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 Technology Program under Protein Industries Canada supports projects that align with their investment portfolio, focusing on genetics, crops, ingredients, and products to drive innovation and sustainable growth in the agrifood sector. Eligible projects should promote economic reconciliation, have inclusive participation, and demonstrate potential for transforming the sector.

Genetics - germplasm development improving processing efficiency and quality.
Crops - technologies for on-farm sustainability and value chain information flow.
Ingredients - development, scaling, and optimization of plant-based ingredients.
Products - conversion of Canadian ingredients and co-products into consumption-ready goods.
Proof of Concept - pilot scale projects demonstrating feasibility with commercialization potential.
Technology Scaling - commercial deployment projects establishing feedback loops with customers.
Commercially Ready - projects optimizing and deploying viable technology for Canadian products.

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$450,000

Winnipeg

Scaling plant-based protein extraction technology for commercial deployment

$360,000

Montreal

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

$180,000

Thunder Bay

Engaging Indigenous communities in the plant-based value chain

$270,000

Vancouver

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

$337,500

Guelph

Development of technology to measure and improve on-farm sustainability

grant_single_labels|admissibility

The grant requires projects to be submitted by a consortium of members with a focus on collaboration and alignment with Protein Industries Canada's objectives. Key criteria include financial contributions from Canadian and multinational corporations, a focus on innovation, and considerations for economic reconciliation.

Submitted by a consortium of at least two (preferably three) Protein Industries Canada members, with one being an SME.
Consortium may include academic or research institutions, though not mandatory.
Consortium members must contribute meaningfully to the project, typically financially.
At least two members must contribute financially, and Protein Industries Canada will reimburse up to 45% of eligible costs.
At least two consortium members must be Canadian companies or multinational corporations operating in Canada.
Aligned with Protein Industries Canada and Global Innovation Cluster objectives.
Subject to a 4% project administration fee payable to Protein Industries Canada.
Must be incremental, meaning not part of regular business activities and requiring consortium collaboration.
At least one member should represent a target customer or user of the new technology.
Consortium must have proven project management capabilities.
All members must comply with Canadian economic sanctions and legislations.
Project must not be a "designated project" under applicable federal legislation.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

Eligible companies for this grant include those that are part of a consortium with ideally three or more members, with at least one being a Small or Medium Enterprise (SME) as defined by Statistics Canada, and two partners who are Canadian companies or multinational corporations with a significant business operation in Canada. The consortium must contribute meaningfully to the project and financially, with the project aligning with the objectives of Protein Industries Canada and the Global Innovation Cluster initiative.

Consortium of at least two Protein Industries Canada members, ideally three or more.
At least one member should be a Small or Medium Enterprise (SME) with 499 or fewer employees.
Two members of the consortium must contribute financially to the project.
Two partners must be Canadian companies or multinational corporations legally entitled to do business in Canada with significant Canadian business operations.
Consortium may include academic or research institution(s), though not mandatory.
Consortium members must contribute in a meaningful way, generally through financial commitment and activities in the workplan, or by providing IP or market expertise.

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

Yes, eligible expenses for this grant include costs that are essential and directly related to the execution of the project as defined in the project proposal. These costs must comply with the reimbursement guidelines and are subjected to a reconciliation process by Protein Industries Canada.

Personnel costs - salaries and benefits for individuals contributing directly to the project
Contractual costs - services from third-party suppliers or consultants
Materials and supplies - necessary for the project execution
Capital equipment - directly relevant to the project
Travel expenses - necessary travel for project purposes
Facilities rental - specific to project requirements
Intellectual Property costs - directly related to the project
Data management and software costs - essential for data governance
Project-related training - for skills development specific to the project

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

The grant requires consortium members to include Canadian companies, specifically at least one Canadian Small or Medium Enterprise (SME), to participate. Additionally, non-Canadian entities can join the consortium if approved by Protein Industries Canada.

Canadian companies or multinational corporations with a significant Canadian business operation
Non-Canadian entities can participate upon approval by Protein Industries Canada
At least one partner must be a Canadian SME

grant_single_labels|criteria

The Protein Industries Canada grant evaluates and selects project proposals based on criteria that align under three main areas: Ecosystem Development, Technical Merit, and Commercial Application. This rigorous evaluation process ensures that projects chosen will significantly contribute to innovation and economic growth in the plant-based protein sector in Canada.

Ecosystem Development
Technical Merit
Commercial Application

grant_single_labels|register

Step 1: The Expression of Interest (EOI)
Review the Project Eligibility Requirements.
Email projects@proteinsupercluster.ca to set up an introductory call.
Complete the Expression of Interest (EOI) form collaboratively with consortium members.
Each consortium member must fill out and sign a "Declaration As To Authorization and Compliance".
Submit the completed EOI and Declaration forms by emailing projects@proteinsupercluster.ca.
Step 2: The Project Proposal
Evaluation of EOIs may result in an invitation to proceed to a Full Project Proposal.
A kick-off meeting will be held via conference call for successful EOIs.
Project Proposal development will be collaborative between Consortia Members and Protein Industries Canada staff.
Start proposal preparation using provided Word and Excel templates, not exceeding 50 pages.
Submit the full Project Proposal for evaluation, including a comprehensive financial assessment.
Additional Steps Before Approval
If required, complete a Data and AI Readiness Assessment at a cost shared with Protein Industries Canada.
Once approved, Protein Industries Canada will sign a Master Project Agreement (MPA) with the consortia.
Consortium members are required to complete a detailed financial assessment before signing the MPA.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

The Technology Program grant focuses on driving innovation and commercialization within Canada's plant-based ingredient and food sectors, contributing to economic growth and sustainability. The program emphasizes collaboration among diverse consortiums, including SMEs and underrepresented groups, and aligns with the Global Innovation Cluster initiative.

Protein Industries Canada pays special attention to economic reconciliation with Indigenous communities, requiring all proposals to incorporate aspects of economic reconciliation.
Eligible projects must be submitted by a consortium of at least two Protein Industries Canada members, including a Small or Medium Enterprise (SME) as defined by Statistics Canada.
Protein Industries Canada provides reimbursement of up to 45% of eligible project costs.
Projects must focus on innovation within specified areas like genetics, crop technologies, ingredient development, and product creation.
There is a requirement for a data and data governance strategy as well as an intellectual property rationale to be documented in proposals.
An initial Expression of Interest (EOI) process is followed by a detailed proposal submission for selected projects.
Successful projects are obliged to pay a 4% project administration fee to Protein Industries Canada.
The program promotes the involvement of women, Indigenous Peoples, and other underrepresented groups in projects to support diversity and inclusion.
Projects must demonstrate quantifiable social and environmental benefits, like reductions in GHG emissions or support for circular economies.
The initiative aims at leveraging strengths, addressing gaps, and accelerating innovation along the plant-based food value chain while adhering to ethical conduct in IP and data governance.

grant_single_labels|documents

Protein Industries Canada — Technology Leadership

grant_single_labels|contact

projects@proteinsupercluster.ca

Apply to this program

Overview of the Technology Program Grant

Protein Industries Canada offers a Technology Program grant focusing on enhancing Canada's plant-based food and ingredient ecosystem. The grant supports transformative projects that align with the organization's mission to position Canada as a global leader in sustainable plant protein and co-products.

In-Depth Guide to the Technology Program Grant

Protein Industries Canada, an industry-led not-for-profit organization, is at the forefront of driving innovation and collaboration in the plant-based protein sector. The Technology Program grant is designed to support projects that align with the broader goals of positioning Canada as a global leader in plant-based protein, enhancing the agricultural and food processing sectors, and significantly contributing to Canada's economic growth and international trade. The program's primary focus is to invest in projects that drive innovation across the entire value chain with a specific emphasis on ingredient processing and sales. The expected impact of these investments is the transformation of market opportunities into sustainable economic drivers, promoting Canada as an agricultural powerhouse on a global scale.

The Opportunity

The global demand for plant-based food products is on a steady rise, propelled by an increasing global population, an expanding middle class, and consumer trends favoring health, environmental sustainability, and animal welfare. By 2035, the market for plant-based foods is expected to surpass $250 billion annually. Canada's robust agricultural sector positions it perfectly to capture a significant share of this market. Protein Industries Canada envisions a scenario where Canada provides 10 percent of the world's plant-based ingredients by 2035, potentially contributing up to $25 billion annually to the Canadian economy and supporting 17,000 jobs. Protein Industries Canada's track record over its first four years of operations has showcased its ability to catalyze ecosystem innovation. With strategic investments, the organization aims to facilitate over $2 billion in funding for Canada's plant-based food and feed ecosystem by 2028. This effort intends to result in nearly 1,500 new products and services and a measurable reduction in greenhouse gas emissions related to agricultural and food processing activities.

Areas of Investment

The Technology Program's investment portfolio places a notable emphasis on several critical areas within the agrifood value chain: 1. **Genetics (15%)**: Projects focusing on germplasm development to improve processing efficiency, protein content, quality, functionality, and the availability of supply for emerging crops. 2. **Crops (10%)**: Technologies that enhance on-farm sustainability and information flow along the value chain, including systems for measuring, verifying, and reporting on sustainability and food safety. 3. **Ingredients (50%)**: The largest focus area, promoting the development and scaling of plant-based ingredients by testing new manufacturing processes, improving protein extraction rates, and optimizing energy and water usage in ingredient production. 4. **Products (25%)**: Supporting the creation and commercialization of consumption-ready goods, aligning with consumer needs for clean-label, sustainable, nutritious products, as well as animal feed and bio-products from co-products of protein extraction. Additionally, the program supports projects across various Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs), from proof of concept to scaling and commercialization, ensuring a robust pipeline of innovations fostering a decade of advancements.

Turning Ideas into Projects

Protein Industries Canada encourages collaborative consortia to leverage strengths, address gaps, and stimulate innovations along the agrifood value chain. The program places importance on involving diverse and inclusive teams that ensure meaningful participation from women, Indigenous Peoples, and other underrepresented groups. Proposals are expected to incorporate elements of economic reconciliation, aligning with the Federal Government's commitment to addressing economic disparities experienced by Indigenous communities. Applicants are encouraged to engage with Indigenous communities, develop strategies to support Indigenous-led businesses, and implement measures addressing the impacts of colonization on economic development.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Technology Program grant, projects must be submitted by a consortium of at least two Protein Industries Canada members, with a preference for three, including at least one Small or Medium Enterprise (SME). Consortia may include academic or research institutions, and each member must contribute meaningfully to the project, with at least two offering financial contributions. At least two members of the consortium should be Canadian companies or corporations legally entitled to do business in Canada. The project must align with the objectives of Protein Industries Canada and the Global Innovation Cluster initiative, demonstrate innovation beyond regular business activities, and ensure that the initiative is new or significantly expanded beyond existing scope or scale due to consortium collaboration.

Financial Details and Application Process

There is no explicit maximum funding cap for projects. However, Protein Industries Canada will reimburse up to 45% of eligible costs. To initiate the application process, interested consortiums must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). This is followed by the submission of a Full Project Proposal if the EOI is approved. The application involves a two-step approach: first, submitting an EOI for initial evaluation, and second, following approval, completing a detailed Project Proposal in collaboration with Protein Industries Canada staff. The proposal must address intellectual property considerations, commercialization strategies, data governance, financial strength, and must showcase the environmental and social benefits of the project.

Project Evaluation and Approval

Project proposals are subject to comprehensive review and scoring based on criteria including ecosystem development, technical merit, and commercial application. Once approved, consortia must enter into a Master Project Agreement with Protein Industries Canada, detailing the project's execution framework, work plans, budgets, and IP and data strategies. By strategically investing in innovative projects, Protein Industries Canada's Technology Program grant aims to cement Canada's position as a leader in the global plant-based protein market, fostering sustainable economic growth and inclusivity.