Bioenterprise will be accepting applications on a rolling basis for its FoodShift program; a $1.5 million green initiative designed to help Ontario food and beverage processors integrate new clean technologies.
Guelph, Ontario Supported by the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, Bioenterprise Canada is relaunching open intake for its FoodShift program. This initiative will connect clean technology providers with food and beverage processors ready to lead clean technology adoption projects.
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 the competitiveness of Ontario’s food and beverage processing industry and clean technology sector; and
- Create and maintain jobs.
Non-repayable, project-based, matching funding of up to $50,000 is available for organizations operating in Ontario’s food and beverage processing sector. Funding can cover the cost of consulting, acquisition, and commissioning of new clean technologies as well as regulatory compliance and new and existing internal labour.
Eligible applicants must be located in Ontario, operating in the food and beverage processing sector, and generating a minimum of $1 million in annual revenues. Eligible clean technology providers must have a technology at or beyond Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 8 and must help the food and beverage processor meet the objectives of their project and the FoodShift program. For a comprehensive list of eligibility criteria, please visit the program webpage or download the program guide.
“Supporting our food and agricultural entrepreneurs is essential in ensuring a strong local economy in Guelph and across southern Ontario. The FoodShift program through Bioenterprise will be instrumental in providing the tools and resources that businesses need to adopt clean technologies that will help modernize their processes while creating good jobs and boosting our economy,” said Lloyd Longfield, Member of Parliament for Guelph.
“This program has already demonstrated some remarkable collaboration from our food processing sector and the innovative technologies contributing to Canada’s net zero goals,” says Dave Smardon, CEO of Bioenterprise Canada. “We will continue to work with the Government of Canada through FedDev Ontario to support economic growth and a world-leading sustainable food and beverage processing industry.”
FoodShift program recipients will be awarded a one-year complimentary membership to Canada’s Food & Agri-Tech Engine, Bioenterprise’s membership program which provides members with commercialization support services and access to Bioenterprise’s global network.
Food and beverage processors and clean technology providers looking for potential project collaborators should fill out an Expression of Interest Form (EOI) on our webpage. Bioenterprise will assist in matchmaking organizations to create an eligible project. Please note, Bioenterprise cannot guarantee a successful match.
Rolling intake for applications opens today and will be reviewed on a rolling basis succeeding the following cut-off dates:
- Tuesday, November 22, 2022
- Tuesday, January 31, 2023
- Tuesday, February 28, 2023
The next cut-off date for an application to be considered for review is Tuesday, November 22nd, 2022, at 11:59 pm EST. Visit our webpage for program details, a Program Guide, and information on how to apply.
Source : BioEnterprise.Ca