Canadian SMEs and start-up companies can receive up to 50% of the cost of the proof of concept project to a maximum of $350,000 over a maximum 2-year project period. The applicant will be required to contribute 50% of the cost over the project period.

The Program does not support basic research, but rather supports activities that demonstrate commercial potential via animal, field, demonstration, or human trials.

The Program is intended to demonstrate commercial feasibility of products and technologies.

Canadian incorporated SME or start-up company.

Applicant has a novel natural product or technology that aligns with NPC’s definitions of natural products or technologies (See examples of previously funded projects) and must also fit within the TRL 4-9 of the Government of Canada’s established Technology Readiness Levels.

• SMEs and start-up companies must have the potential to achieve $10MM to $15MM in annual revenue within a reasonable period for the market or sector.
• Potential for significant economic, social, health and/or environmental benefits.
• Technical feasibility of the project.
• Potential for commercialization in Canada.
• Member of Natural Products Canada.

The applicant must demonstrate a novel natural product or technology that aligns with NPC’s definitions of bio-based innovation:

Biologically-based: Products and solutions must leverage or enhance the use of naturally-occurring molecules (ie those derived from plants, trees, insects, animals, or organisms such as bacteria or microbes)

Please Note: NPC programs are not eligible for technologies and solutions based on IT (software, hardware, AI, etc.) mechanical solutions (drones, automation, etc.) or any other innovation that does not have a biological element as a key component of the solution.

NPC’s contribution is non-dilutive, non-repayable funding.

Successful applicants will receive a contract from NPC that includes the project scope, reporting requirements, and mutually agreed upon key deliverables to be achieved.

Canadian Government stacking rules apply. There is a limit on the combined level of financial assistance from all government sources (federal, provincial, territorial, municipal) not to exceed 75% of eligible costs by SMEs.

The funding is provided through reimbursement of eligible project costs upon approval of the quarterly reports. Quarterly reports include a written and financial claim, and must contain invoices and proof of payment.

Successful applicants are required to pay a non-refundable project administration fee of 5% of total project costs plus GST/HST. This fee is not considered as an eligible project cost.

An annual report will be required during the project and for each of the seven (7) years after the project ends.

Step 1. Eligibility Assessment:

Companies interested in this Program should contact us.

An NPC team member will follow up with the company to review the Minimum Eligibility Requirements, in addition to the scope of the potential project.

Companies that meet the eligibility assessment will be invited to submit an application.

Step 2. Application Submission and Evaluation:

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Eligible applications will be evaluated on the following criteria: the novelty of the natural product or technology; market opportunity; business model; competitors; strength of the management team; the project to be undertaken, the position to be filled; the qualifications of the candidate; the key milestones; and the impact of the key milestones.

Applications will be initially reviewed by the NPC team and feedback will be provided. Companies will have the opportunity to revise the application. If the application is approved by the NPC team, it will proceed to the Commercialization Sub-Committee for final review and funding decision. The Sub-Committee is comprised of NPC Board members and an external industry expert.

Step 3. Notification:

Applicants will be informed of the progress throughout the process outlined above and will be notified of the final funding decision.

In the event where an application is not approved for funding, the applicant will be provided feedback on the application. The applicant can request an appeal by providing, in writing, the basis for their objection(s) with the decision within 15 days from receiving the decision from NPC.

All applications will be treated as confidential information. The applications will only be seen by those directly involved in the evaluation of the applications.