SDTC - Start-up Funding
Last Update: July 22, 2025
Canada
Funding for high-growth Canadian companies advancing sustainable technologies
SDTC - Start-up Funding at a glance
Eligible Funding
- Max. $4,000,000
- Up to 33% of project cost
Timeline
- Archived
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Grant Providers
- Government of Canada
- Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC)
Status
Archived
Overview of the SDTC - Start-up Funding program
The SDTC funds promising sustainable technology development and demonstration projects, specifically targeting start-ups or scale-ups. The program aims to advance innovative technologies that deliver significant environmental benefits, such as reducing GHG emissions or minimizing resource consumption, by supporting their journey towards commercialization. Eligible activities include further development of technology, mitigating existing technology risks, and validating the economic viability of the innovation.
Financing terms and conditions
- SDTC funds, on average, 33% of eligible project costs, up to a maximum of 40%.
- Maximum contribution typically ranges from $2,000,000 to $4,000,000 in non-repayable funding.
- Funds are dispersed over a period of five years or less.
- At least 25% of eligible project costs must be funded through private sector contributions, which can include in-kind contributions.
- At least 50% of eligible project costs must be incurred within Canada, with allowance for some out-of-country demonstration expenses.
Eligible projects & activities
- Advancing the development and commercialization of clean technologies.
- Scaling up cleantech solutions to achieve commercial-scale deployment.
- Demonstrating and validating environmental and economic benefits through defined projects.
- Supporting late-stage development and pre-commercialization strategies for cleantech innovations.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 800,000
Developing a smart irrigation system to minimize water consumption
$ 1,200,000
Testing drone technology for precision agriculture to optimize crop yields
$ 400,000
Demonstration of solar-powered dehydrators for food waste reduction
$ 1,800,000
Scaling up biofuel technology to reduce GHG emissions
$ 1,000,000
Develop an eco-friendly packaging alternative to reduce plastic pollution
$ 600,000
Developing an advanced water purification system to reduce contamination
Eligibility criteria of the SDTC - Start-up Funding program
- The applicant must be a Canadian company with a defined project.
- The project must deliver significant and quantifiable environmental benefits in the short to medium term.
- The company must possess a novel technology supported by intellectual property owned by the company and a clear strategy for future growth.
- The project should be supported by a business plan aimed at accelerating growth and achieving profitability.
- The project should demonstrate a strong end-user value proposition and the potential to attract a customer or partner to validate market need.
Who is eligible?
- Canadian companies developing clean technologies
- High-growth firms seeking to scale cleantech solutions
- Companies with technologies aimed at improving air, water, or soil quality
- Entrepreneurs focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions through innovation
Who is not eligible
This grant excludes certain companies based on their nationality and project nature. The restrictions ensure that funds prioritize innovative Canadian-based sustainable technologies.
- Non-Canadian companies.
- Companies seeking funding for technologies that provide economic benefits without significant environmental benefits.
- Projects focused on research rather than development or commercialization.
- Projects aimed at the deployment of commercialized technologies, like solar or wind farm development.
- Proposals for purchasing existing foreign technology for Canadian use.
- Requests for incremental improvements to existing technologies.
- Projects designed to address emissions at a singular site only.
- Majority-owned Canadian subsidiaries of foreign multinational enterprises.
Eligible expenses
- Capital items required for project implementation.
- Goods and services necessary for the project's execution.
- Labour costs directly associated with the project.
- Depreciation expenses related to project assets.
Eligible geographic areas
- Companies based in Canada.
Eligibility criteria of the SDTC - Start-up Funding program
- Strength and novelty of technology innovation, including comparison to existing and emerging solutions.
- Magnitude and clarity of anticipated environmental and economic benefits.
- Capability and experience of the management team, including support from a board of directors or strategic advisors.
- Technology readiness and ability of the proposed project to accelerate business growth and market adoption.
- Quality and viability of the business plan, including value proposition, market understanding, and path to profitability.
How to apply to the SDTC - Start-up Funding program
1
Understand Eligibility Criteria
Review the SDTC’s eligibility requirements to confirm your project's eligibility.
2
Initial Application Phase
- Check SDTC's eligibility, eligibility costs, and evaluation criteria to ensure alignment.
- Download the application template and view a sample application.
- Access the SDTC application Portal to submit your application.
3
Preliminary Review
- An internal SDTC team will review the application to determine eligibility.
- If eligible, prepare to make a presentation via video conference.
4
Due Diligence Phase
- If the project meets criteria, submit a detailed proposal via the online portal.
- SDTC staff will conduct a due diligence visit to your project site.
5
Approval Process
- The SDTC Project Review Committee will review the project.
- Recommended projects are presented to the SDTC Board of Directors for approval.
6
Contribution Agreement
If approved, work with SDTC to prepare a Contribution Agreement (contract).
Additional information
- SDTC operates a continuous intake process, with funding approvals every two months.
- Applicants are assigned an Investment Lead for guidance throughout the funding process.
- Companies benefit from SDTC’s national network and peer forums for knowledge sharing.
- SDTC collaborates with federal and provincial funding partners to facilitate access to additional resources.
Contact Government of Canada
applications@sdtc.ca
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