How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $100000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Who are the financial supporters of the CFIN Innovation Booster?

CFIN Innovation Booster is funded by Canadian Food Innovation Network (CFIN)

What are CFIN Innovation Booster's eligibility criterias?

Eligible applicants include small and medium-sized enterprises incorporated in Canada with fewer than 499 employees and less than $50 million in annual sales. Not-for-profit organizations that facilitate and fund research and development. Canadian researchers at post-secondary institutions under special circumstances. Lien vers enregistrement du webinaire du 24 février : https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1BbLpxJUoS_z5mBbAeR9b5RZpJxZw1SDT

CFIN Innovation Booster

Last Update: May 30, 2025

Canada

Funding to advance and commercialize food innovation

CFIN Innovation Booster at a glance

Eligible Funding

From $20,000 to $100,000
Up to 50% of project cost

Timeline

Open Date : July 7, 2025
Closing date : August 12, 2025

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Accommodation and food services

Grant Providers

Canadian Food Innovation Network (CFIN)

Status

Closed

Overview of the CFIN Innovation Booster program

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.

Financing 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.

Eligible projects & activities

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.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 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

Eligibility criteria of the CFIN Innovation Booster program

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.

Eligibility criteria of the CFIN Innovation Booster program

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

How to apply to the CFIN Innovation Booster program

Visit CFIN's website to register as a member.
Ensure you have the necessary details to create a membership profile.

Access the Application Portal

Go to CFIN’s Application Portal.
Log in using your CFIN membership credentials.
Complete any eligibility pre-screening questions.

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.

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.

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.

Confirmation of Submission

Receive a confirmation email acknowledging receipt of the application.
Retain the confirmation email for your records.

Additional information

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.