Open
Proof-of-Concept Program
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Canada
Financing for natural product innovations
Grant and Funding
Overview
If you are a researcher, startup, or SME, get financing of up to $250,000 to cover up to 40% of the costs of demonstrating the commercial viability of innovative natural products or technologies.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Research and experimental development
- Selling in a new market
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 350,000 $
- Minimum amount : 100,000 $
- Up to 40% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : July 8, 2020
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Manufacturing
- Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services
- Health care and social assistance
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Activities funded
- Demonstrating the commercial feasibility of innovative natural products or technologies through animal, field, demonstration, or human trials.
- Advancing the development and commercialization of novel bio-based products or technologies with biological components.
- Moving products or technologies from intellectual property disclosure towards spin-out or licensing opportunities within academic institutes.
- De-risking subsequent investment by establishing proof of concept for natural product innovations.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 80,000
Conduct animal trials for a new veterinary medicine
$ 100,000
Field trials of a new eco-friendly pest control system
$ 100,000
Human trials for a new organic skin care product
$ 100,000
Human trials for a new biomedical device
$ 100,000
Demonstration trials of a new solar energy system
$ 100,000
Develop a biodegradable packaging material and conduct field trials
Eligibility
- The applicant must be a Canadian incorporated SME, start-up company, or academic research institute.
- The project must involve a novel natural product or technology that aligns with NPC’s definitions of natural products or technologies and falls within Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 4-9.
- The company must be a member of Natural Products Canada (NPC).
- SMEs and start-ups must have the potential to achieve $10MM to $15MM in annual revenue within a reasonable period for their market or sector.
- The project must demonstrate potential for significant economic, social, health, and/or environmental benefits, and commercial feasibility in Canada.
Who is eligible?
- Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
- Canadian start-up companies
- Academic research institutes in Canada
- Companies developing innovative natural or bio-based products and technologies
Eligible expenses
- Eligible project costs that are directly related to establishing the commercial feasibility of the innovative natural product or technology, reimbursed upon approval of quarterly reports with required invoices and proof of payment.
Eligible geographic areas
- Canadian incorporated companies and academic research institutes.
Selection criteria
- Novelty of the natural product or technology.
- Market opportunity.
- Business model.
- Competitors.
- Strength of the management team.
- Key milestones and impact of reaching them.
How to apply
1
Initial Contact
Reach out to NPC by emailing [email protected] to express interest in the Proof of Concept Program.
2
Eligibility Assessment
- Engage with an NPC team member to review the Minimum Eligibility Requirements for the program.
- Discuss the scope of the potential project to determine fit with the program’s objectives.
- Receive an invitation to submit an application if eligibility requirements are met.
3
Application Preparation
- Prepare a comprehensive application including details on the novelty of the product or technology, market opportunity, and commercialization strategy.
- Include information about competitors, trial design, and risk mitigation strategies.
- Document the qualifications of the individuals or centers conducting the trials.
4
Application Submission
Submit the application as requested by NPC, ensuring all documents and details are complete and accurate.
5
Feedback and Revision
Receive initial feedback from the NPC team and revise the application as needed.
6
Final Review and Notification
- Await final review by the Commercialization Sub-Committee composed of NPC Board members and an external industry expert.
- Receive a notification regarding the final funding decision.
- If the application is not approved, review feedback and consider submitting an appeal within 15 days if applicable.
Additional information
- NPC programs do not support IT or mechanical solutions unless a biological element is a key component of the innovation.
- A non-refundable project administration fee of 5% of total project costs plus GST/HST is required, and this fee is not eligible for funding.
- Applicants must be members of Natural Products Canada (NPC).
- An annual report is required each year during the project and for five years following its completion.
Documents and links
Contacts
npc.ric@techcentre.com
