CFIN Innovation Booster

• 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.

Who is eligible?

• 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.

Who is not eligible

• 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.

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.

Eligible geographic areas

• Projects taking place in Canada.

• 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

• 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.