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Protein Industries Canada — Technology Leadership
Collaborative plant-based technology projects
Funding available
Up to 45% of project cost
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Canada
Who can apply
Consortia of ideally three or more, but at minimum two, Protein Industries Canada members.
See full eligibility
Overview
Protein Industries Canada’s Technology Leadership program reimburses up to 45% of eligible costs for collaborative projects submitted by consortia of at least two members, including at least one SME, to advance Canada’s plant-based ecosystem. Eligible work includes germplasm development, ingredient scaling, and commercialization of consumer-ready products.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop a new product or service
- Reduce environmental footprint
- Access new markets
Eligible Funding
- Up to 45% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 1
Activities funded
- Germplasm development aimed at improving processing efficiency, quality, sensory characteristics and novel ingredients.
- Technologies to measure and improve on-farm sustainability and information flow along the value chain.
- Development, scaling and optimization of plant-based ingredients.
- Conversion of Canadian-made ingredients and co-products into consumption-ready goods.
- Proof of Concept, Technology Scaling and Commercially Ready projects across TRL levels.
Documents Needed
- Declaration As To Authorization and Compliance
- IP rationale
- Data governance strategy
- Initial financial assessment
Sources and recorded changes
- Source change captured
- Change recorded
- Record updated
A captured source change or record update does not confirm eligibility. Check the funder’s current rules before applying.
Technology Leadership update: Fermentation call removed
The Technology Leadership page now no longer shows the Fermentation call, its eligibility bullets, or the May 31, 2026 intake deadline, and the how-to-apply guidance has been revised.
The Technology Leadership page has removed the Fermentation call, including its eligibility bullets and the $5 million call framing. The Fermentation intake end date previously shown as May 31, 2026 is no longer displayed, and the how-to-apply text now points applicants to discuss project ideas with the program team while the strategy downloads have been updated to 2026 files. The page still presents the broader Technology Leadership program, but the project focus and applicant guidance now read differently without the standalone Fermentation call section. This update mainly affects eligible project scope, application instructions, and the supporting guidance documents linked from the page.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Consortia of ideally three or more, but at minimum two, Protein Industries Canada members.
- Consortia may include academic or research institutions.
- At least two partners must be Canadian companies or multi-national corporations legally entitled to do business in Canada with a significant Canadian business operation.
- Non-Canadian entities may participate in a consortium with approval by Protein Industries Canada.
Selection criteria
- Ecosystem Development.
- Technical Merit.
- Commercial Application.
How to apply
- Email projects@proteinsupercluster.ca to set up an introductory call.
- Review the Project Eligibility Requirements and complete the Expression of Interest with consortium members.
- Have each consortium member sign the Declaration As To Authorization and Compliance, then email the EOI and declaration forms to projects@proteinsupercluster.ca.
- If invited, complete the Full Project Proposal using the provided Word and Excel templates; both parts of the application and an initial financial assessment must be completed for evaluation.
Processing and Agreement
- EOIs are assessed by Protein Industries Canada staff and may be invited to a Full Project Proposal, tabled for additional information, or declined.
- Successful EOI applicants are notified by email and invited to a kick-off meeting held via conference call.
- Project Proposal development is collaborative between consortium members and Protein Industries Canada staff, and reviews begin within six weeks of receipt.
- Projects are evaluated by the Project Selection Committee, with possible input from additional technical experts, and the committee may approve, decline, table the project, or approve only a portion or specific aspect.
- Before the Master Project Agreement is signed, each consortium member must complete a detailed financial assessment, including the last two years of accountant-prepared financial statements and current organizational structure.
Additional information
- Projects may be solicited or unsolicited.
- The program is accepting projects on a continuous basis.
- Protein Industries Canada may require a Data and AI Readiness Assessment for the proposed project.
- The Program Guide, Data Strategy and IP Strategy provide additional context for project development.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Protein Industries Canada — Technology Leadership Program
What is the Protein Industries Canada — Technology Leadership?
Protein Industries Canada’s Technology Leadership program reimburses up to 45% of eligible costs for collaborative projects submitted by consortia of at least two members, including at least one SME, to advance Canada’s plant-based ecosystem. Eligible work includes germplasm development, ingredient scaling, and commercialization of consumer-ready products.
How much funding can be received?
Protein Industries Canada — Technology Leadership Funds up to 45% of admissible expenses.
What is the deadline to apply?
The program is accepting continuous intake
Who is eligible for the Protein Industries Canada — Technology Leadership program?
To be eligible for the Protein Industries Canada — Technology Leadership program, you must:
Consortium of at least two Protein Industries Canada members, ideally three or more
At least one consortium member must be an SME with 499 or fewer employees
Each consortium member must contribute meaningfully, and at least two members must contribute financially
What expenses are eligible under Protein Industries Canada — Technology Leadership?
Germplasm development aimed at improving processing efficiency, quality, sensory characteristics and novel ingredients.
Technologies to measure and improve on-farm sustainability and information flow along the value chain.
Development, scaling and optimization of plant-based ingredients.
Conversion of Canadian-made ingredients and co-products into consumption-ready goods.
Proof of Concept, Technology Scaling and Commercially Ready projects across TRL levels.
Who can I contact for more information about the Protein Industries Canada — Technology Leadership?
You can contact Protein Industries Canada (PIC) by email at projects@proteinsupercluster.ca.
Where is the Protein Industries Canada — Technology Leadership available?
The Protein Industries Canada — Technology Leadership program is available across Canada.