CFIN Food Innovation Challenge
Canada
Challenge to improve Canada's food sector
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
$ 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
$ 500,000
Advancement of green packaging solutions for perishable products
$ 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|register
- Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
- Ensure your business has fewer than 500 full-time equivalent employees.
- Check that your business's taxed revenues are under $50 million in the previous fiscal year.
- Your business should be incorporated for more than one year or be a limited liability partnership (LLP).
- Prepare two years of review engagement or audited financial statements.
- Confirm that you are a CFIN member (membership is free).
- Step 2: Define Project Scope
- Identify eligible activities focusing on TRLs one to seven.
- Ensure the project falls into one of the three research areas: Smart Product and Process Development, Food System Sustainability, or Agile and Safe Supply Chains.
- Step 3: Document Preparation
- Prepare detailed project proposal including objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes.
- Gather financial documents and any other supporting documentation.
- Step 4: Application Submission
- Submit the application through the CFIN portal or contact a CFIN team member for current intake details.
- Pay attention to any applicable deadlines and ensure all forms are duly filled out.
- Step 5: Review and Approval
- Your application will be reviewed by CFIN for eligibility and completeness.
- Be prepared to answer any follow-up questions from the reviewers.
- Upon approval, be ready to pay a 5% project management fee.
- Step 6: Project Execution
- Begin the project as per the approved scope and budget.
- Track expenses and milestones as per the project plan.
- Step 7: Reporting and Finalization
- Submit periodic and final reports detailing the progress and completion of the project.
- Ensure all financial reporting aligns with CFIN guidelines.
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
Driving Transformative Progress in Canada’s Food Sector
The Défi Innovation alimentaire is a distinctive funding opportunity aimed at stakeholders in the Canadian food sector seeking to spearhead transformative changes that advance the industry while generating substantial economic impacts. This program is currently closed and will reopen in 2025, offering future prospects for innovation-driven projects.
Detailed Exploration of the Défi Innovation Alimentaire and Its Vision
The Défi Innovation alimentaire is an ambitious initiative dedicated to fostering transformational advancements within the Canadian food industry. It seeks to catalyze economic growth by encouraging innovative practices and collaborations that can reshape the industry landscape. This challenge emphasizes the value of innovation, competitiveness, and sustainable development, encouraging participants to think beyond conventional limits and propose forward-thinking solutions.The primary objective of the Défi Innovation alimentaire is to unlock the potential of the food sector by integrating new technologies, processes, and methodologies that improve efficiency, sustainability, and consumer engagement. By focusing on strategic innovations, the program endeavors to address significant challenges the sector faces, such as resource management, supply chain efficiency, and increased market competition.Participants in the programme are encouraged to form collaborations that drive collective impact, leveraging a wide range of expertise across the food sector. Through these partnerships, diverse stakeholders, including small businesses, large organizations, and research institutions, can combine insights and capabilities to develop groundbreaking solutions. These collaborations not only accelerate the pace of innovation but also enhance the prospects for projects to achieve scalable and sustainable impacts.In addition to advancing technological fronts, the Défi Innovation alimentaire supports projects that contribute to economic vitality by opening new markets and creating job opportunities. It prioritizes initiatives poised to deliver measurable economic benefits, enhancing both national competitiveness and the industry's global standing.The projects funded through this challenge are evaluated based on rigorous criteria that prioritize innovation, feasibility, and potential impact. This ensures that the funds are invested in initiatives with the highest likelihood of success and substantial returns. Moreover, the focus on sustainable practices is key to aligning the projects with broader environmental and social goals, reinforcing the importance of responsible innovation in achieving long-term sustainability.Although the submission window is currently closed, prospective applicants should closely monitor updates about the program, as it will be an influential platform for reshaping the future of the Canadian food industry once it reopens. Engaging with the program can offer substantial advantages, including heightened visibility, access to a network of industry leaders, and the ability to harness comprehensive resources that support the journey from ideation to implementation.Thus, the Défi Innovation alimentaire stands as a pivotal opportunity for those committed to leading the charge in the ongoing transformation of the food sector. It represents not only a chance to gain financial backing but also to contribute to the creation of a resilient and future-ready food system in Canada.
