Proof-of-Concept Program
Canada
Financing for natural product innovations
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|fromMinToMax
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateJuly 8, 2020
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Manufacturing
- Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services
- Health care and social assistance
grant_single|grantors
- Natural Products Canada (NPC)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
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.
grant_single_labels|projects
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$ 100,000
Demonstration trials of a new solar energy system
$ 80,000
Conduct animal trials for a new veterinary medicine
$ 100,000
Human trials for a new organic skin care product
$ 100,000
Human trials for a new biomedical device
$ 100,000
Develop a biodegradable packaging material and conduct field trials
$ 100,000
Field trials of a new eco-friendly pest control system
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the company's status and the nature of their product or technology.
- The applicant must be a Canadian incorporated SME or start-up company.
- The company must have a novel natural product or technology that aligns with NPC’s definitions and fits within TRL 4-9 of the Government of Canada’s Technology Readiness Levels.
- The company must have the potential to achieve $10MM to $15MM in annual revenue within a reasonable period for the market or sector.
- The project must have the potential for significant economic, social, health, and/or environmental benefits.
- The project must demonstrate technological advancement and benefits to the natural products ecosystem across Canada.
- The project must show technical feasibility.
- The project must have potential for commercialization in Canada.
- The project must have potential spillover benefits to more than one sector.
- The company should demonstrate potential for improving the representation of women, visible minorities, and Indigenous peoples in the natural products ecosystem.
- The applicant must be a member of Canada’s Natural Product Innovation Cluster.
- There must be a minimum NPC Contribution of $100,000.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
This grant targets Canadian incorporated SMEs, start-up companies, and academic research institutes that have innovative natural products or technologies for commercialization feasibility studies.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
This grant supports projects that help establish the commercial feasibility of innovative natural products or technologies. The activities should advance development, commercialization, or de-risk subsequent investment and are demonstrated via trials.
- Animal, field, demonstration, or human trials to demonstrate commercial potential.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant focus on specific criteria designed to assess the potential success and impact of the project proposals.
- Novelty of the natural product or technology.
- Market opportunity and potential for commercialization.
- Strength and viability of the business model/commercialization strategy.
- Competitive landscape and differentiation from competitors.
- Strength of the management team or research leadership team.
- Need and potential impact of the trial.
- Design and key activities of the trial.
- Qualifications of the individuals and/or centres conducting the trials.
- Risk mitigation strategies.
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Initial Contact
- Reach out to NPC by emailing [email protected] to express interest in the Proof of Concept Program.
- Step 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.
- Step 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.
- Step 4: Application Submission
- Submit the application as requested by NPC, ensuring all documents and details are complete and accurate.
- Step 5: Feedback and Revision
- Receive initial feedback from the NPC team and revise the application as needed.
- Step 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.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Additional important details for this grant:
- NPC's funding is non-dilutive and non-repayable, helping applicants retain equity stakes.
- Two-thirds of project funding must come from non-governmental sources, as the maximum government funding is 75% for SMEs and 100% for academic institutes.
- Applicants should be part of the Natural Product Innovation Cluster, ensuring collaboration within Canada’s ecosystem.
- Quarterly reports, including financial claims and proof of payment, are essential for reimbursement.
- A non-refundable project administration fee of 5% of total project costs applies.
- An ongoing commitment to submit an annual report for five years post-project is required.
- The appeal process allows applicants to dispute NPC's decision within 15 days of receiving it.
grant_single_labels|contact
npc.ric@techcentre.com