How much funding can be received?

The SDTC Seed Funding program provides a non-repayable contribution of $50,000 to $100,000 to early-stage Canadian entrepreneurs developing innovative technologies with significant environmental benefits. To be eligible, companies must be Canadian-owned, have a scalable innovation that addresses a major environmental problem, and be nominated by an approved accelerator partner.

grant_single_labels|projects

This grant is designated for Canadian-based companies with a focus on diverse innovations across the nation. It aims to promote sustainability and technological advancement through collaboration with local accelerators.

National
Atlantic Canada
Quebec
Ontario
Prairies
British Columbia

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$85,000

Development of an urban vertical farming system for reducing food miles

$100,000

Creating a biodegradable alternative to single-use plastics in packaging

$70,000

Innovative water purification system using nanotechnology

$60,000

Implementing an AI-driven energy management system in smart buildings

$80,000

Development of a solar-powered desalination system for remote communities

$95,000

Production of eco-friendly construction materials using recycled plastic waste

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for SDTC Seed Funding is determined by specific requirements related to the company profile and innovation capacity.

The company must be Canadian-owned and operate in Canada.
The applicant must have an innovative idea that addresses a significant environmental problem.
The entrepreneurial team must have the skills to develop the idea to the next level.
The innovation must deliver significant and scalable environmental benefits.
The project must be nominated by one of SDTC's partner accelerators.
The project must have raised at least twice (200%) the amount requested in funding from SDTC from private equity (without recourses) in the last 12 months.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

To apply for the SDTC Seed Funding Grant, eligible applicants must meet particular criteria. While the specific evaluation and selection criteria with point scores are not provided in the given context, we know that eligible applicants must be Canadian-owned companies operating within Canada, offer a technological innovation addressing an environmental issue, and deliver scalable environmental benefits. Furthermore, they need to secure a nomination from one of the partner accelerators and have raised at least 200% of the requested funding amount from private equity investors in the past 12 months.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

This grant focuses on innovative technological projects with environmental benefits that are eligible for funding. It involves activities that introduce new sustainable technologies and address significant environmental challenges.

Introduction of innovative technology that addresses a significant environmental problem.
Projects that offer significant and scalable environmental benefits.
Development and expansion of new products or services in the sustainability sector.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

The eligible geographic zones for this grant are regions across Canada where specific accelerator partners are located.

National
Atlantic Canada
Quebec
Ontario
Prairies
British Columbia

grant_single_labels|criteria

Yes, there are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant.

Your company must be Canadian-owned and operate in Canada.
You must have an idea that introduces a new product or service, or expands on an existing innovation in market.
Your innovation must deliver significant and scalable environmental benefits.
You must have an entrepreneurial team with the skills to take the idea to the next level.
You must be nominated by one of SDTC's partner accelerators.
Your project must have raised at least twice the amount requested as funding from SDTC, from private equity funding (without recourse) in the last 12 months.

grant_single_labels|register

Step 1: Determine Eligibility
- Review the SDTC Seed Funding Application Guide to understand eligibility requirements.
- Ensure your company is Canadian-owned and operates in Canada.
- Verify your innovation has significant environmental benefits.
Step 2: Contact a Partner Accelerator
- Identify a suitable accelerator from the list provided by SDTC.
- Reach out to the accelerator to discuss your project and seek nomination.
Step 3: Obtain Nomination
- Work with the chosen accelerator to secure a nomination for the SDTC seed funding.
- Demonstrate your project's potential and readiness for funding.
Step 4: Secure Private Equity Matching
- Ensure you've raised at least twice the funding amount requested from SDTC via private equity in the past 12 months.
Step 5: Prepare Application
- Compile necessary documentation including project details, financial information, and proof of private equity funding.
Step 6: Submit Application
- Follow the instructions provided in the application guide for submitting your application.
- Ensure all required documentation is complete and accurate.
Step 7: Confirmation and Follow-Up
- Await confirmation of application receipt from SDTC.
- Contact SDTC for any post-submission queries or updates.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

SDTC's Seed Funding provides a one-time non-repayable contribution of $50,000 to $100,000 for innovative technological projects with environmental benefits. Projects must be nominated by a partner accelerator and have raised private equity funding equal to at least twice the requested amount within the last 12 months.

SDTC partners with approved Canadian incubators and accelerators to identify entrepreneurs.
Applicants must operate a Canadian-owned company.
The innovation should address a significant environmental problem and provide scalable environmental benefits.
A comprehensive Seed Funding Application Guide is available for eligibility details and process guidance.

grant_single_labels|contact

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Apply to this program

Empowering Canadian Entrepreneurs for Sustainable Innovation

This grant supports early-stage Canadian entrepreneurs with innovative technological projects that deliver significant environmental benefits. It seeks to nurture sustainability leaders of tomorrow through financial support and strategic partnerships with local accelerators across Canada.

Understanding the SDTC Seed Funding Program

Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) Seed Funding is a vital initiative aimed at boosting innovation and sustainable technology development among early-stage Canadian businesses. With a one-time non-repayable grant ranging from $50,000 to $100,000, the program targets entrepreneurs who are developing technologies with substantial environmental benefits, thereby contributing to both economic growth and environmental protection in Canada. This funding is meticulously designed to align with SDTC's overarching mission of fostering sustainable innovation by ensuring that early-stage entrepreneurs have access to the financial resources needed at crucial phases of their product development and market entry.

The essence of the SDTC Seed Fund lies in its strategic approach to partnership and network building. SDTC works closely with a diverse network of accelerator partners across various regions in Canada. These partnerships play a pivotal role as they are tasked with identifying and nominating eligible entrepreneurs whose projects exhibit potential for scalability and significant positive environmental impact. This model not only ensures that the most promising innovations receive the necessary funding but also supports these entrepreneurs in building a robust foundation for future growth and leadership within the sustainable technology sector.

Beyond the financial support, the Seed Funding scheme is designed to promote a collaborative ecosystem where entrepreneurs can access diverse resources, mentorship, and strategic guidance through SDTC's network of accelerators. By engaging with these partners, startups benefit from a wealth of expertise and connections that help them overcome initial hurdles, refine their business strategies, and better position themselves for later-stage investments or commercial success.

Entrepreneurs seeking SDTC Seed Funding must demonstrate not only an innovative technological concept but also the potential for these innovations to solve pressing environmental issues effectively. The application process is rigorous and requires evidence of private equity funding, wherein applicants must have secured investments that are twice the funding sought from SDTC within the last 12 months. This requirement underscores the importance of private sector confidence in the project’s viability, further reinforcing the credibility of businesses entering the program.

Moreover, the program's eligibility criteria and application procedures are transparently outlined in the Seed Funding Application Guide. Potential applicants are encouraged to review this guide thoroughly and engage with local accelerator partners to discuss their eligibility and potential candidacy. This ensures a clear understanding of the program expectations and facilitates a transparent and effective application process.

SDTC's commitment to fostering sustainable innovation is evident not only in their funding initiatives but also in their strategic alignment with government priorities and their contribution to job creation within Canada's evolving green economy. By supporting projects that deliver scalable environmental benefits, SDTC helps ensure that Canadian businesses remain at the forefront of the global transition towards a more sustainable and eco-conscious economic model. For entrepreneurs, the SDTC Seed Funding represents an invaluable opportunity to advance innovative projects and substantially contribute to Canada’s environmental objectives and economic prosperity.