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
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Innovation Scouting Fund. 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 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