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.

Eligibility criteria

The eligibility criteria for this grant program are:

Canadian incorporated SME, start-up company, or academic research institute.
Applicant must have a novel natural product or technology that aligns with NPC’s definitions and fits within TRL 4-9.
SMEs and start-up companies must have the potential to achieve $10MM to $15MM in annual revenue.
Products or technologies from academic research institutes must address a significant market challenge.
Potential for economic, social, health, and environmental benefits.
Technological advancement and benefits to the natural products ecosystem.
Technical feasibility of the project.
Potential for commercialization in Canada.
Potential spillover benefits to more than one sector.
Potential for improving the representation of women, visible minorities, and Indigenous peoples in the natural products ecosystem.
A member of Canada’s Natural Product Innovation Cluster.
Minimum NPC Contribution of $100,000.

Who is eligible

Eligible types of companies for this grant include:

Canadian incorporated SMEs
Start-up companies
Academic research institutes

Eligible expenses

There are eligible expenses for this grant program. Eligible expenses include, but are not limited to:

Cost of materials and supplies
Laboratory or testing services
Equipment rental or purchase directly related to the project
Consultant fees for specialized expertise
Travel and accommodation for project-related activities
Intellectual property protection costs
Legal fees directly related to the project

Eligible projects & activities

Summary: Projects or activities eligible for this grant must focus on developing innovative natural products or technologies with commercial potential, aligning with defined criteria and Technology Readiness Levels.

Developing novel natural products or technologies within TRL 4-9
Projects demonstrating potential economic, social, health, or environmental benefits
Projects with technical feasibility and potential for commercialization in Canada
Projects contributing to the natural products ecosystem and fostering diversity

Evaluation & selection criteria

The Proof of Concept Program evaluates applications based on the novelty of the natural product or technology, market opportunity, business model/commercialization strategy, competitors, strength of the management/research leadership team, need and impact of the trial, trial design and key activities, qualifications of the individuals and/or centers conducting the trials, and risk mitigation.

Novelty of the natural product or technology
Market opportunity
Business model/commercialization strategy
Competitors
Strength of the management/research leadership team
Need and impact of the trial
Trial design and key activities
Qualifications of the individuals and/or centers conducting the trials
Risk mitigation

How to apply

Step 1: Contact NPC at programs@naturalproductscanada.com if interested in the program.
Step 2: NPC team member will review Minimum Eligibility Requirements and potential project scope with the applicant.
Step 3: If eligible, submit an application for the program.
Step 4: Applications are reviewed based on criteria like novelty, market opportunity, business model, trial design, and risk mitigation.
Step 5: Initial review by NPC team; applicants may revise their application if needed.
Step 6: Approved applications proceed to the Commercialization Sub-Committee for the final review and funding decision.
Step 7: Applicants will be notified of the progress and final funding decision.

Documents and links

Proof-of-Concept Program

Apply to this program

Grant Summary:

The Proof of Concept Program by Natural Products Canada supports innovative projects that demonstrate the commercial feasibility of natural products or technologies to advance development, commercialization, or de-risk subsequent investment. Canadian SMEs, start-up companies, and academic research institutes can receive up to 40% of project costs to a maximum of $350,000 over 18 months.

Proof of Concept Program by Natural Products Canada

The Proof of Concept Program offered by Natural Products Canada (NPC) aims to support projects that validate the commercial viability of innovative natural products or technologies within the Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 4-9. This program focuses on biologically based innovations that leverage or enhance naturally occurring molecules, promoting products that benefit people, animals, and the planet across various industries such as food production, bioproducts, human nutrition, and more.

Eligible applicants include Canadian incorporated SMEs, start-up companies, and academic research institutes with novel natural products or technologies that align with NPC’s criteria. The program provides financial support of up to 40% of the proof of concept project costs to a maximum of $350,000 over an 18-month period, with the applicant contributing the remaining 60%.

Projects supported by the program are expected to demonstrate commercial potential through animal, field, demonstration, or human trials, aiming to advance the development, commercialization, or de-risk further investments. Canadian SMEs and start-ups should have the potential to achieve significant annual revenue, while academic research institutes must address industry challenges with substantial market potential.

Successful applicants will receive non-dilutive, non-repayable funding from NPC, subjected to Canadian Government stacking rules and reporting requirements. The application process involves an eligibility assessment, submission, evaluation based on various criteria related to product innovation, market potential, team strength, trial design, and risk mitigation, followed by a decision by the Commercialization Sub-Committee.

The program underscores the importance of technological advancement, economic, social, and environmental benefits, and enhancing the representation of underrepresented groups in the natural products ecosystem. For more details and inquiries, interested parties can contact NPC at programs@naturalproductscanada.com.