How much funding can be received?

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.

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$ 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

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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.

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This grant targets Canadian incorporated SMEs, start-up companies, and academic research institutes that have innovative natural products or technologies for commercialization feasibility studies.

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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.

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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.

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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.