How much funding can be received?

Get a grant to cover up to 45% of eligible expenses for a collaborative project focused on genetics, crops, ingredients and products. Collaborators must be Protein Industries Canada members, with annual membership fees of $500.

grant_single_labels|projects

The eligible geographical areas for this grant include Canada, specified for Canadian or multi-national companies with significant Canadian operations. Collaboration with UK entities is subject to additional requirements.

Businesses operating in Canada.
Canadian companies or multi-national corporations legally entitled to do business in Canada.
Canadian SMEs collaborating with Innovate UK partners.

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$450,000

Scaling plant-based protein extraction technology for commercial deployment

$360,000

Conversion of Canadian-grown pulses into ready-to-eat snacks

$180,000

Engaging Indigenous communities in the plant-based value chain

$270,000

Developing a circular economy system for plant-based co-products

$337,500

Development of technology to measure and improve on-farm sustainability

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the composition and contributions of the consortium applying for the project.

The project must be submitted by a consortium of ideally three, but at minimum two, Protein Industries Canada members, at least one of which is a Small or Medium Enterprise (SME) defined as having 499 or fewer employees.
A consortium may include academic or research institution(s), although this is encouraged and not mandatory.
Each consortium member must contribute meaningfully to the project, typically via financial commitment, activities in the workplan, provision of IP, or market expertise.
At least two members of the consortium must contribute financially to the project, with Protein Industries Canada reimbursing up to 45% of eligible costs.
At least two partners must be Canadian companies or multinational corporations legally entitled to do business in Canada with a significant Canadian business operation; non-Canadian entities can participate based on approval by Protein Industries Canada.
The project must align with the objectives of Protein Industries Canada and the Global Innovation Cluster initiative.
All projects are required to pay a 4% project administration fee to Protein Industries Canada, calculated from the total eligible reconciled project costs.
The initiative must be incremental to the regular business of the participating organizations, meaning the project is not approved nor in progress, and financial commitments are distinct from usual investments.
At least one consortium member should represent a target customer or user of the new technology solution.
All projects must have experienced project management capabilities for complex, multi-party initiatives.
Ultimate Recipients must comply with all financial sanctions or trade embargoes imposed by the Government of Canada.
The project cannot fall under the "designated project" or "project" categories in federal environmental and impact assessment legislation.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

Projects eligible for this grant must be submitted by a consortium with specific requirements. These consortia need to demonstrate meaningful contributions from each member, including financial commitments and alignment with program objectives.

Consortium must have a minimum of two Protein Industries Canada members, ideally three, with at least one being a Small or Medium Enterprise (SME).
Consortium may include academic or research institutions, though this is optional.
Each member should contribute meaningfully, financially or through expertise (IP, market knowledge, etc.).
At least two members of the consortium must contribute financially.
Must include at least two Canadian companies or multinational corporations authorized to operate in Canada.
The project should align with Protein Industries Canada and the Global Innovation Cluster initiative's objectives.
Projects must feature economic reconciliation elements, engaging underrepresented groups like women, Indigenous Peoples, etc.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

There are no specific types of companies mentioned in the grant context that are not eligible for the grant.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

This grant supports projects that foster innovation in the plant-based food and agriculture sector within Canada. Eligible projects focus on enhancing various aspects of the value chain including genetics, crops, ingredients, and products.

Genetics projects involving germplasm development to improve processing efficiency, quality, and the development of novel ingredients.
Crops projects that utilize technologies to measure and improve on-farm sustainability.
Ingredients projects focused on the development, scaling, and optimization of plant-based ingredients.
Products projects that transform Canadian ingredients into consumer-ready goods, including food, animal feed, and industrial bio-products.
Proof of Concept projects demonstrating feasibility at pilot scale, expected to be commercialized within three to five years.
Technology Scaling projects that enable the first commercial deployment of a technology.
Commercially Ready projects that aim to optimize and deploy commercially viable technologies adapted to Canadian crops and conditions.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

The grant covers specific expenses directly related to the execution of eligible projects.

Personnel costs directly related to project execution, including salaries and benefits.
Direct costs related to equipment and materials necessary for undertaking the project.
Costs related to travel and transportation directly associated with the project.
Expenses for subcontractors and consultants when necessary for project completion.
Facilities and administrative costs that can be directly attributed to the project.
Research and development costs directly supporting the project aims.
Costs associated with project management and reporting.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for Protein Industries Canada's Technology Program are based on three main areas that align with the program's objectives.

Ecosystem Development: Projects will be evaluated on their potential to contribute to the ecosystem, including collaboration and contributions to the plant-based sector.
Technical Merit: Projects are assessed based on innovation, technical approaches, and strategies for successful implementation.
Commercial Application: Evaluation will focus on the project's potential for commercialization, market readiness, and the economic benefits it could provide to Canadians.

grant_single_labels|register

Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:

Step 1: Preliminary Contact
Email projects@proteinsupercluster.ca to set up an introductory call.
Step 2: Expression of Interest (EOI)
Review the Project Eligibility Requirements.
Complete the Expression of Interest (EOI) form collaboratively with consortium members.
Ensure each consortium member fills out and signs a "Declaration As To Authorization and Compliance".
Submit the EOI and Declaration forms to projects@proteinsupercluster.ca.
Step 3: EOI Evaluation
Wait for Protein Industries Canada to evaluate the EOI.
Receive one of three outcomes: invitation to proceed to a full proposal, request for additional information, or decline of EOI.
Step 4: Full Project Proposal
If invited, participate in a kick-off meeting via conference call.
Develop the full Project Proposal collaboratively with consortium members and Protein Industries Canada staff.
Prepare the proposal using provided Word (limit of 50 pages) and Excel templates.
Submit both parts of the application along with an initial financial assessment to Protein Industries Canada.
Step 5: Proposal Evaluation and Decision
Wait for Protein Industries Canada to initiate a review of the Project Proposal.
Undergo evaluation by the Project Selection Committee.
Step 6: Project Approval
If approved, work with Protein Industries Canada to sign a Master Project Agreement (MPA).
Complete a detailed financial assessment as requested by Protein Industries Canada.
Begin reimbursement of eligible costs upon signing the MPA.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

Regular collaboration with Protein Industries Canada staff is encouraged throughout the proposal development process to ensure project success.
All proposals must incorporate economic reconciliation measures with Indigenous communities.
Projects should include a strategic plan for Intellectual Property and data governance.
Once approved, a Master Project Agreement must be signed before eligible cost reimbursement can commence.
Joint projects with Innovate UK must be completed by March 31, 2026.
Innovate UK collaborators are required to obtain membership in Protein Industries Canada to participate.
An economic and financial compliance audit by the Government of Canada is mandatory for all consortium members.
Consortiums need to prepare a detailed budget with clearly broken down annual expenses for multi-year projects.

grant_single_labels|documents

Protein Industries Canada — Technology Leadership

grant_single_labels|contact

projects@proteinsupercluster.ca

Apply to this program

An Opportunity to Boost Canada's Plant-Based Industry

This grant program aims to strengthen Canada’s position as a global leader in the plant-based protein sector by funding innovative projects that leverage collaboration and technology. It supports projects that align with the strategic goals of economic growth, sustainability, and technological advancement.

Detailed Overview of the Technology Program Grant

The Technology Program Grant, spearheaded by Protein Industries Canada, is a pivotal initiative designed to catalyze growth and innovation in Canada’s burgeoning plant-based protein sector. By fostering collaboration across the agricultural and food processing value chain, this grant aims to transform ideas into impactful projects that advance Canada's technological and economic capabilities.

Protein Industries Canada, an industry-led not-for-profit, functions under the government-backed Innovation Supercluster Initiative. This initiative seeks to drive commercially successful innovations, boost growth, and create jobs across Canada by encouraging collaborations that span industries and sectors to solve common challenges and develop new technologies. Within this framework, the Technology Program Grant is strategically positioned to leverage Canada’s agricultural strengths and transform the global demand for plant-based foods into a sustainable economic driver.

The focus of this grant is not only on immediate economic gains but also on long-term sustainability. With projections indicating that the global market for plant-based foods could reach $250 billion by 2035, Canada is poised to capture a significant share, providing up to 10% of the plant-based ingredients worldwide. Protein Industries Canada's target is to use these funds to nurture innovation that will allow Canadian companies to develop over 1,500 new products and services while significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with agriculture and food production.

This grant structure supports a wide array of project types, from proof-of-concept to commercially ready innovations, ensuring a pipeline of projects that can sustain innovation over the next decade. The initiative places a strong emphasis on sustainability, inclusivity, and reconciliation, mandating that projects incorporate elements of economic reconciliation with Indigenous communities. This reflects a commitment to addressing historical economic disparities, engaging underrepresented groups, and respecting Indigenous rights in alignment with the UN Declaration.

Eligible projects must be submitted by consortia that ideally include three or more Protein Industries Canada members, featuring contributions from both small-to-medium enterprises and inspiring partnerships along the agrifood value chain. With 45% of eligible costs reimbursed by Protein Industries Canada, this grant is a practical resource for fostering collaboration and innovation in plant protein sectors. Furthermore, projects must align with goals such as enhancing processing efficiency, commercializing novel plant-based products, and improving sustainability in ingredient manufacturing.

Additionally, the grant program encourages projects to align with broader economic recovery goals post-COVID-19 by improving food security and sustainability. As part of the supercluster framework, funded projects are expected to make substantive contributions to Canada's GDP, create jobs, and bolster international trade by developing competitive advantages through strategic IP management and robust data governance strategies.

To access this grant, interested parties must complete a two-step application process starting with an Expression of Interest (EOI) and, upon approval, proceeding to a detailed project proposal phase. Through this meticulously structured approach, the grant ensures that selected projects are innovative, feasible, and commercially viable, with a strategic emphasis on environmental impact and social inclusion.

This grant not only facilitates financial support but also provides invaluable opportunities for businesses to engage with a network of experts, gain technical insights, and receive guidance throughout their project’s lifecycle. By doing so, it plays a crucial role in not just sustaining but actively growing Canada’s capacity in the plant-based protein sector, aiming for equitable, inclusive, and sustainable development both domestically and on the global stage.