Applications open for Bioenterprise’s clean-tech focused FoodShift Program

Bioenterprise Canada is launching an open call for applications for its FoodShift Program that will target the implementation of clean technologies into food and beverage processing organizations. This program is funded by the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).

The primary objectives of the FoodShift program are to:

• de-risk the adoption and integration of clean, or net-zero, technologies in Ontario;
• support the transition to a green economy and reduce the sector’s carbon footprint;
• enhance competitiveness of the food and beverage processing and clean technology sectors; and
• create and maintain jobs.

The FoodShift Program offers eligible organizations, headquartered in Ontario, with up to $50,000 in non-repayable, project-based, matching funding as well as coaching and mentorship support services.

Projects must be led by Ontario-based food and beverage processors and conducted in collaboration with an eligible clean technology provider. This funding could be used to cover advisory, acquisition, and commissioning costs related to the new clean technology as well as to support regulatory compliance and job creation. Adopted technologies must help food and beverage processors embrace automation in their facilities, reduce waste and energy consumption, significantly reduce their carbon footprint, and transition toward a net-zero future.

Eligible food and beverage processors must be generating a minimum of $1 million in annual revenues and must meet thresholds on technological adoption impact, potential environmental benefits for the sector, and economic benefits for the province. A full list of program objectives and eligibility criteria can be found in the FoodShift program guide available at Bioenterprise.ca.

“Canadian food and agricultural technologies are leading the world in several areas, including innovation and product quality, and we would like to continue that trend with sustainability,” says Dave Smardon, CEO of Bioenterprise Canada. “Working with the Government of Canada through FedDev Ontario, we will support economic growth while also moving our food processing sector towards Canada’s net-zero goals, a win-win for Ontario businesses and global sustainability.”

Each participant in the FoodShift Program will receive customized business support services, full access to Bioenterprise’s network of services and mentors, and targeted support for underrepresented groups including youth, women, and Indigenous peoples. Successful recipients of the FoodShift Program will also be awarded a one-year complimentary membership to Canada’s Food & Agri-Tech Engine, Bioenterprise’s membership program.

Visit the webpage for program details, a program guide, and information on how to apply. Questions can be directed to submissions@bioenterprise.ca.

Food and beverage processors and clean technology providers interested in participating in the program but who do not yet have a collaborator can fill out an Expression of Interest (EOI) form and Bioenterprise will assist in matchmaking organizations to create an eligible project.

Interested in learning more? Sign up for a virtual information session taking place on August 10, 2022, at 10 am.