CFIN Food Innovation Challenge
Canada
Challenge to improve Canada's food sector
grant_single|update March 27, 2025
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|fromMinToMax
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateFebruary 13, 2023
- grant_single|closingDateOctober 29, 2023
- grant_single|grantStatusClosed
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Manufacturing
grant_single|grantors
- Canadian Food Innovation Network (CFIN)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
Get funding for a collaborative industry-led project that will enhance the food innovation community and generate a significant economic impact.
grant_single_labels|projects
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$ 500,000
Advancement of green packaging solutions for perishable products
$ 850,000
Development of IoT-based digital supply chain solutions
$ 250,000
Creation of a food waste reduction program through community engagement
$ 1,200,000
Implementation of blockchain for food safety and traceability
$ 400,000
Development of a robotic system for automated food packaging
$ 600,000
Research on sustainable cultured protein alternatives
grant_single_labels|admissibility
The eligibility criteria for the Canadian Food Innovation Network (CFIN) grant vary according to each unique stream. Here are the detailed eligibility criteria for both the Innovation Booster stream and the Challenge stream:
- CFIN Innovation Booster stream:
- Businesses need to have less than 500 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees.
- Applicants should have fewer than $50 million in taxed revenues from the company’s previous fiscal year.
- Applicants 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 as part of the application process.
- Successful applicants must be CFIN members (membership is free).
- CFIN Challenge stream:
- Applicants should be focused on, industry-led, collaborative initiatives.
- Should consist of an applicant willing to take the lead and collaborative partners that are also incorporated in Canada; all parties of the collaboration should be members of CFIN.
- At least one SME (fewer than 500 employees) with lower than $50 million gross revenues annually.
- At least two independent private sector companies.
- If a larger number of partners are included, a diversity of organizations, companies and SMEs, universities, colleges, research centers, etc. is encouraged.
- Research and development should be conducted at Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) one to seven.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|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
grant_single_labels|criteria
Here are the evaluation and selection criteria for the CFIN Innovation Booster stream and Challenge stream grants:
- Alignment with eligible activities in the specified research areas (Smart Product and Process Development, Food System Sustainability, Agile and Safe Supply Chains).
- Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) one to seven.
- Company size: fewer than 500 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees for the Innovation Booster stream; collaborative initiatives with at least one SME for the Challenge stream.
- Taxed revenues: less than $50 million.
- Incorporation status: Incorporated for over one year (Innovation Booster) or collaborative and led by an organization incorporated in Canada (Challenge).
- CFIN membership status.
- Previous financial stability: Two years of review engagement or audited financials.
- Project cost and funding request compliance: up to 50% of eligible expenses within specified financial limits.
grant_single_labels|apply
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grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- The program is currently closed until 2025, and updates on funded projects will be provided.
Apply to this program
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