The plant-based food industry is growing rapidly, driven by increased consumer demand for healthier, sustainable food options. By 2035, the global plant-based food market is expected to exceed $250 billion, offering Canada a unique opportunity to become a global leader in this sector. Through the Capacity Building Program, Protein Industries Canada (PIC) is removing barriers and fostering innovation to support the growth of Canada’s plant-based food and ingredients industry. By 2028, PIC aims to facilitate over $2 billion in investments, supporting the creation of nearly 1,500 new products and services while advancing Canada’s role as a sustainable food powerhouse.
Amount of Funding Available
The Capacity Building Program does not have a set maximum for project funding. Instead, Protein Industries Canada will reimburse eligible project costs at a percentage determined by each project’s specific needs, up to a maximum of 75%. Projects can span multiple years, with budgets broken down annually.
Eligibility
Eligible Applicants:
- At least one consortium member must be a Protein Industries Canada member, though consortia of two or more members are encouraged.
- Inclusion of academic or research institution(s) in the consortium is highly encouraged.
- Canadian organizations must be part of the consortium. Non-Canadian entities may participate with approval from PIC.
- Consortium members must contribute meaningfully, through financial commitments or expertise.
Project Requirements:
- Projects must be incremental to the regular operations of the organizations involved. It should not have been previously approved or in progress, and the funding commitments must be separate from typical investments.
- The project should be impossible to achieve without the collaboration of consortium partners, meaning it should be new or would only happen on a smaller scale without the cluster’s co-investment.
- Participating organizations must demonstrate experience and project management capabilities managing complex, multi-party collaborative projects effectively.
- All ultimate recipients of the funding must comply with any applicable economic or financial sanctions, as well as trade embargoes enforced by the Canadian government.
- Projects must not fall under any federal environmental or impact assessment legislation that designates them as requiring further review or special compliance.
- Projects must align with Protein Industries Canada’s objectives, focusing on innovation and ecosystem transformation in the plant-based sector.
The program focuses on several strategic priority areas:
- Market and Ecosystem Insights: Identifying market opportunities and fostering innovation.
- Innovation Infrastructure: Investing in research and product-scaling infrastructure.
- Access to Talent, Labour, and Skills: Addressing workforce gaps and fostering sector growth.
- Supportive Regulatory Framework: Modernizing regulations to support innovation.
- Inclusive Sector: Creating opportunities for Indigenous groups and under-represented populations.
- Access to Capital: Ensuring companies can access necessary investments.
- Sustainability: Advancing sustainability claims across the value chain.
- Global Presence: Positioning Canada as a global leader in the plant-based food industry.
Application Deadline
The application process begins with connecting with PIC via email to set up an introductory call, then the submission of an Expression of Interest (EOI), followed by a full proposal if an invitation is received. EOIs under the priority “Access to Talent, Labour and Skills” should be submitted by November 19, 2024. Applicants are encouraged to engage early with Protein Industries Canada for guidance on project eligibility and proposal development.
Resources:
Capacity Building | Protein Industries Canada
CB-Program-Guide_06202024.pdf (proteinindustriescanada.ca)
