The Canadian Cellular Agriculture Student Activation Fund

Basic Information

Eligibility

• High school or post-secondary student(s) at a Canadian institution
• Projects must be a student-run initiative that activates the student community building in cellular agriculture, for example:
  • Founding a student group (such as a student club or iGEM team)
  • Hosting an event (such as a local cell ag conference or hack-a-thon)
• Projects must focus on cellular agriculture
• This award is not intended to fund a research project, unless it is part of a community-building activity as described above
• Any outputs of the funded work must be made openly accessible (as defined by the Open Definition, Open Source Definition, or Open Hardware Definition, as applicable)

Award

Applicants can request up to $2,500 to be used for project-related materials and services.

Timeline

Applications will be accepted and awarded on a rolling basis until December 1, 2025, or until all funding has been allocated. We anticipate supporting 10 projects in 2025. 

The timeline for individual projects can vary, but should start before the end of 2025 and generally should not exceed 1 year. Clear goals and expected outcomes should be measurable within 1 year of the project’s inception.

Expectations and Support

Awardees are expected to communicate with New Harvest about project progress, including outcomes at the project end or after 1 year. 

Awardees are also encouraged to be an active member of existing student networking events and platforms.

The New Harvest staff will be available to support awardees as needed, including providing connections to the cellular agriculture ecosystem, context on the field, and advice on project progress.

Application Process

Applications will be received on a rolling basis until December 1st, 2025, or until all funding has been allocated. 

1. Applications will begin with a brief description of their project idea and team, to be submitted through this form.
2. After an initial review, eligible applicants will be invited to a short call with a New Harvest staff member to discuss the project in more detail.
3. Applicants may be asked to submit additional information before a final decision is made.
4. Applicants will be notified with a decision within 6 weeks of submission.

Decision Criteria

We will evaluate each proposal according to the following criteria:

• Community activation. The project will grow the student cellular agriculture ecosystem in the institution or community.
• Catalytic impact.  The project has the potential for catalytic impacts beyond the initial activities and timeline.
• Leadership capacity. The applicant(s) demonstrate capacity to lead successful projects of this nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the project have a scope larger than just cellular agriculture (e.g., alternative proteins or climate-smart foods)?

Initiatives with a broader scope may be okay so long as the primary focus of the proposed project and use of funds is on cellular agriculture. If you have questions about your specific project idea, feel free to reach out to discuss.

Are research projects eligible for this funding opportunity?

This fund is intended for activities that will build and activate a cellular agriculture community in your institution or community. Individual research projects, without an element of community building, do not qualify for funding. Projects like forming an iGEM team or hosting a hack-a-thon, where research activities are performed as part of a collaborative team and community, do qualify for funding. 

Any outputs of the funded work must be made openly accessible (as defined by the Open Definition, Open Source Definition, or Open Hardware Definition, as applicable).

Can we apply as a team?

Yes! We encourage applications from individuals or student teams.

If you have any other questions, please contact Bre Duffy at breanna@new-harvest.org.

About the Consecon Foundation

The award is supported by a generous donation from the Consecon Foundation.  The Consecon Foundation works with innovative and forward-thinking Canadian charities to solve major climate and biodiversity challenges.