OTTAWA – Natural Resources Canada has announced a call for proposals for funding of the next wave of innovative, first-in-kind technologies aimed at forest industry transformation and the bioeconomy. Expressions of interest are required by Oct. 12.
Established in 2010, the Investments in Forest Industry Transformation (IFIT) program was renewed in June 2017, with an additional $55 million provided over three years under Canada’s Softwood Lumber Action Plan.
The purpose of the IFIT program is to support Canada’s forest sector in becoming more economically competitive and environmentally sustainable through:
- new or increased production of bioenergy, biomaterials, biochemicals and next-generation building products by the forest sector;
- increased deployment and encouraging broader adoption of first-in-kind innovative technologies, particularly Canadian, across the industry; and
- the creation of innovative partnerships with non-traditional forest sector partners as a way to develop new business models for the sector.
IFIT provides non-repayable contributions of up to 50 per cent of a project’s costs. Applicants are required to submit an expression of interest by October 12, 2017, followed by a full proposal by November 28, 2017.