CFIN — Unpuzzling: Foodtech Ontario
Last Update: July 22, 2025
ON, Canada
Mentorship program accelerating early-stage foodtech companies in Ontario
At a glance
Eligible Funding
- No Condition
Timeline
- Open Date : July 2, 2025
- Closing date : August 5, 2025
Financing Type
Other Support
Partnering and Collaboration
Expert Advice
Eligible Industries
- Manufacturing
- Wholesale trade
- Retail trade
- Transportation and warehousing
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Accommodation and food services
Funds Providers
Program status
Open
Overview
Unpuzzling: Foodtech Ontario is a 12-week mentorship and peer cohort program designed to support early-stage foodtech companies in southern Ontario with commercialization, scaling, and market entry activities. While this initiative provides access to expert-led sessions, networking, and advisory support, it does not offer direct financial funding.
Financing terms and conditions
- Participation fee of $750 per company, covering access for up to two team members.
Activities funded
- Commercialization and scaling of innovative food technologies, products, or services beyond the farmgate.
- Development of solutions for food manufacturing technology, food waste reduction, and circularity.
- Advancement of digital supply chain processes and traceability solutions in the food sector.
- Implementation of next-generation food ingredients, packaging, and consumer-focused applications or services.
- Creation and testing of cleantech innovations for food processing, distribution, retail, and foodservice industries.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 83,000
Pilot digital traceability system for plant-based snack manufacturing
$ 75,000
Pilot testing of allergen-free lentil-based frozen meal range
$ 60,500
Launch of circular upcycling process for spent coffee grains
$ 77,000
Launching cleantech dehydration unit for surplus produce recovery
$ 65,500
Developing AI-driven food waste management platform for cafeterias
$ 71,500
Prototype development for edible biopolymer food packaging material
Eligibility
- The applicant must be an incorporated Canadian business.
- The company must be located in southern Ontario.
- The business must be an early-stage startup developing innovative food technologies, products, or services for use beyond the farmgate.
- The company must hold a free CFIN membership.
- The applicant must be committed to mentorship, market development, and collaboration.
Who is eligible?
- Startups and early-stage companies in southern Ontario
- Businesses developing innovative food technologies
- Companies focused on food products or services used beyond the farmgate
- Enterprises serving food processing, distribution, retail, or foodservice sectors
Who is not eligible
- Companies not incorporated in Canada.
- Businesses operating solely at the farm level (pre-farmgate).
- Organizations outside southern Ontario.
- Companies not involved in food technology, product, or service innovation for post-farmgate industries.
Eligible geographic areas
- Southern Ontario
How to apply
1
Verify eligibility criteria
- Review the eligibility requirements for startups and early-stage companies in southern Ontario
- Ensure your company operates in foodtech and post-farmgate innovation sectors
2
Ensure business incorporation
- Incorporate your business in Canada, if not already done
- Ensure your company is in the post-farmgate food innovation space
3
Register for CFIN membership
- Obtain a free CFIN membership by registering on the official website
- Confirm your membership status before applying
4
Prepare application materials
- Prepare details about your company, innovation, and its fit with foodtech priority areas
- Gather all information and documents required for the application
5
Submit your application online
- Submit your completed application online during the application window (July 2 – August 5, 2025)
- Ensure submission is made on time
6
Await selection results
- Wait for participant notification by August 19, 2025
- Monitor your email for communication regarding application status
Additional information
- The program fee includes access for up to two team members per company.
- Participants will join a private digital community and resource hub via CFIN’s YODL platform.
- There will be visibility and matchmaking opportunities through CFIN’s innovation scouting activities.
- Sessions are primarily virtual but may offer select in-person opportunities.
Apply to this program
Frequently Asked Questions about the CFIN — Unpuzzling: Foodtech Ontario Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the CFIN — Unpuzzling: Foodtech Ontario. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the CFIN — Unpuzzling: Foodtech Ontario?
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What expenses are eligible under CFIN — Unpuzzling: Foodtech Ontario?
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Is the CFIN — Unpuzzling: Foodtech Ontario a grant, loan, or tax credit?
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