What's On at CFIN: Explore Our Active Programs for Food Innovators

Open Forum
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The Canadian Food Innovation Network is powering up Canada's foodtech ecosystem with three active programs that support innovation, commercialization, and real-world collaboration. Whether you're a startup, a growing SME, or an academic innovator, there's a CFIN program designed to help you scale your idea, validate your technology, or accelerate your go-to-market strategy.

Here's what's open right now:

Innovation Booster

The Innovation Booster is designed for Canadian SMEs facing technical or innovation roadblocks. This program offers fast, flexible funding to help you overcome challenges standing between your idea and the marketplace.

  • Who can apply: Canadian-incorporated SMEs (<$50M in revenue)

  • Project type: Demonstrations, R&D, and de-risking innovations (TRL 1–7)

  • Project size: $20,000–$200,000 (CFIN covers up to 50%)

  • Timeline: Projects must be completed within 12 months

  • CFIN funding: Up to $100,000

  • Deadline to apply: August 12, 2025

  • Learn more and apply

Innovation Scouting Fund

Got a solution for a real-world challenge in food manufacturing, retail, or foodservice? The Innovation Scouting Fund connects foodtech innovators with leading Canadian companies to co-develop and test promising solutions.

  • Who can apply: Canadian SMEs (min. one year incorporated) and academic researchers proposing a technology or solution that aligns with the call priorities

  • TRL: Must be at least TRL 3

  • Project size: $20,000–$105,000 (CFIN covers up to 60%, between $12,000 and $75,000)

  • Funding available: Up to $75,000

  • Deadline to apply: August 30, 2025

  • Explore the challenge and apply

Unpuzzling: Foodtech Ontario

Unpuzzling: Foodtech Ontario is a first-of-its-kind program tailored to early-stage startups in Southern Ontario. This collaborative cohort experience offers expert-led sessions, 1:1 mentorship, and deep connection to Canada's food innovation community.

  • Who can apply: Early-stage foodtech companies in Southern Ontario

  • Cost: $750 per company (includes access for two team members)

  • Format: Virtual (weekly 90-minute sessions over 12 weeks)

  • Cohort size: Up to 12 companies

  • Key benefits: Mentorship, investor connections, pilot partner matchmaking, and peer learning

  • Deadline to apply: August 5, 2025

  • Get all the details and apply

Learn more about CFIN's programs here!