CFIN NextGen Food Innovators

• Letter of endorsement or recommendation.
• Supporting documentation such as quotes or other relevant information.

Who is eligible?

• Full-time students at Canadian accredited colleges or universities.
• Applicants in diploma, advanced diploma, degree, graduate certificate, master’s, or PhD programs.

Who is not eligible

• Students at private institutions.
• Students at junior colleges.
• Students in CEGEP programs.

Eligible expenses

• Service providers, such as subcontractors or consultants.
• Direct materials used for the approved project.
• Equipment purchased for project activities.
• Other direct costs related to approved project activities.

Ineligible Costs and Activities

• Salaries or wages paid to staff or owners.
• Tuition, courses, and other educational costs.
• Travel and hospitality costs.
• In-kind costs.
• Selling and marketing expenses for the products or services being developed.

Eligible geographic areas

• Atlantic: Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Newfoundland & Labrador.
• Quebec.
• Ontario.
• Prairies: Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut.
• West: British Columbia and Yukon.

• Business challenge or opportunity addressed by the solution - 10 points.
• Value proposition to CFIN members - 10 points.
• Revenue generation plan - 10 points.
• Science or technology component - 10 points.
• Commercial development plan - 10 points.
• Vision for the venture - 5 points.
• Innovation and value proposition for CFIN members - 15 points.
• Product-market fit validation - 10 points.
• Revenue generation plan - 10 points.
• Team and partners - 20 points.
• Technical innovation - 20 points.
• Funding use and fit with the development plan - 20 points.

• Step 1: Register as a CFIN member.
• Step 2: Access the application portal.
• Step 3: Complete the organization profile.
• Step 4: Start a new application from Funding Opportunities.
• Step 5: Submit the video application.
• Step 6: Complete the full written application if invited.
• Step 7: Submit the application through the portal.
• Step 8: Wait for confirmation of receipt by email.

• Applications are reviewed by CFIN staff and external reviewers.
• Top-scoring video submissions are invited to a full application.
• Funding decisions are based on scores and available funds.
• Approved applicants must enter into a Master Project Agreement.
• Unsuccessful applicants receive a summary of the evaluation and recommendations.

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

• The program will cover 100% of eligible project costs up to a maximum of $10,000.
• Applications will be reviewed based on a merit-based approach, and not all applications fulfilling basic requirements will be guaranteed approval.
• Successful applicants will be required to enter into a Master Project Agreement with CFIN within 30 business days from receipt of the agreement.
• Projects must maintain financial records for at least 7 years after completion for auditing and reporting purposes.
• Intellectual Property generated through the project should remain in Canada for a minimum of five years after the project ends, unless specific written approval is granted otherwise.