SDTC - Seed Funding
Canada
Contributions for innovative environmental technologies
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|fromMinToMax
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 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
Yes, your innovative idea that introduces a new product or service, or expands on an existing innovation in market, could be eligible for SDTC funding.
- Canadian-owned and operates in Canada
- Innovative technology addressing a significant environmental problem
- Delivering significant and scalable environmental benefits
- Nominated by a partner accelerator
- Project raised at least twice the requested funding amount from private equity in the last 12 months
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$85,000
Calgary
Development of an urban vertical farming system for reducing food miles
$100,000
Toronto
Creating a biodegradable alternative to single-use plastics in packaging
$60,000
Montreal
Implementing an AI-driven energy management system in smart buildings
$80,000
Vancouver
Development of a solar-powered desalination system for remote communities
$70,000
Ottawa
Innovative water purification system using nanotechnology
$95,000
Edmonton
Production of eco-friendly construction materials using recycled plastic waste
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 and operates in Canada.
- Have an idea that brings innovative technology to bear on a significant environmental problem and an entrepreneurial team with the skills to take that idea to the next level.
- Your innovation must deliver significant and scalable environmental benefits.
- You must be nominated by one of our partner accelerators.
- Your project must have raised at least twice (200%) the amount requested as funding from SDTC, from private equity funding (without recourses) in the last 12 months.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Yes, there are eligible types of companies for this grant. Your company must be Canadian-owned and operate in Canada, have an innovative technology that addresses significant environmental problems, and must be nominated by one of the program's accelerator partners.
- Canadian-owned and operating in Canada
- Innovative technology addressing significant environmental problems
- Entrepreneurial team capable of advancing the idea
- Demonstrates significant and scalable environmental benefits
- Nominated by an approved accelerator partner
- Project has raised at least twice the amount requested from SDTC in private equity funding within the last 12 months
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: Ensure your company is Canadian-owned and operates in Canada.
- Step 2: Verify that your innovation addresses a significant environmental problem and has a scalable impact.
- Step 3: Ensure your project has raised at least twice the amount requested from SDTC in private equity funding within the last 12 months.
- Step 4: Contact and secure a nomination from one of SDTC's partner accelerators.
- Step 5: Review the detailed eligibility criteria in the Seed Funding Application Guide.
- Step 6: Submit your application through the nominated accelerator partner.
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
-343
Apply to this program
SDTC Seed Funding
SDTC Seed Funding provides Canadian early-stage entrepreneurs with non-repayable contributions ranging from $50,000 to $100,000 to support innovative technological projects that offer significant environmental benefits. Applicants must be nominated by a partner accelerator and have secured at least twice the requested grant amount in private equity funding within the past 12 months.
A Comprehensive Guide to SDTC Seed Funding
The Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) Seed Funding program offers invaluable support to Canadian entrepreneurs at the early stages of their innovative projects. Recognizing the complexity and diverse challenges that startups face, SDTC aims to bridge the funding gap by providing essential financial support that fosters technological innovation and addresses significant environmental challenges.
What is SDTC Seed Funding?
SDTC Seed Funding is a non-repayable grant ranging between $50,000 and $100,000, designed to support early-stage Canadian entrepreneurs whose projects have the potential to deliver substantial environmental benefits. This funding initiative is particularly focused on technological innovations that can offer scalable solutions to major environmental problems.
Who Can Apply for SDTC Seed Funding?
To be eligible for SDTC Seed Funding, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a Canadian-owned company operating within Canada.
- Have an innovative idea that introduces a new product or service, or expands on an existing innovation in the market.
- Secure a nomination from one of SDTC’s partner accelerators.
- Demonstrate that their project has raised at least twice the amount requested from SDTC in private equity funding within the past 12 months.
These stringent requirements ensure that only the most promising and viable projects receive funding, maximizing the impact of SDTC’s investment in fostering sustainability and technological progress.
The Role of Partner Accelerators
The nomination process is a pivotal component of the SDTC Seed Funding program. SDTC collaborates with a network of approved Canadian accelerators, which include institutions and organizations dedicated to nurturing startups and facilitating their growth. These accelerators are strategically selected to identify and support entrepreneurs who have the potential to become leaders in sustainable technologies.
- National Partners: Creative Destruction Lab (CDL), SVG Ventures/Thrive.
- Atlantic Canada: CDL – Atlantic, Genesis Centre, Econext, Ocean Startup Project, and others.
- Quebec: 2Degrés, Accélérateur Mobis, ACET, AG-Bio Centre, and more.
- Ontario: Accelerator Centre, Altitude Accelerator, Bioenterprise, Boundless Accelerator, and others.
- Prairies: Avatar Innovations Inc., CDL – Rockies, Edmonton Unlimited, and more.
- British Columbia: Accelerate Okanagan, CDL – Vancouver, Charles Chang Institute for Entrepreneurship, and others.
These accelerators play a crucial role in the vetting and nomination process, ensuring that the projects endorsed for funding possess the innovative potential and the robust business plans necessary for success.
Application Process
Potential applicants must first engage with a local accelerator from the list of SDTC’s approved partners. Entrepreneurs should demonstrate their project’s viability and environmental benefits to secure a nomination. Once nominated, applicants will undergo a rigorous review process conducted by SDTC. The detailed steps for the application process are as follows:
- Identify and partner with an SDTC-approved accelerator.
- Prepare a comprehensive project proposal showcasing innovation, environmental impact, and potential scalability.
- Prove that your project has raised at least 200% of the requested funding amount from private equity sources in the last 12 months.
- Obtain an official nomination from the partnering accelerator.
- Submit the nomination and funding application to SDTC for review.
The application guide available on the SDTC website provides a detailed roadmap to navigate this process successfully, ensuring applicants are well-prepared and aligned with the funding requirements.
Environmental Impact and Innovation
SDTC’s mission is to foster projects that deliver significant and scalable environmental benefits. This goal aligns with Canada’s broader commitment to sustainability and combating climate change. Consequently, projects focused on technological innovations that can drive substantial environmental progress are particularly favored. Entrepreneurs are encouraged to highlight how their projects tackle pressing environmental issues and contribute to Canada’s sustainability goals.
Success Stories
SDTC has a rich history of supporting groundbreaking projects that have led to significant environmental and economic impacts. Past recipients of SDTC Seed Funding have successfully advanced their technological innovations, contributing to job creation, environmental conservation, and the growth of Canada’s green economy. These success stories serve as an inspiration and blueprint for future applicants, demonstrating the transformative power of SDTC’s targeted funding approach.
Conclusion
The SDTC Seed Funding program is a critical resource for Canadian entrepreneurs dedicated to advancing technological innovations with substantial environmental benefits. Through a collaborative nomination process involving leading accelerators across the country, SDTC ensures that the most promising projects receive the financial support they need to succeed. This funding not only bridges the financial gap for early-stage entrepreneurs but also contributes to Canada’s broader sustainability and environmental goals.
If you have an innovative idea that addresses significant environmental challenges and possesses the potential for scalable benefits, engaging with an SDTC partner accelerator could be your first step toward securing crucial funding support. By meeting the eligibility criteria and effectively demonstrating your project’s impact, you can join the ranks of pioneering enterprises that SDTC has propelled toward success.