Closed
CFIN Food Innovation Challenge
Funding for collaborative food innovation projects
Last Update: May 27, 2026
Funding available
$ 20,000 - $ 2,000,000
Timeline
- Open Date : February 13, 2023
- Closing date : October 29, 2023
Location
Canada
Overview
This program supports collaborative food industry innovation projects led by Canadian incorporated organizations. Funding can reach up to 50% of total eligible project costs, with support for industrial research and technology demonstration activities.
/100
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
Activities funded
- Industrial research projects.
- Technology demonstration projects.
- Collaborative projects addressing food industry challenges or opportunities.
Documents Needed
- Project proposal
- Project budget
- Quarterly claims with invoices and proof of payment
- Documents showing financial position for early-stage applicants
- Collaboration agreement
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Canadian incorporated companies.
- Food industry collaborators.
- Private sector partners involved in collaborative projects.
- Eligible not-for-profit organizations that fund and facilitate R&D primarily through private-sector funding.
Who is not eligible
- Publicly funded not-for-profit organizations.
- Post-secondary institutions.
- Federal Crown corporations.
- Government departments or agencies.
Eligible expenses
- Eligible project costs related to research and technology demonstration.
- Equipment and facility upgrades directly tied to the project.
- Indirect costs within program thresholds.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- In-kind contributions.
- Projects outside industrial research and technology demonstration.
- Travel abroad and conferences are not covered as foreign costs unless permitted under the approved budget.
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Processing and Agreement
- Submissions are reviewed for completion and compliance after intake closes.
- Eligible applications are scored by reviewers against the program selection criteria.
- Top-ranked submissions are selected for funding based on available funds.
- Successful applicants receive a master project agreement before funding starts.
- Rejected applicants may request a debrief and may appeal only if the selection process was not followed.
Additional information
- The program is not returning in 2025-2026.
- Applicants must register for a free CFIN membership.
- CFIN offers debrief sessions for unsuccessful applicants.
- Applicants are encouraged to contact their Regional Innovation Director before applying.
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?
This program supports collaborative food industry innovation projects led by Canadian incorporated organizations. Funding can reach up to 50% of total eligible project costs, with support for industrial research and technology demonstration activities.
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 is eligible for the CFIN Food Innovation Challenge program?
To be eligible for the CFIN Food Innovation Challenge program, you must:
Incorporated in Canada
Industry-led collaboration
At least two private-sector partners
What expenses are eligible under CFIN Food Innovation Challenge?
Industrial research projects.
Technology demonstration projects.
Collaborative projects addressing food industry challenges or opportunities.
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.