The Grand River Agricultural Society (GRAS) welcomed 130 attendees to its 5^th annual SPARK V5 Symposium at The GrandWay Events Centre on April 22, 2026. This event brings together leaders in agriculture, technology, finance, and sustainability for a dynamic day of innovation and connection.

Focused on advancing solutions to reduce carbon inputs in agriculture, this year’s SPARK Symposium highlighted the opportunities and challenges that occur at the intersection of climate, policy, and farm economics. Attendees engaged with new innovative technologies, explored 8 companies in the tradeshow, heard from a panel of industry experts discussing How carbon capture programs are evolving?, and participated in live voting People’s Choice award. The event was sponsored by Skyline Wealth Management and Skyline Clean Energy Fund.

“GRAS has again successfully completed its SPARK Symposium for the fifth year,” said Deborah Whale, GRAS Board President. “This event is designed to showcase innovative Canadian agricultural technology companies and to inform and attract investors. This year, our theme was “Igniting Carbon Smart Agri Innovation”, and all five of these companies are making impressive strides in reducing carbon while increasing agricultural efficiency. From working robots to soil health to input manufacturing, we highlighted five winners! Congratulations to the entrepreneurs and we wish you much success with your businesses.”

Celebrating Innovation: People’s Choice Award Winners

Two standout companies were recognized with People’s Choice Awards, each receiving a $1,000 prize sponsored by GRAS:

Voted “Greatest impact on net carbon”: Competitive Green Technologies (CGT), led by Mike Tiessen, was recognized for its innovative approach to converting agricultural and forestry residues into high-performance bio-composite resins and bio-carbon products. CGT’s technology offers scalable alternatives to fossil-based plastics while creating new revenue streams for growers and advancing circular bioeconomy outcomes.

Voted “Company attendees would invest in”: Upside Robotics, represented by Sam Dugan, earned top honours for its lightweight, solar-powered autonomous robots designed for precision fertilizer application. By combining real-time data, advanced sensors, and AI, Upside Robotics is helping farmers reduce input costs and environmental impact while maintaining strong crop performance.

Other featured pitch companies include:

• FireRein is a Canadian cleantech company developing safer, non-toxic firefighting solutions. Their product, Eco-Gel™, is a 100% bio-based firefighting water additive that replaces harmful PFAS foams, reduces water use, and is safe for both people and the environment. Made largely from Canadian agricultural inputs, it supports rural economies while protecting communities and first responders.
• SoilOptix® is an ag-tech company that uses advanced sensing and data analytics to create high-resolution soil maps. These insights help farmers apply inputs more precisely, improve crop performance, and enhance soil health, leading to better profitability and more sustainable farming practices.
• V6 Agronomy is a Canadian innovator in crop nutrition and soil health solutions. Working with research partners at Trent University’s School of the Environment, the company has developed an organo-mineral alternative to traditional chemical nitrogen stabilizers, helping improve soil performance while supporting environmental sustainability and food security.

Panel Discussion Highlights: Bridging science, policy, and economics

The event’s panel discussion, moderated by Dr. Christine Baes, Associate Dean, Ontario Agricultural College, University of Guelph; Canada Research Chair in Livestock Genomics, featured Steve Kehoe, Director Energy Transition, BMO Capital Markets, Barb Swartzentruber, Senior Advisor, CANZA, Deanna Martin, Biogas Operations and Process Consultant, and Christoph Wand, Livestock Sustainability Specialist, OMAFA. Panelists emphasized that while agriculture has the potential to be a major climate solution, success depends on aligning science, economics, and policy. Key insights included:

• Market readiness remains a challenge: While emissions-reduction technologies are advancing, carbon markets, particularly for soil sequestration, are still developing and lack clear pathways for farmer participation.
• Measurement is a major bottleneck: Reliable systems for measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) are essential to building trust and unlocking investment.
• Economics must lead adoption: Farmers respond to viable market opportunities, not just policy incentives. Risk-sharing and multiple revenue streams are critical.
• Policy alignment is essential: Stable, coordinated policy across sectors is needed to create confidence and long-term market signals.
• Simplicity and standardization are key next steps: Clear frameworks, blended financing models, and supply chain demand will help drive adoption at scale.

The symposium also featured 8 tradeshow booths representing a diverse range of companies and organizations, including Skyline Wealth Management and Skyline Energy Fund, Competitive Green Technologies, SoilOptix, V6 Agronomy, Ryzome, Energrow, S&M Dineen Farms, and GRAS. Attendees had the opportunity to connect directly with innovators and explore emerging solutions in agri-tech, enviro-tech, and sustainability.

Beyond the formal programming, guests enjoyed curated food stations, provided by The GrandWay Events Centre, including a lamb carving station, hors d’oeuvres, and chocolate fountain.

SPARK V5 reinforced the importance of collaboration in shaping the future of agriculture. With strong attendance, thoughtful discussion, and leading innovation on display, the symposium created meaningful momentum around the role of agriculture in climate solutions. GRAS is proud to have organized this important conversation and looks forward to building on the connections and insights sparked through this year’s event.

To stay up to date on GRAS and The SPARK Symposium, go to https://grandriveragsociety.com/contact/ and ask to be placed on their mailing list, or follow us on social media here:  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  LinkedIn

View the Event Details here: https://grandriveragsociety.com/event/spark-v5/