SUPPORT FOR INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT

Canada’s FoodTech Next Program advertises 45% funding to a maximum of $225,000 to support prototype development, piloting and first demonstration of Canadian-made technologies/innovations  in an operational environment (i.e. Technology Readiness Level – TRL 7). Eligible projects must lead to technology/innovation viability, including the potential return-on-investment to the food-sector. Projects must address one of the program’s three priority areas:

Smart Product and Process Development

• health, nutrition & wellness benefits.
• new robotics applications to increase productivity, food safety and worker safety.
• AI, sensors, machine learning and big data to improve efficiencies; and,
• emerging science such as cultured protein.

Food Ecosystem Sustainability

• food waste reduction.
• higher value recovery.
• circularity and upcycling.
• green and smart packaging.
• more efficient use of inputs including energy, water and carbon.

Agile and Safe Supply Chains

• logistics and supply chain.
• consumer and customer analytics.
• food safety or security.
• IoT and digital application to food chains.
• blockchain and traceability.

Projects should be seeking to demonstrate technologies/innovations currently at a TRL of 3 to 7 and lead by a Canadian Incorporated business with revenues not exceeding $1M in annual revenues in their last files fiscal. Additionally, submission require one or more partner providing financial and/or in-kind support towards achieving project outcomes.

The program will support costs incurred by the lead applicant as well as project partners including equipment purchases, sub-contractor and consultant fees, property acquisitions and retrofits as well as project-related labour and material expenses. Only cost incurred no earlier than October 1, 2023, are eligible.

Applicants must propose to demonstrate new industry processes, new product categories, new knowledge, or a new application of science leading to a post-farm gate solution, i.e., not focused on agricultural activities. Food product development initiatives, such as the development or iteration of a new brand or product formulation in an existing category (example, a new protein bar) are not eligible under the program.

Expression of Interest (EOI) must be submitted by 11.59 a.m. EST Wednesday. September 6, 2023. Successful EOIs will be requested to submit a full application by 11:59 a.m. EST Monday, November 13, 2023.