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Canadian Food Innovation Network - Canada

Canadian Food Innovation Network

Last Update: July 22, 2025
Canada
Collaboration opportunities across the food ecosystem

At a glance

Eligible Funding
  • No Condition
Timeline
  • Open Date : May 5, 2021
Financing Type
Partnering and Collaboration
Eligible Industries
  • All industries
Funds Providers
Unspecified
Program status
Open

Overview

Connect with other businesses in the food and beverage industry, potential investors, and more. Innovate and grow as part of a network aimed at finding solutions in automation, digital technologies and data usage.

Activities funded

Eligible projects and activities for this grant focus on innovation within the food and beverage industry in areas such as automation, digital technologies, and data usage.
  • Collaboration with other businesses in the food and beverage sector
  • Exploration and implementation of automation technologies
  • Development and utilization of digital technologies
  • Improvement and usage of data for business growth
  • Engagement with potential investors and networks
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 70,000
Creating a mobile app for personalized meal planning based on local produce availability
$ 50,000
Establishing a digital marketplace for local farmers to sell their produce directly
$ 75,000
Developing an AI system to predict food demand and reduce waste in supermarkets
$ 100,000
Implementing automated packaging systems in a bakery to improve efficiency
$ 90,000
Upgrading a brewery's technology infrastructure to improve production data tracking
$ 40,000
Developing a data analytics platform for a coffee chain to track customer preferences

Eligibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements that ensure participants are able to contribute to and benefit from the collaborative network in the food and beverage industry.
  • The applicant must be a business or organization within the food and beverage industry.
  • The applicant must demonstrate a commitment to innovation in automation, digital technologies, or data usage.
  • The applicant should have a project or business plan that aligns with the grant's objectives of fostering collaboration and innovation.
  • The applicant must be legally registered and compliant with all Canadian business regulations.
  • The applicant should provide evidence of potential impact, such as through increased efficiency, sustainability, or competitiveness in the food ecosystem.

Who is eligible?

The Canadian Food Innovation Network (CFIN) encourages collaboration among businesses and organizations within the food and beverage industry. This includes manufacturers, technology providers, research institutions, and other stakeholders interested in driving innovation through automation and emerging digital technologies. The network aims to foster partnerships that can address challenges and leverage data to enhance productivity and sustainability in the food ecosystem.

Eligible expenses

The Canadian Food Innovation Network aims to bolster the food ecosystem through collaborative projects. Eligible activities focus on fostering innovation, digital transformation, and efficient data utilization in the food and beverage industry.
  • Development of automated systems to enhance food production efficiency.
  • Integration of digital technologies to streamline operations across the supply chain.
  • Projects utilizing data analytics to optimize resource management and decision-making processes.
  • Innovative solutions for sustainable food processing and distribution.
  • Collaborative initiatives aimed at reducing food waste using technology.

Eligible geographic areas

The grant covers specific expenses that facilitate collaboration and innovation in the food ecosystem.
  • Personnel costs directly involved in project activities.
  • Acquisition of technologies and equipment necessary for innovation.
  • Consultancy fees for specialized expertise and project development.
  • Travel expenses for meetings and collaboration activities related to the project.
  • Materials and supplies directly needed for project implementation.

Selection criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for the grant offered by the Canadian Food Innovation Network are structured to assess the project's contribution to innovation within the food ecosystem.
  • Contribution to advancements in automation and digital technologies within the food industry.
  • Potential for networking and collaboration with other food and beverage businesses and stakeholders.
  • Innovative use of data and technology to solve industry challenges.
  • Feasibility and clarity of the project’s implementation plan.
  • Alignment with the strategic goals of fostering innovation and growth in the food ecosystem.

How to apply

1

Preliminary Registration

  • Create an account on the Canadian Food Innovation Network's portal.
  • Provide basic organizational details to indicate your interest in collaboration opportunities.
2

Prepare Application

  • Develop a comprehensive project proposal outlining innovation goals and collaborative approaches in automation, digital technologies, and data usage.
  • Gather supporting documents such as financial plans, project timelines, and any stakeholder letters of intent or support.
3

Submit Application

  • Log into the Canadian Food Innovation Network’s portal and navigate to the application submission section.
  • Upload all required documents and project proposal.
  • Complete the online application form, ensuring all fields are accurately filled.
  • Double-check for any errors or missing attachments before submitting.
  • Submit the application before the specified deadline.
4

Confirmation of Submission

  • Receive an automated confirmation email with your application reference number.
  • Ensure to keep the confirmation email and reference number for any future correspondence.

Additional information

Here are additional relevant details for this network:
  • The Canadian Food Innovation Network (CFIN) aims to accelerate innovation in Canada's food sector by connecting food businesses, researchers, and technology providers.
  • CFIN provides exclusive membership that offers benefits such as access to funding opportunities, industry insights, and collaborative platforms.
  • The network organizes events and webinars to facilitate knowledge sharing and networking among participants.
  • CFIN also has initiatives that focus on sector-specific challenges such as sustainability and food security.
  • Members can access resources and tools designed to help streamline processes and improve outcomes within the food and beverage industry.

Documents and links

Canadian Food Innovation Network

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Canadian Food Innovation Network Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Canadian Food Innovation Network. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.

What is the Canadian Food Innovation Network?

How much funding can be received?

What is the deadline to apply?

Is the Canadian Food Innovation Network a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Who are the financial supporters of the Canadian Food Innovation Network?

Who is eligible for the Canadian Food Innovation Network program?

Who can I contact for more information about the Canadian Food Innovation Network?

Where is the Canadian Food Innovation Network available?

Are startups eligible for the Canadian Food Innovation Network program?

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