Closed
CFIN Food Innovation Challenge
Challenge to improve Canada's food sector
Last Update: March 3, 2026
Funding available
$ 20,000 - $ 2,000,000
Timeline
- Open Date : February 13, 2023
- Closing date : October 29, 2023
Location
Canada
Overview
Get funding for a collaborative industry-led project that will enhance the food innovation community and generate a significant economic impact.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop a new product or service
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 2,000,000 $
- Minimum amount : 20,000 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : February 13, 2023
- Closing date : October 29, 2023
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Manufacturing
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- $ 50,000,000 maximum revenue
Organisation size
- 500 employees maximum
Audience
- Canadians
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
Yes, there are eligible types of companies for this grant, applicable under different streams based on specific criteria. Below is a summary of eligible companies followed by a detailed bullet point list.
- Businesses must have less than 500 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees.
- Must have fewer than $50 million in taxed revenues from the previous fiscal year.
- Should be incorporated for more than one year or be a limited liability partnership (LLP).
- Two years of review engagement or audited financials are required.
- Must be members of the Canadian Food Innovation Network (CFIN).
- Initiatives should be industry-led and collaborative.
- Should consist of one lead applicant and collaborative partners incorporated in Canada.
- All parties in the collaboration should be CFIN members.
- At least one SME with fewer than 500 employees and lower than $50 million gross revenue annually.
- Involvement of at least two independent private sector companies.
- Diverse partnerships including organizations, companies, SMEs, universities, colleges, and research centers are encouraged.
- Research and development should be conducted at Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) one to seven.
Eligible expenses
The Canadian Food Innovation Network (CFIN) grant has eligible expenses for both its Innovation Booster stream and Challenge stream. These expenses include costs related to direct labor, materials, equipment, and specific activities aligned with the program's objectives.
- Direct labor
- Materials
- Equipment
- Industrial research for the discovery of knowledge aimed at developing new technology-driven products, processes, and services at early stage TRLs
- Advancement and development of new tech into product-specific applications at middle or late stage TRLs
- Projects may cover a broad range of TRLs through activities from research to near commercialization
Additional information
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- The program is currently closed until 2025, and updates on funded projects will be provided.
Documents and links
Frequently Asked Questions about the CFIN Food Innovation Challenge Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the CFIN Food Innovation Challenge. 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 CFIN Food Innovation Challenge?
Get funding for a collaborative industry-led project that will enhance the food innovation community and generate a significant economic impact.
How much funding can be received?
CFIN Food Innovation Challenge Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $2,000,000 per project.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program was October 29, 2023.
Who can I contact for more information about the CFIN Food Innovation Challenge?
You can contact Canadian Food Innovation Network (CFIN).
Where is the CFIN Food Innovation Challenge available?
The CFIN Food Innovation Challenge program is available across Canada.
Is the CFIN Food Innovation Challenge a grant, loan, or tax credit?
CFIN Food Innovation Challenge is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the CFIN Food Innovation Challenge?
CFIN Food Innovation Challenge is funded by Canadian Food Innovation Network (CFIN)