Cleantech Export Venture Program: How to Apply

Expanding into international markets is a big step for Canadian cleantech companies. The Cleantech Export Venture Program helps you get ready for this move by offering expert support to build a clear export strategy. If your technology is ready for the market and you want to grow beyond Canada, this program can help you choose the right markets and plan your next actions.

What Is the Cleantech Export Venture Program?

The Cleantech Export Venture Program is run by Foresight Canada, a national cleantech accelerator. It is not a cash grant. Instead, it gives Canadian cleantech companies structured advice to help them plan and start selling in other countries.

Who Should Apply?

This program is for Canadian cleantech businesses that:

Want to build a strong international market strategy
Need to find the best export markets
Must understand rules, customers, and partners in other countries
Want a market entry plan to use with investors or funders

You get help from expert advisors, access to market research, and advice from people with real export experience. The support is hands-on and practical.

Eligibility Requirements

You should apply if your business meets all these points:

You are a Canadian cleantech company
Your technology is at TRL 6 to 9. TRL stands for Technology Readiness Level, a scale used to measure how developed a technology is. TRL 6 means your technology has been tested in a real environment, while TRL 9 means it is already in the market. Learn more about TRLs here.
You have at least one customer or strong third-party proof your technology works
You are planning to enter international markets

If your company is still at the idea stage or below TRL 6, you are not eligible.

How to Apply for the Cleantech Export Venture Program

The application process is simple, but you need to be ready. Foresight Canada wants companies who can act on the advice they get.

Step 1: Check Your Export Readiness

Before you apply, make sure you know:

What your main technology is and how it is used
How you have proven your technology (customers, pilots, or demos)
Why you want to sell outside Canada now

If you are unsure about your fit, GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you find export programs that fit your stage, sector, and province.

Step 2: Fill Out the Online Application

Apply through Foresight Canada’s website. You will be asked about:

Your company and when it was started
What your cleantech solution is and the industries you target
Your current TRL level
Your customers or other proof of validation
Your export goals and top markets

Give clear, detailed answers. It is better to show real plans and evidence than to say you want to go “global” with no details.

Step 3: Selection and Intake

The program team reviews all eligible applications. If you are chosen, you will join a group focused on building export strategies.

Application windows can change, so check Foresight Canada’s site for current details.

Program Benefits

You do not get direct funding, but many companies use what they learn to strengthen future grant and investor applications. For example, Foresight Canada reports that participants often use their new export strategies to improve their applications for programs like CanExport and to attract investors.

Main benefits include:

Expert help picking international markets
Written export strategies you can use for funding programs
Better chances with grants like CanExport and other trade programs
Introductions to global partners and networks

You can still apply for other export grants. In fact, this program often makes your other applications stronger.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applying too soon
If your technology is below TRL 6, you will not be accepted. Make sure you have proof your tech works.
Expecting cash
This is not a funding program. Be ready to do the work and use the advice.
Not knowing your target markets
Saying you want to sell “everywhere” is not enough. Pick key regions and customer types.
Forgetting your funding plan
The best applicants know how this program will help them apply for grants or attract investors later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the Cleantech Export Venture Program a grant?
No. It does not give you money. It offers expert advice to help you plan and start selling in other countries.

Q: What does TRL mean, and what level do I need?
TRL stands for Technology Readiness Level. You need to be at TRL 6 to 9, which means your technology is tested in a real environment, piloted, or market-ready. For more on TRL, see Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada’s TRL guide.

Q: Can startups without customers apply?
You need at least one customer or strong third-party proof your technology works. Idea-stage companies are not eligible.

Q: Does this program affect my eligibility for export grants like CanExport?
No. It can actually help you by making your export plan and documents stronger for those programs.

Q: Is the program open to companies in all provinces?
Yes. Eligible Canadian cleantech companies from anywhere in Canada can apply.

After checking your options, remember that GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant programs across Canada. You can see which ones match your business, including export and cleantech funding.

Next Steps

If you want to export your cleantech solutions, the Cleantech Export Venture Program is a smart step before looking for funding or partnerships. Once you have a clear export plan, your next move is finding grants and programs that fit your goals and target markets. GrantHub can help you with up-to-date data and filters made for Canadian businesses.

See also:

How to stack grants and loans without violating funding rules
What Business Expenses Are Eligible Across Canadian Grants and Loans?
Innovation Vouchers vs Traditional Grants for Alberta Startups

Cleantech Export Venture Program: How to Apply