FoodTech Next
Last Update: May 30, 2025
Canada
Funding for tech startups relating to the food industry
FoodTech Next at a glance
Eligible Funding
- From $100,000 to $250,000
- Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Closing date : May 26, 2025
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Grant Providers
- Canadian Food Innovation Network (CFIN)
Program status
Closed
Overview of the FoodTech Next program
Receive up to $250,000 to cover up to 50% of eligible project costs to demonstrate and pilot an innovation in operational environments to prove your solutions and validate the return on investment for the wider food industry.
Financing terms and conditions
This grant provides specific financial support for projects aiming to enhance food technology innovation in Canada through a structured cost-sharing approach. A rigorous financial framework ensures a clear and strategic allocation of funds.
- The grant offers a co-financing model, with the maximum level of matching funding from CFIN up to 50% of the total eligible project costs.
- The maximum funding amount provided by CFIN per project is $250,000.
- Funding is provided on a reimbursement basis, ensuring that only eligible expenses incurred during the project are covered.
- A non-refundable project management fee of 5% of the total project costs eligible for CFIN funding is required.
- Indirect costs are limited with a maximum portion that may not exceed 15% of the total eligible project costs.
Eligible projects & activities
Eligible activities for the FoodTech Next grant involve large-scale technology demonstrations in the food industry. These projects aim at showcasing advancements, fostering new processes, and creating new product categories within an operational environment.
- Large-scale technology demonstration for advancing and developing new technologies.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 125,000
Exploration and deployment of cultured protein technology to create alternative protein products
$ 100,000
Implementation of a blockchain-based traceability solution for local food products
$ 100,000
Circularity methods development to upcycle food waste into animal feed products
$ 125,000
Integrating IoT sensors to monitor and improve food safety and resource efficiency
$ 130,000
Development of AI-driven analytics tools for optimizing supply chain efficiency in the food sector
$ 100,000
Developing green packaging solutions to reduce environmental impacts in food delivery
Eligibility criteria of the FoodTech Next program
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and proposed activities.
- The applicant must be a business that is incorporated in Canada with less than $1M in annual revenues as per their last filed fiscal year.
- The applicant must be a member of the Canadian Food Innovation Network (CFIN).
- The project must address an area of the post-farmgate supply chain and cannot focus on agricultural production activities.
- The project must identify a specific piloting or demonstration opportunity for technology or solutions that have yet to be commercialized.
- The project should conduct research and development at Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 3 to 7.
- Projects must start as early as October 1, 2023, and should not exceed 18 months in length (up to March 31, 2025).
- Applicants must not have other active CFIN funded projects.
Who is eligible?
The FoodTech Next program is targeted at early-stage Canadian technology firms seeking to demonstrate their innovations within the food industry. Eligible organizations must meet specific criteria related to their stage of development and alignment with program goals.
- Applicants must be Canadian incorporated businesses with less than $1 million in annual sales in their most recently completed fiscal year.
- Applicants must be CFIN members.
- Projects must address areas in the post-farm gate supply chain, focusing on non-agricultural activities.
- The innovation must be between a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 3 to 7.
- Applicants must propose to demonstrate or pilot a new industry process, product category, or application of science.
- Projects should not have any other active CFIN funded projects.
Who is not eligible
This grant excludes certain companies or industries primarily focusing on agricultural production activities. By focusing on post-farm gate solutions, it aligns with its mission of supporting specific segments of the food innovation ecosystem.
- Companies focusing on agricultural production activities.
- Businesses with over $1M in annual revenues.
- Firms that already have active CFIN funded projects.
Eligible expenses
The FoodTech Next Program supports projects focusing on early-stage technology development for the food industry in Canada. Eligible activities aim to demonstrate innovative solutions in the food sector by piloting technologies in operational environments.
- Large-scale technology demonstration, including the advancement and development of new technologies into specific applications at mid-to-late-stage technology readiness levels.
Eligible geographic areas
This grant is specifically available to Canadian-incorporated businesses, indicating that the eligible geographical area is within Canada. No further regional restrictions or preferences within Canada are mentioned.
- Businesses incorporated in Canada.
Eligibility criteria of the FoodTech Next program
The evaluation and selection of projects for the FoodTech Next Program grant are based on criteria that ensure alignment with the program’s strategic objectives for Canadian food and beverage innovation.
- Alignment with at least one CFIN innovation priority: Smart Product and Process Development, Food Ecosystem Sustainability, or Agile and Safe Supply Chains.
- Potential for showcasing Canadian innovation and generating impactful demonstration opportunities.
- Feasibility of implementation within the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) scope from 3 to 7.
- Clear demonstration opportunity in an operational environment, ensuring the solution is validated by a specific industry setting.
- Strong collaboration agreement and role clarity between Lead Applicants and Project Partners.
How to apply to the FoodTech Next program
1
Become a CFIN Member
Register for free membership with the Canadian Food Innovation Network through .
2
Submit an Expression of Interest
- Prepare a brief expression of interest showcasing your innovative project idea.
- Create a compelling pitch deck to accompany your expression of interest.
- Submit your documents by 11:59 PM EST on the stated deadline through the program portal at .
3
Full Proposal Invitation
- If selected, prepare a detailed full proposal including a comprehensive scope of work and a detailed budget.
- Create a 5-minute video pitch about your technology and your firm.
4
Submit Full Proposal
- Submit your completed proposal through the same application portal by the specified deadline.
- Ensure that all required materials are included and formatted according to the guidelines posted on .
5
Wait for Notification
Await notification of the status of your submission by the specified dates indicated in the program schedule.
Additional information
Here are additional relevant details for the FoodTech Next Program:
- Membership with the Canadian Food Innovation Network (CFIN) is mandatory and free to apply for.
- Funding is provided on a reimbursement basis only, necessitating upfront funding by the applicants.
- A non-refundable project management fee of 5% of eligible project costs must be paid to CFIN.
- Approval for funding takes place in two stages: initial expression of interest followed by submission of a full proposal if invited.
- Collaboration agreements between lead applicants and project partners are necessary to define roles, costs, and risk management.
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