael Chmielewski
Media Relations Specialist | Conexus Credit Union
media@conexus.ca | 306-751-8201
Carmen Ly
Communications Director | Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre Inc.
cly@foodcentre.sk.ca | 306-933-7556
About Cultivator powered by Conexus
Cultivator powered by Conexus is Canada’s first credit union led tech incubator, helping local startups start, grow and scale their companies right here in Saskatchewan. We believe the prairies are home to some of the world’s most resilient founders. Since launching in 2019, Cultivator has incubated and provided resources, mentorship and support to over 190 startups. Visit Cultivator.ca for more information.
About Food Centre
The Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre Inc. (Food Centre) is a contract research, contract manufacturing and incubation organization supporting agri-business innovation and growth across Canada and beyond. From concept to commercialization, the Food Centre offers expertise in product development, processing, extrusion, food safety training, ingredient manufacturing, downstream processing, women in agri-food entrepreneurship and more. With state-of-the-art facilities in Saskatoon and a new Advanced Food Ingredients Centre, specializing in fermentation and bioengineering, the Food Centre connects clients to the tools, partnerships and knowledge needed to reduce risk and accelerate market entry. Visit foodcentre.sk.ca for more information.