Canadian businesses operating in the plant-based protein industry may be eligible for funding via a variety of new programs administered by Protein Industries Canada (PIC).
Protein Industries Canada is a non-profit organization positioned as a global plant protein supplier. In collaboration with private sector partners, Protein Industries Canada Cluster develops co-investment projects to transform agriculture and food production, leading to our global leadership in plant-based foods.
The goal of the Global Innovation Clusters is to challenge Canadian businesses to collaborate with other businesses, and post-secondary and research institutions to create projects that have the potential to transform the food processing sector in Canada, creating jobs and stimulating local economies.
Protein Industry Canada website
According to a report by Natural Research Council of Canada, in 25 years plant-based and clean meat will constitute 20% of total meat consumption. $35 billion in revenue is expected to be generated by plant-based dairy in 2024.These new programs will go a long way in helping plant-based protein businesses improve their products and operations, strengthening Canada’s share of this growing global market.
Plant-Based Protein Artificial Intelligence (AI) Project Funding
To grow Canada’s plant-based food, feed, and ingredients ecosystem, the Plant-Based Protein AI Project Funding seeks to develop new tools and technologies that utilize AI.
Eligible Applicants
For the to be considered for funding, it must have at least two members of Protein Industries Canada (PIC) contributing to it. At least one of them must be a small or medium business (SME) with fewer than 500 employees and a gross revenue less than $50 million per year.
Eligible Activities
Eligible projects applying for plant-based protein AI funding must support the three pillars of the program:
- Project – Help individual companies incorporate AI;
- System – Support overall sector global competitiveness; and
- Community – Ensure the benefits of AI application in the plant-based food space create societal benefits.
Deadline to Apply
Applicants must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). The two-stage application process then requires a full application if applicants are called forward.
Plant-Based Protein Innovation Capacity Building Funding
To transform the industry and realize Canada’s potential in the agri-food sector, the Plant-Based Protein Innovation Capacity Building Fund assists Canadian companies and organizations that are developing innovative projects based on plant-based proteins.
Funding Amount
Up to 50% of eligible project costs may be funded through this program.
Eligible Applicants
There must be at least two Protein Industries Canada (PIC) members contributing to the project. At least one of them must be a small to medium sized business (SME) with fewer than 500 employees and less than $50 million in gross revenues annually.
Eligible Activities
Projects must support growth, help build capacity in the sector, and strengthen the ecosystem for plant-based proteins with focus on one or more key priority areas.
Deadline to Apply
Applicants are required to complete a two-stage application process including an Expression of Interest (EOI) and a full application if they are called forward.
Plant-Based Protein Innovation Technology Funding
The Plant-Based Protein Innovation Technology Funding program was created to support Canadian businesses in the plant-based protein industry in their efforts to improve their technological systems, data, artificial intelligence, and more to enhance the efficiency of their business operations.
Funding Amount
Applicants can access up to 50% of the total project costs.
Eligible Applicants
Projects must include at least two Canadian Protein Industries Canada (PIC) members and at least one of the members must be a small or medium sized enterprise (SME) with fewer than 500 employees and less than $50 million in annual gross revenues.
Eligible Activities
Plant-based protein products can get funding if the project activities contribute to the development of technologies related to creating, growing, manufacturing, and selling of plant-based protein products.
Deadline to Apply
The application process will be a two-stage process that begins with an Expression of Interest (EOI) and a full application if called forward.Learn More About Government Funding for Agriculture and Food Businesses.
Learn More About Government Funding for Agriculture and Food Businesses
Please visit our government funding FAQ page to find answers to the most common questions businesses have regarding government funding.
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