Closed
Innovation Scouting Fund
Funds pilot collaborations to validate foodtech solutions with industry partners
Last Update: March 9, 2026
Funding available
$ 12,000 - $ 75,000
Timeline
- Closing date : April 7, 2026
Location
Canada
Overview
The Innovation Scouting Fund supports a targeted 12-month collaboration and pilot project between Canadian foodtech innovators and a Canadian food industry partner to test and validate solutions aligned with call priorities, with funding up to $75,000. Eligible activities include further development, trial production, demo formulations, and performance validation.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop a new product or service
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 75,000 $
- Minimum amount : 12,000 $
- Up to 60% of project cost
Timeline
- Closing date : April 7, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Manufacturing
- Retail trade
- Accommodation and food services
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- For-profit business
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- 499 employees maximum
Audience
- Canadians
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- 12-month pilot projects to test and validate innovations with a partner company.
- Industrial research and technology demonstration projects.
- Projects aligned with the call priorities in processing, formats, flavour systems, packaging, or smart manufacturing.
Documents Needed
- Completed online application
- Budget and work plan tables
- Two years of externally prepared financial statements for the lead applicant
- Alternative proof of financial capacity, if needed
- Supporting documents such as letters of support, quotes, presentations, or photos
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises
- Academic researchers at Canadian institutions
- Canadian food manufacturers, distributors, foodservice firms, and grocery retailers as call partners
Who is not eligible
- Other publicly funded non-profit organizations
- Federal Crown corporations
- Government departments or agencies
- Applicants with licensed or internationally owned intellectual property
Eligible expenses
- Direct labour for approved project activities.
- Subcontractor and consultant services for approved project activities.
- Direct materials used in the project.
- Equipment purchased, modified, or made operational for the project, including shipping.
- Travel and outreach costs directly related to the project.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Costs to prepare the application.
- Costs not included in the approved project budget.
- Alcohol and excessive travel expenses.
- Costs for safety certifications and related consultants.
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed for completeness and compliance after submission.
- Missing information may be requested by email, with 48 hours to respond.
- Compliant applications are scored by CFIN staff and external reviewers.
- Funding decisions are based on scores and available funds.
- Successful applicants must sign a Master Project Agreement.
Additional information
- Projects must be completed within one year of approval, and the earliest possible start date is 60 days after the intake close date.
- CFIN aims to communicate funding results within 60 business days of the intake deadline.
- Approved projects have quarterly reporting requirements as well as a final report at project completion.
- Any intellectual property deriving from CFIN projects must remain in Canada for a minimum of five years after the end of the project funding agreement (unless otherwise approved in writing by the Minister on a case-by-case basis).
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Innovation Scouting Fund Program
What is the Innovation Scouting Fund?
The Innovation Scouting Fund supports a targeted 12-month collaboration and pilot project between Canadian foodtech innovators and a Canadian food industry partner to test and validate solutions aligned with call priorities, with funding up to $75,000. Eligible activities include further development, trial production, demo formulations, and performance validation.
How much funding can be received?
Innovation Scouting Fund Funds up to 60% of admissible expenses, capped at $75,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Innovation Scouting Fund program?
To be eligible for the Innovation Scouting Fund program, you must:
Canadian SME incorporated in Canada (under 499 FTEs and $50M annual sales)
At least one year of incorporation
Must be a CFIN member (free membership)
What expenses are eligible under Innovation Scouting Fund?
12-month pilot projects to test and validate innovations with a partner company.
Industrial research and technology demonstration projects.
Projects aligned with the call priorities in processing, formats, flavour systems, packaging, or smart manufacturing.
Who can I contact for more information about the Innovation Scouting Fund?
You can contact Canadian Food Innovation Network (CFIN) by email at innovation@cfin-rcia.ca or by phone at 1.888.773.8247.
Where is the Innovation Scouting Fund available?
The Innovation Scouting Fund program is available across Canada.
Is the Innovation Scouting Fund a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Innovation Scouting Fund is a Partnering and Collaboration