Sustainable Development Technology Canada
Canadian government-funded foundation providing grants to cleantech companies developing innovative technologies for climate change, clean air, clean water, and clean soil.
Overview
Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) is a federal government-funded foundation that provides funding to develop and demonstrate new environmental technologies that address climate change, clean air, clean water, and clean soil. Operating since 2002, SDTC has invested over $1.3 billion in more than 500 projects across Canadian cleantech companies. SDTC funding bridges the "valley of death" between research and commercialisation, supporting Canadian cleantech innovators from pre-commercial demonstration through to scale-up and market readiness. Grants are provided for projects that demonstrate clear environmental and economic benefits.
What You Can Find Here
- SD Tech Fund grants for cleantech projects addressing climate change, air, water, or soil
- Funding for pre-commercial demonstration projects that prove technology viability
- Sector-specific opportunities in energy, agriculture, waste, and industrial processes
- Funding for projects advancing circular economy, emissions reduction, and clean resource extraction
- Knowledge and network resources for Canadian cleantech ecosystem participants
Who Should Use This
- Canadian cleantech companies (small to mid-size) with near-commercial environmental technologies
- Clean energy, agriculture, water, and waste technology companies seeking pre-commercial demonstration funding
- Startups that have moved past R&D and need funding to demonstrate technology at meaningful scale
- Companies in industrial decarbonization, sustainable agriculture, and water treatment
How to Get Started
- Step 1: Visit sdtc.ca to read about the SD Tech Fund eligibility criteria and application process
- Step 2: Determine whether your technology qualifies for one of SDTC's four focal areas (climate change, clean air, clean water, clean soil)
- Step 3: Check if there is a currently open funding call on the SDTC website
- Step 4: Prepare a Letter of Intent (LoI) outlining your technology, team, and project plan
- Step 5: Shortlisted applicants are invited to submit a full proposal for SDTC expert review
Things to Check Before Applying
- SDTC requires the applicant to be a Canadian company and the project to be conducted primarily in Canada
- SDTC provides non-repayable grants but requires significant industry co-funding (typically 50-70% of project budget)
- Technologies must be pre-commercial - projects that are purely R&D or fully commercial do not qualify
- SDTC has specific environmental impact and economic benefit evaluation criteria - quantify these in your application
- Note: SDTC's funding operations were paused pending governance review in 2024 - check the website for current status
Frequently Asked Questions
What technologies does SDTC fund?
SDTC funds pre-commercial technologies addressing: climate change (emissions reduction, carbon capture, clean energy), clean air (air quality improvement, transportation), clean water (water treatment, conservation), and clean soil (contamination, sustainable agriculture).
How much can a company receive from SDTC?
SDTC grants have ranged from a few hundred thousand to tens of millions of dollars. Typical grants are in the $1-5 million range, requiring at least equal industry co-funding.
Is SDTC funding repayable?
No. SDTC provides non-repayable contributions. Companies do not repay the grant but must meet project deliverables and reporting requirements.
What is the status of SDTC?
SDTC faced governance challenges and its funding was paused in 2024 pending a review. Check sdtc.ca for the most current information on operational status.
Can universities or nonprofits apply to SDTC?
SDTC primarily funds companies. Universities and research organisations can participate as project collaborators but must be part of a company-led application.
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