Foodtech Next is a unique funding opportunity for early-stage Canadian technology firms who seek to be part of — or sell to — the wider food industry. The program allows companies to demonstrate and pilot their innovation in operational environments to prove their solutions and validate the return on investment for the food sector. The overarching goal of Foodtech Next is to accelerate the commercialization of Canadian innovation by generating first demonstration opportunities.

Eligibility requirements

To qualify for funding, all project proposals for any call must be:

  • Submitted by Canadian incorporated businesses with less than $1M in annual sales in their most recently completed fiscal year.
  • Seeking to demonstrate innovations between a technology readiness level of 3 to 7, with ideal projects ending in system prototype demonstration in an operational environment (TRL of 7).
  • Focused on a post-farm gate solution (CFIN will not cover agricultural production activities).

Eligible activities

All projects must have alignment under at least one CFIN innovation priority. The three CFIN innovation priorities for projects are:

  • Smart Product and Process Development
  • Food Ecosystem Sustainability
  • Agile and Safe Supply Chains

SMART PRODUCT AND PROCESS DEVELOPMENT

Smart Product and Process Development innovation includes development and innovation in the areas of:

  • 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 Ecosystem Sustainability innovation includes development and innovation across these areas:

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

AGILE AND SAFE SUPPLY CHAINS

Agile and Safe Supply Chain innovation includes development and innovation across these areas:

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

Funding

Funding will be provided on a reimbursement basis and CFIN will require a non-refundable project management fee of 5% of total project costs eligible for CFIN funding.

The total eligible project costs must be between $200,000 and $500,000, and the maximum level of matching funding from CFIN will be 50% of total eligible project costs, or $250,000.

Timeline

  • Intake Opens for Expression of Interest: February 24, 2025
  • Expression of Interest Deadline: April 7, 2025
  • Full Application Deadline: May 26, 2025