The Foodtech Canadian Tech Accelerator Program – Interviews with the Trade Commissioners (French and English)

Welcome to YODL! In addition to daily original content, YODL helps CFIN Members find new partners, resources, and funding opportunities to grow their food business. Learn more about this growing community and become a CFIN Member (for free!) today.

CFIN is partnering with Global Affairs Canada and Natural Products Canada to attract companies to participate in the Foodtech Canadian Tech Accelerator Program. This program provides a unique opportunity for CFIN members to secure investment, make new connections, and grow their food business.

CFIN interviewed the two Trade Commissioners involved with the program to learn more about what CFIN members can expect.

Carolyn Cooper speaks with Christina Connelly, Trade Commissioner with the Consulate General of Canada in Minneapolis, while Isabelle Marquis speaks with Elodie Masson Vidal, Trade Commissioner with the Consulate General of Canada in San Francisco. They discuss eligibility requirements and selection criteria for the program, support for participants, and next steps for interested companies.

Additional information about the program follows the videos.

Apply for the Foodtech Canadian Tech Accelerator Program

This program is geared towards high-growth Canadian foodtech companies that have demonstrated market traction. The Foodtech CTA Program will support selected companies in finding venture investors and provide access to additional customers and partners that are active in the California and Upper Midwest foodtech ecosystems.

Program participants will receive a wide range of support, including: sales, mentorship, customer acquisition, and pilot demonstrations.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Raising a Seed or Series A round within next 12 months
• Demonstrated market traction
• Sufficient resources to participate in the entire program, including in-person commitments such as attending the Future Food-Tech event in San Francisco (see information below)

Companies that are developing new technologies or processes in the following areas are encouraged to apply:

• Alternative proteins
• Food safety and traceability
• Cellular agriculture
• Food processing innovations
• Functional foods and ingredients

• Upcycling

Applications are currently open and close on October 25, 2023. Selected participants will begin the three-month program in January 2024.

Attend Future Food-Tech 2024 in San Francisco

Foodtech CTA participants will also have the opportunity to join the Canada booth at Future Food-Tech, taking place from March 21 to 22, 2024 in San Francisco, CA.

More than 1,700 global leaders from across the food industry attend this annual two-day event, featuring startup pitches, product tastings, panels, industry insights, live cooking demos, and plenty of networking opportunities.

CFIN will cover the cost of the event ticket and exhibitor space for each CTA program participant.

Next Steps

• If you’re interested in applying for the Foodtech Canadian Tech Accelerator Program, click here.
• If you have questions, reach out to your Regional Innovation Director.