FoodTech Next
Canada
Funding for tech startups relating to the food industry
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|fromMinToMax
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateAugust 01, 2023
- grant_single|closingDateSeptember 06, 2023
- grant_single|grantStatusClosed
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- grant_single|allIndustries
grant_single|grantors
- Canadian Food Innovation Network (CFIN)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
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.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant is specifically available to companies incorporated in Canada as per the stated eligibility requirements. Eligible geographical areas include those located entirely within Canada.
- Canadian companies incorporated and operating within Canada.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$100,000
Circularity methods development to upcycle food waste into animal feed products
$100,000
Implementation of a blockchain-based traceability solution for local food products
$130,000
Development of AI-driven analytics tools for optimizing supply chain efficiency in the food sector
$125,000
Exploration and deployment of cultured protein technology to create alternative protein products
$100,000
Developing green packaging solutions to reduce environmental impacts in food delivery
$125,000
Integrating IoT sensors to monitor and improve food safety and resource efficiency
grant_single_labels|admissibility
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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The grant covers specific project costs that are directly related to demonstrating and piloting food technology solutions.
- Direct Labour: Gross wages or salaries for project-specific work.
- Subcontractors and Consultants: Costs for external third-party work or services.
- Direct Materials: Costs of materials used in the project.
- Equipment: Purchase and setup of necessary equipment for the project.
- Land, Building, and Building Improvement: Costs related to land, buildings, or improvements necessary for project execution.
- Other Direct Costs: Travel and outreach costs directly related to project activities.
grant_single_labels|criteria
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.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Become a CFIN Member
- Register for free membership with the Canadian Food Innovation Network through www.cfin-rcia.ca.
- Step 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 cfin-rcia.smartsimple.ca.
- Step 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.
- Step 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 www.cfin-rcia.ca.
- Step 5: Wait for Notification
- Await notification of the status of your submission by the specified dates indicated in the program schedule.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
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.
Apply to this program
Propelling Canadian FoodTech Innovations
The FoodTech Next Program is a strategic initiative aimed at supporting early-stage Canadian tech companies in the food sector by providing them with the necessary funding and resources to pilot and demonstrate their innovative solutions. This grant is primarily focused on facilitating the commercialization of novel technologies and processes post-farm gate, drawing on up to 50% of eligible project costs.
Explore the Potential of FoodTech Next Program
The FoodTech Next Program, orchestrated by the Canadian Food Innovation Network (CFIN), is dedicated to accelerating the growth and commercialization of innovative technologies within the Canadian food and beverage industry. The program is designed to leverage Canada's vast potential by fostering advancements in technology readiness, pushing projects from conceptual stages to demonstration and potential market readiness. This initiative aligns with Canada's broader strategic goals of enhancing competitive advantage in the global food innovation space while ensuring sustainability, safety, and efficiency in its supply chains.
Eligible candidates for the FoodTech Next Program are small Canadian-incorporated businesses, with annual revenues of under $1 million. These companies must demonstrate a post-farm gate technological innovation within a TRL (Technology Readiness Level) of 3 to 7, focusing on prototypes ready for operational deployment. Crucially, the innovation should target sectors such as smart product development, food ecosystem sustainability, or agile and safe supply chains. The program provides financial support on a reimbursement basis, covering up to 50% of the project's costs, with a cap of $250,000 per project.
One of the unique features of the FoodTech Next Program is its emphasis on collaboration. Companies partaking in the program must work with partners, often from the food sector, to pilot these innovations in real-life operational environments. This collaborative model not only aids in risk management but also ensures that the solutions are industrially applicable and economically viable. Partners can contribute financially or through providing an operational setting for testing, and they play a pivotal role in validating the effectiveness of the proposed innovations.
Moreover, the FoodTech Next Program supports projects that contribute towards reducing food wastage, enhancing resource recovery, and implementing smart packaging technologies, among others. It particularly highlights the growth of sectors associated with robotics, AI, and data analytics aimed at increasing productivity and ensuring worker safety. With the world steadily moving towards more sustainable practices, the program encourages developments that minimize environmental impact through efficient resource and energy utilization.
The application process involves two primary stages: an initial expression of interest supported by a pitch deck, followed by a more comprehensive proposal for those shortlisted. This structured approach allows for meticulous vetting of potential projects based on their strategic alignment with CFIN priorities, demonstration readiness, and potential industry impact.
By focussing on innovation at critical points beyond the agricultural phase, the FoodTech Next Program not only empowers small Canadian businesses but also enhances Canada's stature as a global leader in food technology innovations. It bridges the gap between technology development and commercialization, ensuring that innovative solutions do not remain confined to laboratories but instead flourish in real-world markets, greatly benefiting both consumers and the broader food industry.
