CFIN — Unpuzzling: Foodtech Ontario

Q: How much funding can be received?

There is no informations about how much funding can be received.

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The application deadline for this grant program was August 5, 2025.

Q: Is the CFIN — Unpuzzling: Foodtech Ontario a grant, loan, or tax credit?

CFIN — Unpuzzling: Foodtech Ontario is a Other Support

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the CFIN — Unpuzzling: Foodtech Ontario?

CFIN — Unpuzzling: Foodtech Ontario is funded by Canadian Food Innovation Network (CFIN)

Q: Who is eligible for the CFIN — Unpuzzling: Foodtech Ontario program?

To be eligible for the CFIN — Unpuzzling: Foodtech Ontario program, you must: • Be an incorporated Canadian business • Operate in the post-farmgate food innovation space in southern Ontario • Hold a free CFIN membership

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the CFIN — Unpuzzling: Foodtech Ontario?

You can contact Canadian Food Innovation Network (CFIN).

Q: Where is the CFIN — Unpuzzling: Foodtech Ontario available?

The CFIN — Unpuzzling: Foodtech Ontario program is available the province of Ontario.

Q: Are startups eligible for the CFIN — Unpuzzling: Foodtech Ontario program?

Yes, startups are eligible to apply for the CFIN — Unpuzzling: Foodtech Ontario program.

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

Canadian Food Innovation Network

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

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

Ensure business incorporation

Incorporate your business in Canada, if not already done
Ensure your company is in the post-farmgate food innovation space

Register for CFIN membership

Obtain a free CFIN membership by registering on the official website
Confirm your membership status before applying

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

Submit your application online

Submit your completed application online during the application window (July 2 – August 5, 2025)
Ensure submission is made on time

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?

How much funding can be received?

What expenses are eligible under CFIN — Unpuzzling: Foodtech Ontario?

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.