Protein Industries Canada (PIC) is a not-for-profit organization that plays a pivotal role in the Canadian agrifood sector. Its primary mission is to stimulate innovation and growth within the plant-based food and ingredient sector across Canada. As one of the five Canadian superclusters established by the Canadian government, PIC aims to enhance the global competitiveness of Canada's protein industries, focusing on plant-based proteins derived from crops such as peas, lentils, and soy.
The organization seeks to strengthen collaboration across the agrifood industry by fostering a network of innovators, researchers, and producers. Through various initiatives, it promotes projects that enhance sustainable development, improve processing and distribution, and elevate the nutritional profile of plant-based proteins. By doing so, PIC aspires to position Canada as a global leader in plant proteins and other innovative agrifood solutions.
One of the key ways PIC supports the protein industry is through its grants and funding programs. These initiatives are designed to encourage research, innovation, and commercialization within the sector. PIC co-invests in collaborative projects that bring together industry leaders, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and academic institutions. The aim is to leverage shared expertise and resources to drive breakthroughs in plant-protein technologies and applications.
PIC's funding model focuses on a co-investment approach. This means that for each project approved, PIC typically provides up to 50 percent of the total project costs, with the remaining 50 percent being contributed by industry partners. This financial structure ensures that both the PIC and its partners have a vested interest in the success of the projects they undertake.
Eligible projects under Protein Industries Canada's initiative must be collaborative and involve at least two partners from industry, research communities, or technology sectors. Projects should address significant challenges or opportunities within the plant-based value chain, whether that involves improving crop genetics, enhancing processing techniques, or developing new products for the market.
Examples of projects that have received PIC funding include those that focus on improving protein extraction processes, developing value-added ingredients, and creating novel plant-based foods. Additionally, some projects aim to enhance the environmental sustainability of the production process, thereby contributing to lowering the carbon footprint of the agrifood industry.
PIC does not exclusively fund businesses; non-profit organizations, academic institutions, and research bodies can also apply for funding, provided they collaborate with industrial partners. The emphasis is always on projects that push the boundaries of innovation and offer substantial potential for commercialization, enhancing both the industry's global competitiveness and its capacity for job creation.
Moreover, PIC also emphasizes diversity and inclusion in its funding activities, recognizing that a broad range of perspectives contributes to more robust innovation and problem-solving. This commitment ensures that the benefits of these investments extend across various sectors of society and the economy.
In summary, Protein Industries Canada is a catalyst for innovation within the Canadian plant-based sector, offering significant financial support to collaborative projects that drive the industry forward. Through its strategic funding initiatives, PIC not only promotes technological advancements and sustainability but also fosters partnerships that are pivotal for long-term growth and competitive advantage in the global market.
