Protein Industries Canada seeks new tech-related project EOIs

Protein Industries Canada will start accepting Expressions of Interest (EOI) for new technology leadership projects on March 1, 2023. This is the first call for projects under the new tranche of $150 million funding provided through the Government of Canada’s Global Innovation Cluster program. EOIs under this call will be accepted until April 19, 2023.

“We are excited to once again be able to start accepting EOIs for new technology projects,” CEO of Protein Industries Canada Bill Greuel said. “Our new five-year runway presents us with the opportunity to co-invest into ambitious projects that will anchor Canada’s position as the partner of choice to secure global food supply chains. At the same time, the accomplishments of our partners will bring new economic value to Canada as we continue our journey to create a $25 billion industry by 2035.”

Protein Industries Canada will again be accepting EOIs from across the value chain with an increased emphasis on ingredient processing. The four areas of focus for technology projects are:

1. Genetics: Germplasm development with an aim to improve processing efficiency, quality, sensory characteristics and the development of novel ingredients.
2. Crops: Technologies to measure and improve on-farm sustainability and information flow along the value chain.
3. Ingredients: The development, scaling and optimization of plant-based ingredients.
4. Products: The conversion of Canadian-made ingredients and co-products into consumption-ready goods.

EOIs will be accepted by consortiums of at least three partners, one of which must be an SME. Projects must include the use of a high-protein dryland crop such as lentils, peas, chickpeas, canola, fava, oat, flax, lupin or soy. Approved projects may receive up to 45 per cent reimbursement of eligible costs.

“We learnt a lot over the past four years about what the sector needs and how Protein Industries Canada can best help our members find success. Those learnings, such as an increased focus on commercialization at all points of the value chain, an increased emphasis on greening the economy and economic reconciliation, are all reflected in our new program guide,” Greuel said. “We are excited to have the opportunity to continue to work with our partners—new and returning—to advance innovation in Canada’s plant-based food and ingredient sector.”

Interested partners are encouraged to visit the technology program page and fill out the form. All interested consortiums will have an initial meeting with a member of the project team before filling out an EOI. A second round of EOIs will be announced soon.