CFIN invests $503k in 11 foodtech companies

Eleven Canadian foodtech companies are set to receive a total of $503,465 in funding through the Canadian Food Innovation Network’s (CFIN) Innovation Booster Program.

This funding will be matched by industry investments, resulting in over $1 million in total support for innovative projects in AI, sustainable packaging, health-focused ingredients, and more.

“The diversity and creativity of Canada’s foodtech sector are on full display across these 11 projects. From cutting-edge AI applications to innovative health-focused products, each project will help aim us toward a more sustainable, efficient, and nutritious food system. CFIN is proud to support such transformative work and looks forward to seeing the lasting impact these innovations will have,” said Dana McCauley, CEO of CFIN.

The Innovation Booster Program supports small and medium-sized enterprises in scaling up their product development and overcoming innovation barriers. This latest round of funding aims to advance solutions in food production, food safety, and sustainability.

Innovation Booster funding recipients

• CBS Bio Platforms, Alta., is scaling Bacillus subtilis protease production to improve the digestibility and bioavailability of plant proteins for sustainable plant-based protein in food and feed.
• Enhanced Medical Nutrition (EMN), Ont., aims to transform the operations of its healthcare-focused business through a custom digital platform. This platform will automate communication and feedback loops between patients and surgeons, authenticate surgeon recommendations, facilitate adherence tracking, and enhance the delivery of EMN’s Enroute, a surgical nutrition program.
• Freshline, B.C., is developing AI solutions to enhance order management for its clients. This new technology aims to streamline processes and reduce manual workload for foodservice operators throughout Canada and the U.S.
• Farmery Estate Brewery, Man., is using enzymes to extract proteins and fibres from spent barley and yeast used in the production of its alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. This project will help the company recover and upcycle these byproducts into new waste-saving revenue streams.
• Haskalife, Alta., is conducting an independent clinical trial to explore the cardiometabolic and cognitive benefits of its Pure Haskap Berry formulation in women over 35, a group at higher risk of hypertension and acuity impacts. Trial results are expected in 2025.
• Innodal, Que., seeks to extend the shelf life of red meat products by encapsulating antimicrobial peptides. Collaborating with academic experts, this project aims to improve the efficacy of antimicrobial agents while maintaining clean-label standards.
• Jitto, Ont., is advancing its Smart Ordering System with an AI-powered customer targeting tool designed to enhance market penetration for small and medium-sized businesses in agrifood. By utilizing machine learning to refine customer personas and create real-time cost visualizations, this project will improve decision-making and reduce food costs for communities impacted by inflation.
• Material Futures, Ont., will use the funding to scale its biotechnological innovation and advance commercialization activities.
• Nfinite Nanotech, Ont., is developing proprietary barrier coatings for paper packaging to replace single-use plastics. By adapting its technology for paper, this project aims to create recyclable, compostable packaging with high barrier properties.
• Relocalize, Que., is developing a platform to remotely monitor and optimize decentralized food production in micro-factories. Utilizing IIoT, edge computing, and machine learning, this project will advance automation in remote areas.
• Spoitz Enterprises, B.C., is investigating the fermentation of Canadian seaweed to enhance its functional food properties, such as antioxidant strength and gel structure. By optimizing low-cost processing, this project supports the development of seaweed-based products that simultaneously benefit marine habitats and marginalized coastal communities in Western Canada.

“Innovations in the Canadian foodtech sector will allow the industry to improve processes through new technologies that will ensure the sustainability of food production for Canadians. Through our partnership with CFIN, we can identify the most innovative ideas and technologies to fund projects that provide opportunities for businesses to scale up their operations and create jobs across the country,” said François-Philippe Champagne, innovation minister.