SD Tech Fund – Sustainable Development Technology Canada

Amount of Funding

The SD Tech Fund, administered by Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC), provides significant non-repayable funding to support the development, demonstration, and commercialization of innovative clean technologies.

Eligible projects may receive up to 40% of total project costs, with funding contributions typically ranging from $2 million to $4 million per project. On average, SDTC funds approximately 33% of eligible project costs, with an average contribution of approximately $3 million.

Funding is provided over the course of the project and is generally distributed within a period of five years or less.

The SD Tech Fund is designed to help Canadian companies bridge the gap between technology development and commercial deployment by reducing the financial risks associated with scaling innovative cleantech solutions.

Funding levels are assessed based on:

• Total project budget

• Technology maturity and readiness

• Commercialization potential

• Environmental impact

• Market opportunity

• Consortium participation and project partnerships

• Expected economic benefits to Canada

Applicants are expected to secure matching funding from private-sector investors, project partners, customers, or other sources.

Eligible Applicants

The SD Tech Fund supports Canadian companies developing innovative technologies that address environmental challenges while creating economic benefits.

To be eligible, applicants must generally:

• Be a Canadian-incorporated company

• Have a clearly defined clean technology project

• Demonstrate a strong customer or end-user value proposition

• Show evidence of market demand for the proposed solution

• Deliver measurable environmental and economic benefits for Canadians

Successful applicants typically possess:

• A validated technology with strong commercial potential

• An experienced management team

• A credible commercialization strategy

• The ability to attract industry partners or consortium participants

• Access to complementary funding sources

Projects are often supported by collaborations involving:

• Customers and end users

• Industry partners

• Investors

• Research institutions

• Demonstration partners

• Supply chain stakeholders

The program is particularly suited to companies that have moved beyond early-stage research and are preparing to validate, demonstrate, or scale their technology in real-world operating environments.

Eligible Activities

The SD Tech Fund supports projects that advance clean technologies toward commercialization and accelerate the adoption of innovative environmental solutions.

Eligible projects typically focus on:

• Technology demonstration

• Pilot-scale deployment

• Commercial validation

• Product scale-up

• Process optimization

• Market readiness activities

• First commercial implementation

Supported technologies may address environmental challenges related to:

• Greenhouse gas emissions reduction

• Clean energy production and storage

• Industrial decarbonization

• Sustainable agriculture

• Waste reduction and circular economy solutions

• Water treatment and conservation

• Clean transportation

• Resource efficiency

• Carbon capture and utilization

Eligible project costs may include:

• Labour and personnel expenses

• Equipment and capital expenditures

• Materials and supplies

• Professional and technical services

• Prototype development

• Testing and validation activities

• Depreciation expenses related to project assets

The primary objective of SDTC funding is to help companies demonstrate both the technical performance and commercial viability of their technology, enabling them to secure their first paying customers and attract additional private investment.

Projects should clearly demonstrate how the technology solves a significant environmental challenge while generating measurable economic value.

Program Deadline

Speak with a member of our team to find the latest intake period info for this program.