SDTC — Seed Funding

Q: How much funding can be received?

SDTC — Seed Funding Funds up to 100000% of admissible expenses.

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Q: Is the SDTC — Seed Funding a grant, loan, or tax credit?

SDTC — Seed Funding is a Grant and Funding

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the SDTC — Seed Funding?

SDTC — Seed Funding is funded by Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC), Government of Canada

Q: Who is eligible for the SDTC — Seed Funding program?

To be eligible for the SDTC — Seed Funding program, you must: • The company must be Canadian-owned and operate in Canada. • The company must be nominated by a partner accelerator. • The company must have raised at least twice the amount requested in private equity funding within the last 12 months.

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the SDTC — Seed Funding?

You can contact Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC).

Q: Where is the SDTC — Seed Funding available?

The SDTC — Seed Funding program is available across Canada.

Q: Are startups eligible for the SDTC — Seed Funding program?

Yes, startups are eligible to apply for the SDTC — Seed Funding program.

Last Update: May 6, 2025

Canada

Contributions for innovative environmental technologies

At a glance

Eligible Funding

From $50,000 to $100,000

Timeline

Archived

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Professional, scientific and technical services

Funds Providers

Sustainable Development Technology Canada

Government of Canada

Program status

archived

Overview

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.

Financing terms and conditions

This grant provides non-repayable contributions to support early-stage entrepreneurs in Canada focused on sustainability. Financing is delivered through a structured approach to match funding needs with environmental impact goals.

One-time non-repayable contribution ranging from $50,000 to $100,000.
Funding must be matched by the applicant, having raised at least twice the amount requested from private equity in the last 12 months.

Activities funded

SDTC Seed Funding focuses on supporting early-stage sustainability entrepreneurs in Canada. The projects eligible for this funding must demonstrate significant environmental benefits through innovative technology.

Projects developing new technologies targeting substantial environmental problems.
Initiatives delivering scalable environmental benefits through technological innovation.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 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

Eligibility

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.

Who is eligible?

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.

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.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is available to Canadian companies and is facilitated through partnerships with regional accelerators. The eligible locations span all major regions of Canada as designated by partnered accelerator groups.

National (including partners like Creative Destruction Lab)
Atlantic Canada
Quebec
Ontario
Prairies
British Columbia

Selection 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.

How to apply

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.

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.

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.

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.

Prepare Application

Compile necessary documentation including project details, financial information, and proof of private equity funding.

Submit Application

Follow the instructions provided in the application guide for submitting your application.
Ensure all required documentation is complete and accurate.

Confirmation and Follow-Up

Await confirmation of application receipt from SDTC.
Contact SDTC for any post-submission queries or updates.

Additional information

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.

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the SDTC — Seed Funding Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the SDTC — Seed Funding. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.