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CFIN Innovation Booster
Canada
Funding to advance and commercialize food innovation
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|fromMinToMax
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateFebruary 24, 2025
- grant_single|closingDateMarch 25, 2025
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Accommodation and food services
grant_single|grantors
- Canadian Food Innovation Network (CFIN)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|openingSoon
grant_single_labels|preview
Receive between $10,000 and $100,00 in funding to cover up to 50% of eligible project costs to address food innovation challenges or technical hurdles that have created a barrier for achieving your commercialization goals.
grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions
- A total eligible project costs range between $20,000 and $200,000, with CFIN covering a maximum of 50% of total eligible project costs.
- The reimbursement program requires participants to incur all costs upfront, with reimbursement being processed in quarterly claims.
- Reimbursement can take up to 16 weeks, and advances are not provided.
- Stacking is allowed with other government funding, but it cannot exceed 75% of the total eligible project costs.
- A non-refundable project management fee of 5% of total project costs eligible for CFIN funding is required before the first reimbursement.
- Indirect costs are automatically calculated up to 55% on eligible direct labour, or up to 5% on eligible subcontractor costs, but not exceeding 15% of total eligible project costs.
- Financial reporting requirements involve maintaining project accounts for at least seven years post-termination.
- Eligible costs must fit predefined categories such as Direct Labour, Subcontractor/Consultant fees, Direct Materials, Equipment, and Other Direct Costs.
- Foreign costs must be pre-approved by CFIN and generally occur outside Canada except when materials and equipment are brought into Canada for project use.
grant_single_labels|projects
- Smart Product and Process Development in the areas of health, nutrition & wellness benefits.
- Development of new robotics applications to increase productivity, food safety and worker safety.
- Innovation using AI, sensors, machine learning, and big data to improve efficiencies.
- Exploration of emerging science such as cultured protein.
- Food Ecosystem Sustainability initiatives, including food waste reduction and higher value recovery.
- Circularity and upcycling projects.
- Development of green and smart packaging solutions.
- Optimization for more efficient use of inputs including energy, water and carbon.
- Agile and Safe Supply Chain innovations, focusing on logistics and supply chain improvements.
- Enhancements in consumer and customer analytics.
- Projects ensuring food safety and security.
- Utilization of IoT and digital applications in food chains.
- Adoption of blockchain and traceability technologies.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$ 90,000
Implementation of AI and big data to predict and optimize inventory needs for urban food banks
$ 100,000
Implementing smart packaging solutions to enhance food safety
$ 75,000
Development of smart packaging solutions to extend the shelf life of fresh produce using IoT sensors
$ 100,000
Developing AI and sensors to reduce food waste and improve efficiency
grant_single_labels|admissibility
- The applicant must be a small or medium-sized enterprise incorporated in Canada with under 499 FTEs and less than $50 million in annual sales.
- Applicants must not currently be the lead applicant on an active CFIN project.
- Projects must address an area of the post-farmgate food production supply chain, not primarily focus on agricultural activities.
- Projects must identify a specific technical hurdle with a clear methodology.
- Projects must have a defined goal or outcome with commercial application.
- Research and development must be conducted at Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 1 to 7; TRL 8 and 9 components are only considered if part of a project including TRL 1 to 7.
- Projects must be completed by December 31, 2026.
- Applicants must demonstrate financial capacity to undertake the project and submit 2 years of financials or equivalent documentation.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
- Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) incorporated in Canada with 499 or fewer employees and less than $50 million in gross revenues.
- Not-for-profit organizations that facilitate and fund research and development and primarily receive funding from private-sector organizations.
- Under special circumstances, Canadian researchers at post-secondary institutions in collaboration with an industry partner.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
- Agriculture or primary production focused projects.
- Projects that primarily focus on agricultural activities and mainly benefit farmers.
- Applicants currently the lead applicant on an active CFIN project (where a Master Project Agreement is signed, activities are underway, and a final report has not been filed and accepted by CFIN).
- Other publicly funded not-for-profit organizations, federal Crown corporations, and government departments or agencies.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
- Direct Labour: Salaries and wages for direct technical labour on approved project activities.
- Subcontractors and Consultants: Costs for external work or services directly tied to approved project activities.
- Direct Materials: Costs for materials specifically used in performing approved project activities.
- Equipment: Capital costs for equipment purchased for approved project activities, including costs to alter or modernize, get operational, and shipping.
- Other Direct Costs: Shipping costs and other directly related expenses to approved project activities.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
- Projects taking place in Canada.
grant_single_labels|criteria
- Overview of the business and communication of the firm's model and value proposition: 5 points
- Financial capability to undertake the project: 5 points
- Background and rationale for completing the project, including a description of the innovation or technical hurdle: 10 points
- Objectives of the research, development, and demonstration activities: 5 points
- Design and methodology to achieve project objectives, including key activities, expenditures, resources, and timelines: 15 points
- Innovative aspects of the project, including differentiation from other solutions, technology readiness level, and IP outline: 20 points
- Alignment with CFIN's innovation priorities and impact on CFIN's membership: 10 points
- Direct benefits to the firm, such as new jobs, revenues, IP, partnerships, and customers: 5 points
- Benefits to the wider food sector: 10 points
- Detailed project work plan with appropriate activities, milestones, and timelines: 10 points
- Comprehensive budget with detailed line items aligned with CFIN eligible cost policy: 5 points
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Register as a CFIN Member
- Visit CFIN's website to register as a member.
- Ensure you have the necessary details to create a membership profile.
- Step 2: Access the Application Portal
- Go to CFIN’s Application Portal.
- Log in using your CFIN membership credentials.
- Complete any eligibility pre-screening questions.
- Step 3: Fill Out the Application
- Provide detailed information about your business and project overview.
- Outline your project objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes.
- Ensure all sections, including innovation and financial capability, are thoroughly completed.
- Step 4: Attach Required Documents
- Upload mandatory documents such as the last two years of financial statements.
- Include any supplemental documents like letters of support or quotes.
- Step 5: Review and Submit the Application
- Carefully review the entire application for accuracy and completeness.
- Submit the completed application form via the portal.
- Make sure to meet the application deadline posted on the CFIN website.
- Step 6: Confirmation of Submission
- Receive a confirmation email acknowledging receipt of the application.
- Retain the confirmation email for your records.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
- Total eligible project costs must be between $20,000 and $200,000, with CFIN providing up to 50% of the costs.
- Projects under this funding must focus on advancing from Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 1 to 7.
- CFIN programs are reimbursement-based; costs must be incurred by the applicant prior to claiming.
- Project duration must not exceed 12 months.
- Applicants must register for a free CFIN membership to access the funding portal.
- CFIN encourages collaboration with independent service providers for project execution.
- Projects are expected to demonstrate alignment with CFIN's innovation priorities: Smart Product and Process Development, Food Ecosystem Sustainability, and Agile and Safe Supply Chains.
- Quarterly claims are required for the reimbursement process, which can take up to 16 weeks.
- Indirect costs are covered up to 55% of eligible direct labour costs but no more than 15% of the total eligible project costs.
grant_single_labels|contact
innovation@cfin-rcia.ca
