FoodTech Next

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.

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.