Deadline: August 30, 2025
The Canadian Food Innovation Network Innovation Scouting Fund 2025 is now open for applications. This initiative is designed to bridge the gap between innovative foodtech solutions and the Canadian food industry by supporting projects that address real-world challenges. If you’re an SME or researcher looking to pilot cutting-edge food technology in collaboration with top industry players, this is an opportunity you cannot afford to miss.
What is the Canadian Food Innovation Network Innovation Scouting Fund 2025?
The Canadian Food Innovation Network Innovation Scouting Fund 2025 provides funding to help innovators pilot their technologies in partnership with food manufacturers, distributors, foodservice operators, and grocery retailers across Canada. The fund focuses on solving pressing challenges in the food sector by validating new solutions in real-world environments.
This programme supports projects that are ready to progress beyond the lab and into practical applications, enabling participants to gain industry feedback, demonstrate value, and accelerate adoption.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for the Innovation Scouting Fund 2025, applicants must:
- Be a Canadian small or medium enterprise (SME) incorporated for at least one year; OR
- Be an academic researcher affiliated with a Canadian institution;
- Propose a technology that aligns with the call’s priority areas;
- Have a solution that has reached Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3 or higher, meaning it has been tested in a relevant environment beyond basic concept validation.
Funding Details
- Eligible Project Costs: $20,000 – $105,000
- Funding Contribution: Up to 60% of eligible costs, with awards ranging between $12,000 and $75,000.
This financial support ensures that innovators can take their solutions to the next level while sharing the costs with industry partners.
How the Programme Works
- Industry-Led Calls: The fund issues specific calls identifying challenges from food manufacturers, retailers, and other adopters.
- Submit Your Proposal: Respond with a tailored solution that addresses the outlined challenge.
- Collaborate & Pilot: Successful applicants will have the opportunity to pilot their solutions with an industry adopter, gaining invaluable real-world insights.
This structure guarantees that selected projects have direct industry relevance and pathways to potential commercialisation.
Why Apply?
- Direct Industry Access: Work with established players in Canada’s food landscape.
- Funding Support: Access financial backing to validate and refine your innovation.
- Accelerated Market Entry: Pilot projects in real-world settings to prove value to potential partners and investors.
Key Dates & Deadline
- Application Deadline: 30 August 2025
Don’t delay—applications close soon, and preparation time is critical.
Next Steps for Applicants
- Verify your eligibility (SME ≥1 year or academic researcher; TRL ≥3).
- Align your proposal with the specific call’s priority areas.
- Prepare your budget to reflect eligible costs and potential funding.
- Submit your application via the official portal before the deadline.
Ready to Apply?
For expert assistance with proposal drafting, refining, and review, contact grantsdatabase.org today.
