SDTC - Scale Up Funding
Canada
The SDTC funding program accelerates Canadian sustainable technology innovations by providing substantial non-repayable contributions for their development and commercialization.
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
grant_single|grantors
- Government of Canada
- Sustainable Development Technology Canada- SDTC (SDTC)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
The SDTC (Sustainable Development Technology Canada) grant program aims to fund promising sustainable technology development and demonstration projects that have significant environmental benefits, such as reducing GHG emissions, minimizing water consumption, and reducing contamination. Eligible activities include advancing technology development and/or demonstration required to secure the first paying customer, with a focus on economic viability and market validation.
grant_single_labels|projects
SDTC funds promising sustainable technology development and demonstration projects that are start-ups or scale-ups, focusing on environmental benefits and viability validation.
- Development of technologies with potential for reducing GHG emissions.
- Projects aiming to minimize water consumption.
- Efforts to reduce water, soil, or air contamination.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$425,000
Toronto
Implementation of solar-powered air purifiers to reduce urban air pollution
$350,000
Calgary
Development of air purification technology to reduce urban air pollution
$600,000
Vancouver
Development of a water recycling system to minimize industrial water consumption
$400,000
Toronto
Development of a biodegradable plastic to reduce GHG emissions
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Your innovative idea that introduces a new product or service, or expands on an existing innovation in market could be eligible for SDTC funding if you meet these criteria:
- Your company is Canadian-owned;
- You must define a project that may further your innovation along the pathway of commercialization;
- Your innovation must deliver quantifiable, significant and scalable environmental benefits;
- Your innovation has a strong end-user value proposition; and
- You have a commercialization partner identified that can validate the market need for your innovation.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Yes, there are eligible types of companies for this grant. The grant targets Canadian-owned companies working on sustainable technologies with high growth potential or novel innovations that provide significant environmental benefits and have strong end-user value propositions.
- Canadian-owned companies
- Companies with projects furthering innovation along the pathway of commercialization
- Projects delivering quantifiable, significant, and scalable environmental benefits
- Innovations with strong end-user value propositions
- Start-ups with technology proven at a small scale
- Scale-ups looking to test business model viability or expand their customer base
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
Some companies are not eligible for the grant if they do not meet the necessary criteria outlined. Below is a summary of the ineligible companies:
- Non-Canadian companies.
- Companies seeking funding for technologies that deliver economic benefits without substantial environmental benefits.
- Companies requesting funding for research projects.
- Companies seeking project financing for deployment of commercialized technologies (e.g., solar/wind farms, greenhouse construction).
- Companies looking to purchase a proven technology from another jurisdiction for use in Canada.
- Companies proposing incremental modifications to existing technologies or processes (e.g., installation of an existing solar panel technology at an industrial site).
- Companies requesting funding for one-off projects to reduce emissions at a specific site.
- Companies that are a majority-owned Canadian subsidiary of a foreign multinational enterprise.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
There are eligible expenses for this grant, which should be aligned with the project's objectives to move innovations towards commercialization.
- Further development of the technology
- Mitigation of existing technology risk
- Validation of the economic viability of the technology
- Environmental Benefits Baseline Report
- Project reporting against technical deliverables and metrics
- Final reporting, including commercialization and environmental benefits
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The grant is eligible for companies that are Canadian-owned, meaning they must be based in Canada and majority-owned by Canadians.
- Canadian-owned companies
grant_single_labels|criteria
Yes, there are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The criteria include the strategic fit of the project, the potential environmental benefits, economic and market considerations, and the quality and feasibility of the project plan.
- Strategic Fit: How the project aligns with SDTC’s focus on sustainable technology development.
- Potential Environmental Benefits: The quantifiable and significant environmental benefits the innovation offers, such as GHG emission reductions, water conservation, or reduced soil or air contamination.
- Economic and Market Considerations: The commercial viability of the technology, including end-user value proposition and market need validation by a commercialization partner.
- Quality and Feasibility of Project Plan: The comprehensive and achievable plan detailing the necessary steps to further the development and commercialization of the technology, including technical and economic validation.
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Application
- SDTC’s eligibility, eligible costs, and evaluation criteria to see if your project aligns.
- Download the application template and see a sample of a compelling application.
- Access the application Portal to submit the application.
- An initial review by a team of internal SDTC experts to determine eligibility.
- If the project meets SDTC criteria, a presentation via video conference is invited.
- Step 2: Due Diligence
- If the project aligns with criteria, submit a detailed proposal via the online portal.
- SDTC staff will conduct a due diligence visit at the project site.
- The SDTC Project Review Committee reviews the project.
- All recommended projects are presented to the SDTC Board of Directors for approval.
- Step 3: Funding Approved
- If the project is approved, SDTC works with the applicant to prepare a Contribution Agreement (contract) to advance the project.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
SDTC funding typically includes non-repayable contributions for projects that meet specific eligibility criteria, with the goal of advancing the development and commercialization of sustainable technologies in Canada.
- Funding is on average 33% of eligible project costs, with contributions typically ranging from $2 million to $4 million, disbursed over up to five years.
- Projects must have a minimum of 25% private-sector funding and cannot have total government funding exceeding 75% of eligible project costs.
- Projects must incur at least 50% of eligible project costs within Canada.
- Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and involve a multi-step process with checkpoints and coaching.
- The recipient is required to acknowledge SDTC funding in press releases and public statements about the project.
- Post-project completion, recipients must complete an annual questionnaire for five years to track the success of the technology in the market.
grant_single_labels|contact
applications@sdtc.ca
(343) 804-0691
Apply to this program
SDTC Funding Program Overview
The Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) Funding Program supports Canadian-owned small to medium-sized companies in advancing their environmental innovations. The program offers non-repayable contributions to projects that demonstrate significant, scalable environmental benefits and strong end-user value propositions.
Detailed Guide to SDTC Funding Program
Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) serves as a catalyst for growth in sustainable technologies, supporting the evolution of Canadian companies towards market leadership in sustainability. Whether you are a start-up with a promising small-scale technology or a scale-up looking to secure your first paying customer, understanding the intricacies of the SDTC funding program is crucial for long-term success and significant environmental impact. In this detailed guide, we will explore everything you need to know about the SDTC funding program, from eligibility requirements to the application process, and key considerations to optimize your chances of securing funding.
Eligibility Requirements
Before diving into the application process, it is essential to determine if your project meets the SDTC’s eligibility criteria:
- Canadian-Owned Company: Your company must be based in Canada and predominantly owned by Canadian stakeholders.
- Project Definition: You should define a project aimed at advancing your innovation towards commercialization.
- Environmental Benefits: Your innovation must offer quantifiable, significant, and scalable environmental benefits such as reducing GHG emissions, minimizing water consumption, or reducing contamination of soil, water, or air.
- End-User Value Proposition: Your innovation should have a strong value proposition for end-users, addressing their needs and problems effectively.
- Commercialization Partner: Identifying a commercialization partner who can validate the market need for your innovation is crucial.
Funding Categories: Start-up and Scale-up
SDTC funding is divided into two primary categories, catering to different development stages of innovation:
- Start-up: For companies with a technology that has been proven at a small scale. These companies may need funding to test the viability of their business models or to further develop their technology.
- Scale-up: For advanced, high-growth companies working with customers to validate their technology or aiming to expand their market reach. This funding allows these companies to strengthen their competitive advantage or unlock a larger customer base.
Application Process Overview
Applications for SDTC funding are accepted on a rolling basis, enabling companies to apply at their convenience. The streamlined application process is designed to be client-centric and provides multiple checkpoints and coaching to support applicants. The application process is divided into three primary phases:
Phase One: Application
- Eligibility Check: Review SDTC's eligibility criteria to ensure your project aligns. This includes meeting environmental, technical, and market validation requirements.
- Submit Application: Download the application template from the SDTC portal. Fill out the necessary details, ensuring your application is compelling and complete, and submit it via the online portal.
- Initial Review: An internal team of SDTC experts will review your application to determine if it meets the basic criteria.
- Presentation Invitation: If your application shows potential during the initial review, you will be invited to present your project via video conference.
Phase Two: Due Diligence
- Detailed Proposal Submission: If your project aligns with SDTC’s criteria based on the initial review, you will be asked to submit a detailed proposal online.
- Site Visit: SDTC staff will schedule a visit to your project site to conduct due diligence and gather more detailed information.
- Project Review Committee: Your project will be reviewed by the SDTC Project Review Committee, which will evaluate the proposal thoroughly.
- Board Approval: Recommended projects are then presented to the SDTC Board of Directors for final approval.
Phase Three: Funding Approved
- Contribution Agreement: If your project is approved, SDTC will work with you to prepare a Contribution Agreement to initiate the funding process.
Funding Details
SDTC funding is structured to cover a substantial portion of eligible project costs, with specific financial requirements:
- Funding Percentage: SDTC typically funds an average of 33% of eligible project costs, with contributions ranging from $2 million to $4 million.
- Private-Sector Contribution: Projects must secure a private-sector contribution of at least 25% of eligible project costs.
- Government Funding Cap: Combined funding from SDTC and other government entities cannot exceed 75% of total eligible project costs.
- Canadian Expenditure: At least 50% of eligible project costs must be incurred within Canada.
Consortium Partner Requirements
Including consortium partners can enhance the credibility and feasibility of your project. SDTC defines a consortium partner as a non-related organization willing to contribute to the project without profit during the project timeframe. Consortium partners can be academics, government agencies, associations, or industry representatives and must actively contribute to the project by providing in-kind contributions, demonstration sites, or intellectual property. Having a market validation partner is crucial to ensure market uptake and project success post-completion.
Reporting Obligations
During the project, you are required to report on technical deliverables, success metrics, and incurred expenses at the completion of each milestone. Additional reports include the Environmental Benefits Baseline Report after the first milestone and the Final Report, Marketing and Commercialization Report, and Environmental Benefits Final Report at project completion. These reports are necessary for releasing the final 10% holdback of the funding. Furthermore, for five years post-project completion, SDTC requires annual questionnaires to track your technology's market progress, focusing on sales, revenues, job creation, and other commercial activities.
Application Tips and Best Practices
Here are some expert tips to optimize your application for SDTC funding:
- Clear and Compelling Narrative: Ensure your application tells a clear story about your innovation, its benefits, and its potential impact.
- Quantifiable Benefits: Clearly articulate the measurable environmental benefits of your technology, supported by data and projections.
- Market Validation: Include a strong commercialization partner and provide evidence of market need and interest in your technology.
- Detailed Planning: Present a thorough project plan with defined milestones, timelines, and success metrics.
- Consortium Partners: Include credible and relevant consortium partners that can contribute meaningfully to your project.
- Compliance with Financial Requirements: Ensure your project meets the financial contribution requirements, including private sector funding and government funding caps.
Conclusion
The SDTC funding program offers invaluable support to Canadian companies striving to lead in sustainability through innovative technologies. By aligning your project with SDTC's eligibility criteria, presenting a compelling and detailed application, and strategically including consortium partners, you can significantly enhance your chances of securing funding. Remember, the goal is not just to obtain funding but to create a sustainable and impactful advancement towards commercialization that benefits both the environment and the market.
For more information and to start the application process, visit the SDTC online portal or contact their support team for assistance.
