archived
SDTC - Start-up Funding
Funding for high-growth Canadian companies advancing sustainable technologies
Last Update: May 28, 2026
Funding available
$ 4,000,000
Timeline
- Archived
Location
Canada
Overview
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.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop a new product or service
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 4,000,000 $
- Up to 33% of project cost
Timeline
- Archived
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Canadians
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- 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.
Official resources
Eligibility
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.
Selection criteria
- 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
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.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the SDTC - Start-up Funding Program
What is the SDTC - Start-up Funding?
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.
How much funding can be received?
SDTC - Start-up Funding Funds up to 33% of admissible expenses, capped at $4,000,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the SDTC - Start-up Funding program?
To be eligible for the SDTC - Start-up Funding program, you must:
Applicant must be a Canadian company.
Project must deliver significant environmental benefits in Canada.
Technology must be market-tested and ready for scale-up.
What expenses are eligible under SDTC - Start-up Funding?
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.
Who can I contact for more information about the SDTC - Start-up Funding?
You can contact Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) by email at applications@sdtc.ca.
Where is the SDTC - Start-up Funding available?
The SDTC - Start-up Funding program is available across Canada.
Is the SDTC - Start-up Funding a grant, loan, or tax credit?
SDTC - Start-up Funding is a Grant and Funding