Open
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
$ 100,000 - $ 350,000
Timeline
- Open Date : July 8, 2020
Location
Canada
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.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Conduct research and development activities
- Access new markets
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
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
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.
Eligibility
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.
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
Frequently Asked Questions about the Proof-of-Concept Program Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Proof-of-Concept Program. 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 Proof-of-Concept Program?
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.
How much funding can be received?
Proof-of-Concept Program Funds up to 40% of admissible expenses, capped at $350,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Proof-of-Concept Program program?
To be eligible for the Proof-of-Concept Program program, you must:
Canadian incorporated SME or start-up company
Novel natural product or technology at TRL 4-9
Potential for $10M–$15M annual revenue within a reasonable period
What expenses are eligible under Proof-of-Concept Program?
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.
Who can I contact for more information about the Proof-of-Concept Program?
You can contact Natural Products Canada (NPC) by email at npc.ric@techcentre.com.
Where is the Proof-of-Concept Program available?
The Proof-of-Concept Program program is available across Canada.
Is the Proof-of-Concept Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Proof-of-Concept Program is a Grant and Funding