Canadian Food Innovation Network invests in seven Ontario foodtech companies

The Canadian Food Innovation Network (CFIN) is awarding $645,285 to seven southern Ontario-based startups through the Ontario Food Technology Pilot program.

Funded in part by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), the program aims to help emerging technology in the food supply chain. Industry partners will match the federal investment, bringing total project value to nearly $1.3 million.

The recipients are Jitto, Biofect Innovations, Gastronomous Technologies Truely Foods, Otolabs, Sustainable Biosecurity Solutions and Mindlab.

Jitto receives $100,000 to develop an AI-powered system that can automatically read, clean, and structure supplier price lists.

Biofect Innovations receives $99,999 to develop Brazzein, a natural, high-intensity sweet protein into a commercial product.

Gastronomous Technologies receives $97,658 to pilot ChronoGrill Lite, a modular version of its automated cooking system engineered for small and mid-sized restaurant

TRUELY Foods receives $99,959 for a dedicated manufacturing line for high-protein dairy cereals.

Otolabs receives $95,250 for piloting QuickByte, a compact, fully automated foodservice kiosk that prepares hot meals in under two minutes.

Sustainable Biosecurity receives $91,319 for testing of a heat-free ozone knife sanitization system for meat and food processors.

“Southern Ontario has rapidly evolved into a hub for Canadian food innovators. It’s home to an impressive diversity of foodtech companies bringing serious solutions to the table. The Ontario Food Technology Pilot gives these entrepreneurs a way to prove their technology works in commercial settings, build partnerships, and move one step closer to market. It’s also helping accelerate tech adoption in Ontario’s largest manufacturing subsector, strengthening regional competitiveness and setting the stage for long-term economic growth,” said Dana McCauley, CEO, CFIN.