Foodtech
Opportunity

Canadian Foodtech: the Key that will Unlock Growth

Canada’s food system is a cornerstone of the national economy, contributing nearly $150 billion to GDP and employing more than 2.3 million people. Within it, agrifoodtech has emerged as a strategic industrial advantage, critical to strengthening Canada’s competitiveness and long-term resilience. Since 2014, the ecosystem has expanded to include over 320 companies, 16 accelerators and incubators, and has attracted more than $2.9 billion USD in investment. Today, Canada ranks 10th globally for the number of active agrifoodtech companies.

But there’s still room to grow. Canada is strong at launching startups, but we struggle when it comes to scaling them, and foodtech is no exception. Compared to countries like the U.S. ($86.6B) and the U.K. ($8.8B), Canada’s foodtech investment, at $1.6B, is still playing catch-up. Closing this gap through increased private investment is the key to unlocking the sector’s full potential and fueling future innovation.

Distinguishing Agtech vs Foodtech

Impact of Foodtech

Since 2021, CFIN has been learning how Canada can use foodtech as a key to unlock growth in SME’s and large food firms alike.  Across all programs, CFIN has awarded more than $19,809,523 (matched by $22,162,363 in industry investment) to 102 Canadian foodtech projects focused on de-risking innovation, accelerating large-scale R&D, commercialization, and technology adoption that will make the food sector more competitive. CFIN-funded companies have generated $90 million in economic impact and created over 355 jobs and co-op placements. Our funding recipients have attracted more than $82 million in follow-on investment.  

Top 10 Foodtech Domains in Canada

CFIN is not just Canada’s foremost authority on foodtech, but we are also experts in helping foodtech companies to establish proof of concept and find their first customers. Our original reports, like the Foodtech in Canada Ecosystem Report, share new data and help define foodtech for Canadians.  We’ve discovered that Canadian innovators are active in 10 unique domains and that Canada has global momentum in specific domains like plant-based foods, biotech and functional foods and drinks, and in upcycled ingredients.  Our depth of knowledge and breadth of experience informs the support systems we propose in our Food 4.0 Action Plan that will help foodtech to flourish in Canada and spread around the globe.

Nurturing Foodtech

  • Foodtech Next

    Foodtech Next is not just a unique funding opportunity for high-potential Canadian science and technology-driven firms seeking to transform great ideas into products with proven value propositions. Each Foodtech Next funding cycle culminates in a unique showcase where media and Canada’s food and investment community are introduced to the innovations that will bring transformative improvement to food businesses in the future. 

    Since 2022, 19 firms have received over $4M in total funding to support their late-stage, in-market pilot projects through Foodtech Next. Upon completion of their projects, the innovators we’ve supported up to 2025 have gone on to raise more than $13M in new investments and most are now realizing commercial sales.

    As part of CFIN’s Food Action Plan, Foodtech Next will be expanded. The program’s focus will continue to be accelerating the growth of exceptional Canadian foodtech firms by generating first demonstration opportunities and providing critical support to these firms as they move beyond their first customers; providing mentorship and support for commercialization, market launch, and global expansion.

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  • Foodtech Frontier 25

    Foodtech Frontier 25 is a first-of-its-kind celebration recognizing Canada's most ambitious and impactful foodtech innovators. These innovators are critical to maintaining Canada’s industrial and skills capacity, ensuring the sector can adapt and thrive under global pressures. From coast-to-coast-to-coast, the initiative spotlights 25 visionary, globally relevant companies that are tackling critical industry challenges with transformative solutions.

    Launched in 2025, Foodtech Frontier selected companies benefit from enhanced investment attraction, strategic partnership opportunities, and elevated visibility nationally and globally. CFIN predicts this annual list will become a much-anticipated publication for the investment community, multinational food companies and media alike.

    We are looking for partners who want to celebrate foodtech and help cutting edge companies grow, scale and go global so please reach out if you want to get involved in the autumn 2025 events taking place across the country or in the 2026 program.

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