Technology Industry Grants in Canada: Current Grants + Tips for Applying
The technology industry is a driving force of innovation and economic growth in Canada, encompassing businesses that specialize in software development, hardware production, artificial intelligence, and more. With rapid advancements and global competition, tech companies often require funding to scale, innovate, and sustain their operations. To support this dynamic sector, various funding opportunities, including grants, loans, and equity investments, are available.
Key Takeaways
- Technology business grants provide non-repayable financial assistance for projects that foster innovation, research, and development (R&D), and global competitiveness in the tech sector.
- Funding is offered by federal and provincial governments, non-profit organizations, and industry associations.
- Typical eligibility criteria include operating within the technology industry, aligning with grant objectives, and sometimes matching funds requirements.
- Funds can typically be used for activities such as R&D, technology adoption, workforce development, and market expansion.
- Complementary funding options include business loans, tax incentives, and venture capital tailored to the tech sector.
What is a Technology Industry Grant?
A grant for a technology business is a non-repayable financial resource provided by government bodies, non-profit organizations, or industry associations to support innovation, growth, and competitiveness within the technology sector. Technology business grants aim to address challenges such as scaling R&D, digital transformation, and entering international markets by funding specific projects that align with industry priorities.
Grants are typically categorized into:
- Activity Grants: Focused on funding activities such as R&D, prototyping, or scaling technological solutions.
- Audience Grants: Targeted at specific groups, such as women-led or youth-led technology businesses.
- Industry Grants: Designed to advance the tech sector as a whole, supporting projects that drive innovation and global competitiveness.
- Regional Grants: Aimed at fostering technology growth in specific provinces, territories, or underserved regions.
Grants vs Loans in Canada for Technology Businesses
| Aspect | Business Grants | Business Loans |
|---|---|---|
| Repayment | Not required | Required with interest |
| Financial Risk | Minimal | Moderate to high |
| Eligibility | Strict and project-specific | Based on creditworthiness |
| Application Process | Competitive and time-consuming | Faster but requires financial proof |
For specific projects like R&D, prototyping, or entering new markets, grants are highly advantageous. Loans, on the other hand, are suitable for broader or immediate financial needs, such as scaling operations or covering cash flow gaps.
Types of Grants for Technology Businesses in Canada
Federal Government Grants for Technology Businesses
Federal grants focus on national priorities such as advancing R&D, fostering innovation, and improving global competitiveness. These grants often fund projects with industry-wide impact, including cutting-edge technology adoption, development of intellectual property, and commercialization of innovations. Federal programs also support export-oriented tech businesses and initiatives that promote digital transformation across sectors.
Provincial Government Grants for Technology for Businesses
Provincial grants address specific technology sector challenges and opportunities within their regions. These grants frequently support projects such as adopting AI solutions, developing green technologies, and scaling tech startups. Many provinces provide funding for collaborative research projects between businesses and academic institutions, aiming to drive local innovation ecosystems.
Non-Profit Grants for Technology Businesses
Non-profit organizations and industry associations often provide grants to encourage collaboration, inclusion, and sustainability within the tech sector. These grants may focus on initiatives such as bridging the digital divide, promoting diversity in tech leadership, and fostering partnerships between tech startups and established firms. Non-profit grants often prioritize projects that have a strong community or social impact alongside their technological goals.
Eligibility Criteria for Technology Business Grants in Canada
Eligibility criteria for technology business grants are designed to prioritize impactful and innovative projects. Key criteria include:
1. Industry Alignment
2. Project Specificity
3. Geographic Requirements
4. Business Size and Status
5. Financial Contribution
6. Expected Impact
7. Required Documentation
Applying for Technology Business Grants: Top 5 Tips
1. Research Grant Opportunities
2. Create a Strong Proposal
3. Demonstrate Financial Stability
4. Align with Grant Priorities
5. Engage Early and Follow Up
Alternatives to Grants for Technology Businesses in Canada
Loans & Credit for Technology Businesses
Startup Programs for Technology Businesses
Equity Investment Programs for Technology Businesses
Technology Industry Grants in Canada – Current Grants Available
In the sections below you’ll find a sample of the federal and provincial grants currently available for technology businesses in Canada:
Federal Government Technology Business Grants
no fixed amount
Grant, Loan
Description:
CED’s Support for Regional Quantum Innovation (RQI) aims to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and non-profit organizations (NPOs) adopt, develop and commercialize quantum technologies and products based on these technologies.
no fixed amount
Grant
Description:
The Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) is a program that provides repayable and non-repayable contributions. Its National Innovation Ecosystems stream will support large-scale national ecosystems through high impact collaborations between small, medium and large corporations, academic and research institutions, and not-for-profit organization to support Canadian innovation ecosystems.
no fixed amount
Grant, Loan
Description:
Strategic Innovation Fund’s Stream 3 provides funding to attract and retain large scale investments to Canada. It provides repayable and non-repayable contributions to firms of all sizes across all of Canada’s industrial and technology sectors.
no fixed amount
Grant, Loan
Description:
Strategic Innovation Fund’s Stream 2 facilitates the growth and expansion of firms in Canada. It provides repayable and non-repayable contributions to firms of all sizes across all of Canada’s industrial and technology sectors.
no fixed amount
Grant, Loan
Description:
Strategic Innovation Fund’s Stream 1 encourages research and development (R&D) that will accelerate technology transfer and commercialization of innovative products, processes and services. It provides repayable and non-repayable contributions to firms of all sizes across all of Canada’s industrial and technology sectors.
no fixed amount
Grant, Loan
Description:
As part of the Government of Canada’s National Quantum Strategy,
PacifiCan is delivering the Regional Quantum Initiative in British Columbia (B.C.). This fund will help companies and not-for-profit organizations advance and commercialize quantum products and solutions for domestic and
global markets. Areas of focus for the initiative include:
– quantum computing
– quantum sensors
– quantum communications technology
– quantum materials
No fixed amount
Grant
Description:
The Regional Quantum Initiative advances PrairiesCan’s strategic priorities. As one of four regional hubs of Canadian expertise in the field of quantum technologies, Alberta is well-positioned to transform research into products and processes. The Alberta region has strengths in quantum computing, materials, sensors and communications technology.
$3,000,000.00
Grant, Loan
Description:
The Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative funds businesses that are commercializing or adopting artificial intelligence (AI) solutions in B.C. and not-for-profit organizations that are supporting AI commercialization or adoption and ecosystem development in B.C.
$5,000,000.00
Grant, Loan
Description:
The RAII will help marketplace adoption, supporting the responsible development and use of AI, in two key areas:
a. AI productization and commercialization will help AI SMEs in the start-up and scale-up phases to turn their ideas into real world solutions, with financing aimed at providing support to secure growth capital, hire the right people, manage data, and navigate the AI marketplace.
b. Adoption of AI across priority sectors. This will help Canadian businesses enhance productivity, growth, and competitiveness. Support will focus on helping SMEs to integrating AI into business operations, implement AI strategies and find workers with the right skills.
no fixed amount
Grant
Description:
The NRC IRAP Financial support for technology innovation provides funding for small or medium‑sized Canadian businesses to support research and development projects.
Through a broad range of international activities, the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP) also provides direct support to small and medium-sized businesses with international interests. The international programs connect companies with the funding, advisory, export, and innovation services they need to access new markets and global value chains.
no fixed amount
Grant
Description:
Through the Innovative Solutions Canada program, the Government of Canda is partnering with eligible Canadian small businesses and facilitating the early development, testing and validation of prototypes, as well as preparing a pathway to commercialization. The Government of Canada is looking for innovators to solve challenges.
no fixed amount
Competition, Grant
Description:
Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) is offering grants to support innovations and concepts that advance NORAD modernization science and technology (S&T) to future-proof North America’s defence against aerospace and maritime threats. IDEaS is looking to fund early stage solutions (technology readiness levels (TRLs) 1-6) in the following domains:
Quantum technologies
Autonomous technologies
Counter uncrewed aerial systems (CUAS)
Arctic mobility and navigation of military platforms, including ships, land vehicles, and aircraft
Scalable, energy-efficient and sustainable power and energy solutions for current and future Department of National Defence(DND) and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) arctic requirements
no fixed amount
Grant
Description:
The Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) will help bridge the gap between cutting-edge AI research and broader marketplace consumption with support spanning two pillars:
AI productization and commercialization – Support AI scale-ups address common challenges on their journey from lab prototypes to real-world applications, including securing growth capital, talent acquisition, data management, and navigating regulatory and business conduct frameworks.
Adoption of AI applications – Support will address AI adoption lag among small and medium-sized enterprises. Support will focus on addressing challenges, such as skills gaps, AI integration complexities, and compliance with regulatory and industry standards.
$500,000
Grant
Description:
Network Projects are flexible funding programme for international R&D projects. The Network projects programme eases collaboration between organisations in Eureka countries offering applicants the freedom to design their project proposal and build their ideal consortium.
no fixed amount
Grant
Description:
Globalstars is a programme which encourages exploration of new markets through international R&D with calls for projects (sometimes thematic) with countries outside of the EUREKA network. Applicants can benefit from collaboration with organisations working in a range of leading and emerging markets.
$500,000
Grant
Description:
Eurostars is the largest international funding programme for SMEs wishing to collaborate on R&D projects that create innovative products, processes or services for commercialisation. Eurostars is part of the European Partnership on Innovative SMEs. The project consortium must spotlight an innovative SME as the main project participant.
no fixed amount
Grant, Loan
Description:
The Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) is one of the initiatives announced in Budget 2024 aimed at supporting transformative projects. In this spirit, Canada’s regional development agencies (RDAs) have $200 million to boost the development and commercialization of new technologies and solutions, as well as the accelerated adoption of AI by SMEs. The RAII pays particular attention to sectors critical to the Canadian economy, such as agriculture, clean technology, life sciences and manufacturing, and supports structural projects that generate spin-offs in all regions across the country.
no fixed amount
Grant, Loan
Description:
This funding, which aims to foster innovation and business growth, can be awarded at any stage of a business’s development. Projects submitted by SMEs or NPOs are funded for fostering expansion, productivity and growth through innovation. This funding is provided under the REGI program.
no fixed amount
Grant
Description:
Through RAII, RDAs will support projects that help businesses turn their ideas into real-world solutions for Canadians and compete globally. CanNor received $4.1 million to support relevant projects in the territories. If your business or organization is exploring innovative projects that leverage or develop AI components, you are encouraged to apply.
No fixed amount
Grant
Description:
PacifiCan makes strategic investments in growing companies through its Business Scale-up and Productivity (BSP) program, in both established sectors creating value now and emerging sectors growing quickly. We are working to strengthen British Columbia’s position as a domestic and international leader in these sectors.
$10,000,000.00
Grant, Loan
Description:
Funding for small and medium-sized businesses to scale up and produce innovative goods, services or technologies.
no fixed amount
Grant
Description:
The Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) will provide support through two streams:
AI productization and commercialization will help AI start-ups and growing firms scale up and address common challenges on their journey from lab prototypes to real-world applications, including securing growth capital, hiring the right people, managing data, and navigating regulatory frameworks.
Adoption of AI applications across critical sectors will address the AI adoption lag among Canadian businesses and help enhance productivity, growth and competitiveness. Support will focus on addressing challenges faced by SMEs, such as skills gaps, AI integration complexities, and compliance with regulatory and industry standards.
Through the RAII, ACOA is helping to bridge the gap between cutting-edge AI research and broader marketplace consumption with support for Atlantic Canadian businesses.
Provincial Government Grants for Technology Businesses
No fixed amount
Grant
Description:
The Workforce Training Measure is designed to support the development of skills for people at risk of losing their job. This program could also help engtrepreneurs maintain the expertise in place in their business. They could get technical or financial assistance to define their training needs, carry out a training project, and evaluate the effectiveness of the training received.
$200,000.00
Grant
Description:
The Video Games Business Development Program is a partnership between Creative BC and Canada Media Fund (CMF) designed to support the success and growth of B.C.-based game studios.
Applying companies must have a significant track record of production in the province, and proposals must be business-focused with plans for ongoing content production and capacity building. These plans must be achievable, appropriately resourced, and structured to obtain the best economic outcomes from public funding.
$90,000
Grant, Loan, Subsidy
Description:
Innovative companies chosen by a selection committee will benefit from support and a lump sum to stimulate their growth. Funding may also be provided to them so that they can adapt their solution to the targeted tourism companies.
No specific amount was identified.
Grant, Loan, Subsidy
Description:
At the same time, the MT Lab will carry out various networking and consulting activities to support organizations in their initiatives to promote the emergence of a culture of innovation in the tourism sector and facilitate the adoption of innovative solutions.
$150,000
Grant, Loan, Subsidy
Description:
As part of this component, calls for proposals will be made to innovative companies to promote the development of solutions to meet needs and challenges previously identified by tourism stakeholders or partners of the Ministry of Tourism.
$15,000
Grant
Description:
Do you offer digital services that will benefit tourism businesses or community tourism organizations?
Earn up to $15,000 for digital services you provide to tourism businesses in Nova Scotia. If you have expertise in digital marketing, website design, photography, video production, or any other digital services.
No specific amount was identified. Consult the guide publication.
Grant, Investment, Subsidy
Description:
Prioritize high-impact sectors and technologies
Solving societal challenges with innovative solutions
No specific amount was identified. Consult the guide publication.
Grant, Investment, Subsidy
Description:
Developing talent, succession and key skills in research and innovation
Developing scientific and innovation culture
No specific amount was identified. Consult the guide publication.
Grant, Investment, Subsidy
Description:
Adapting R&D incentives and innovation support programs
Supporting innovative technological entrepreneurship
Stimulating investment and commercialization of innovations
No specific amount was identified. Consult the guide publication.
Grant, Investment, Subsidy
Description:
Transfer and promote research results
Facilitate access to and promote ecosystem resources
Establish a regulatory environment favorable to innovation
No specific amount was identified. Consult the guide publication.
Grant, Investment, Subsidy
Description:
Supporting the initiatives of the Quebec Research Funds
Promoting synergies in the research ecosystem
No specific amount was identified.
Grant, Investment
Description:
Created in 2018, The Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund works to grow and diversify our economy, create jobs and training opportunities, and spurs a wide range of private, non-profit and public sector investments in the city.
$20,000
Grant
Description:
The Talent Development – Internship Program (TDI) provides support for recent undergraduate or Master’s graduates, to work on industry- driven projects related to the six CIT Critical Technology areas: 5G and advanced networks, AI, Blockchain, Cybersecurity, Quantum, and Robotics, in any one of the four key sector areas: Advanced Manufacturing, Agri-Food, Construction, Mining. Companies can tap into world-class talent coming out of Ontario’s publicly funded post-secondary institutions and strengthen their capacity to develop new products, services and processes, while interns receive hands-on industry experience in areas such as software and hardware development, artificial intelligence, and data analytics.
$50,000
Grant, Loan, Subsidy
Description:
The Program aims to encourage companies in the mining sector to improve their business practices in terms of sustainable development and more specifically to:
facilitate the achievement of ECOLOGO® UL sustainability certification within the mineral exploration industry, both for exploration companies and their service providers;
foster the emergence of leaders in sustainable development practices within the mining sector;
facilitate the obtaining and maintenance of Veriflora® certification in responsible peatland management for horticultural peat exploitation companies;
develop traceability initiatives within the MCS mining sector.
$1,000,000
Grant, Loan, Subsidy
Description:
The Economic Development Project Support Program – Structuring projects of organizations in support of entrepreneurship development (PAPDE, component 1) aims to promote and support structuring projects of organizations that offer direct services to entrepreneurs.
No fixed amount
Grant
Description:
Provide assistance in the form of coaching, technical advice and financial support to help eligible individuals start a business.
No specific amount was identified.
Grant, Loan, Investment
Description:
Through this program, SODEC supports producers of digital experiences, as part of a business strategy over a two-year period, for the creation and promotion of a catalogue of works, content, experiences or technocreative cultural products of Quebec intellectual property.
No specific amount was identified.
Grant, Loan
Description:
The Support Program for Research and Innovation Organizations – Support for the financing of public research and innovation infrastructures (PSO, component 4a) enables the modernization of public research and innovation infrastructures.
No specific amount was identified.
Grant, Loan
Description:
The Research and Innovation Organizations Support Program – Support for financing infrastructure in support of private innovation (PSO, component 4b) enables the modernization of infrastructure in support of private innovation.
$200,000
Grant, Loan, Investment
Description:
The Quebec Alcohol Positioning Support Program – Support for associations within the framework of business support activities (PAPAQ, section 3) helps support producers of alcoholic beverages in the marketing of their products.
$20,000.00
Grant
Description:
Strategic Improvement Assistance supports Prince Edward Island businesses undertaking strategic activities to become more productive, profitable and competitive.
$3,000,000
Grant, Investment
Description:
The Support Program for Research and Innovation Organizations – Support for research projects in collaboration with the community (PSO, component 2) aims to:
strengthen the technological innovation capacity of companies and recipient environments through the development and transfer of technology resulting from public research projects;
strengthen the capacity of innovative companies with high growth potential (startups) to commercialize their innovations;
to establish partnerships between university, college, institutional and industrial circles, whether in Quebec, outside Quebec or internationally;
highlight research results and innovations that have commercial potential.
$5,000,000.00
Grant, Loan
Description:
The Southwestern Ontario Development Fund provides support for projects and investments to existing businesses, municipalities and not-for-profit organizations for economic development in southwestern Ontario. The objective of the program is to provide financial support and services to help growing companies in southwestern Ontario make investments to:
1. Grow their businesses
2. Improve productivity
3. Invest in innovation and skills development
4. Pursue new markets
5. Generate broad positive regional economic impact
6. Create new good, sustainable jobs
A project is a distinct undertaking, separate from ongoing operations, that will result in benefits to the organization such as business growth or access to new markets.
$1,000,000
Grant
Description:
As part of the broader Critical Industrial Technologies initiative, the Sector Adoption (SA) Program is a challenge based multi-partner program that drives significant impact and advancement of a whole sector.
No fixed amount
Grant
Description:
The Saskatchewan Technology Fund (STF) is a funding program designed to support industry-driven technology, innovation, and improvement projects that lead to the mitigation, sequestration or capture of greenhouse gases (GHGs).
The STF, through a competitive process, supports industry-driven technology, innovation and improvement projects that reduce the GHG emissions intensity of emitters regulated under Saskatchewan’s Output-Based Performance Standards Program.
$1,500,000
Grant, Subsidy
Description:
The Support Program for Research and Innovation Organizations – Support for research projects in collaboration with the community (PSO, component 2b) aims to:
strengthen the technological innovation capacity of companies and recipient environments through the development and transfer of technology resulting from public research projects;
strengthen the capacity of innovative companies with high growth potential ( startups ) to commercialize their innovations;
to establish partnerships between university, college, institutional and industrial circles, whether in Quebec, outside Quebec or internationally;
highlight research results and innovations that have commercial potential.
$100,000.00
Grant
Description:
EPRTNT 2022-2025 funds projects that renew and enhance the tourism offers for different regions across the province. Projects must promote the achievement of objectives to stimulate the economy of Quebec regions and promote the development of a responsible and sustainable tourism offer. These projects must correspond to one of the six categories: attractions, activities and facilities; structuring of the regional tourism offer; accommodation; festivals and events; studies and consulting services; or digital development of a business.
No specific amount was identified. Consult the guide for detailed one.
Grant, Subsidy
Description:
This program aims to support the implementation of collective projects led by a tourism association (regional or sectoral) or a representative recognized by the Ministry of Tourism. These projects must demonstrate repercussions for businesses in several regions or sectors.
$5,000,000.00
Grant, Loan
Description:
The Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Competitiveness (AMIC) Stream will provide financial support to advanced manufacturing companies with a focus on small and medium-sized enterprises across Ontario. It will provide investments in capital equipment, technology adoption and skills development.
$150,000
Grant, Loan, Investment
Description:
These funds aim to stimulate entrepreneurship at the local level.
No specific amount was identified.
Grant, Loan, Investment
Description:
Projects to support businesses in their digital shift are supported as part of the Digital Transformation Offensive (OTN) initiative, which aims to provide a structuring support-consulting approach with a view to:
implement digital projects;
increase the productivity and performance of SMEs through the integration of digital technologies.
$1 million
Grant
Description:
Support the development of digital creativity projects by creators and businesses in Quebec
Increase the reach and accessibility of Quebec digital creativity projects in public spaces and cultural dissemination venues across all administrative regions of Quebec among a variety of audiences
Contribute to the influence and growth of the Quebec digital creativity sector
Contribute to the appropriation and use of public spaces and places of cultural diffusion by the population of Quebec
$25,000
Grant
Description:
As part of Quebec’s cultural policy Partout, la culture, as well as Quebec’s Policy on the Canadian Francophonie, the Ministère de la Culture et des Communications is launching the 2nd edition of the Call for Projects for Digital Cultural Development in the Canadian Francophonie. The financial assistance aims to support digital cultural development projects that promote the discoverability of Francophone cultural content in the digital environment or that focus on the acquisition, consolidation and exchange of digital skills in the cultural sector.
$50,000
Grant
Description:
Stream A encourages companies to develop planning adapted to their context by relying on the carrying out of studies or the establishment of diagnoses prior to the realization of projects or strategies.
$400,000
Grant
Description:
Stream B encourages companies to carry out a project in line with the digital context.
$50,000
Grant
Description:
The evolution of challenges related to digital practices is forcing the sector to adapt and implement common strategies that encourage collaboration between stakeholders in the cultural sector and promote the influence of local cultural content. As a result, the adoption of new data processing practices is becoming a necessity for all cultural sectors.
No fixed amount
Grant
Description:
The Prince Edward Island Broadband Fund provides financial assistance to local Prince Edward Island internet service providers (ISPs), communities and businesses for the installation of infrastructure for enhanced broadband services. Through this program, partnerships and collaborations are encouraged and support is provided for increased service levels, improved access and consumer choice for connectivity.
no fixed amount
Grant
Description:
The Prince Edward Island Broadband Fund provides financial assistance to local Prince Edward Island internet service providers (ISPs), communities and businesses for the installation of infrastructure for enhanced broadband services. Through this program, partnerships and collaborations are encouraged and support is provided for increased service levels, improved access and consumer choice for connectivity.
The Prince Edward Island Broadband Fund (PEIBF) provides a contribution of up to 50% of the eligible costs for a project approved for funding. Applications must be submitted prior to the start of a project; any expenses incurred before the submission of an application are ineligible.
$10,000
Grant
Description:
Since 2015, Digital Nova Scotia has been proud to bring its members free* training opportunities with the assistance of Nova Scotia’s Workplace Innovation and Productivity Skills Incentive (WIPSI). These programs are focused on improving Nova Scotian productivity, profitability, innovation, technology, machinery, equipment and increasing inter-provincial and international competitiveness while fostering workplace diversity.
$10,000
Grant
Description:
The Next Level program provides funding for Northwestern Ontario businesses with an innovative product or service and looking to expand. The support may be applicable to contracted expertise, services or direct costs in any of the following areas: equipment purchase, expansion to new markets, conference & tradeshows costs ($1,000 max), training & certification costs.
$30,000.00
Grant
Description:
The Made in Saskatchewan Technology Program (MIST) connects the Provincial Government to Saskatchewan technology-based companies whose products may improve Government service delivery. Companies successful in the program are awarded a contract of up to $30,000 to have their technology piloted by the Government Ministries, Agencies and Crown Corporations.
$40,000
Grant, In-Kind Support
Description:
The London Innovation Challenge aims to accelerate and scale select London-developed solutions. Two winners throughout the challenge will receive a $40,000 investment each, customized business advisory services, and a suite of other benefits from TechAlliance.
$10,000
Grant, In-Kind Support
Description:
We will invest up to $10,000 into your business as well as provide hands-on support, access to mentors, and potential access to investors. With help from us, you will have your new business launched or your current company vaulted into success.
$2,000,000.00
Grant
Description:
The Innovation Stream supports the research, development and commercialization of new and innovative technologies in Northern Ontario. NOHFC considers innovative technology projects based on the following definition: “the development or implementation of ideas to produce new or improved strategies, capabilities, products, services, or processes with a strong focus on ensuring to satisfy a market need or desire”.
Varies depending on the specific call and project requirements.
Grant
Description:
The Government of Quebec offers financial support to Quebec organizations for the implementation of international cooperation and solidarity projects. This support is offered in particular according to the priorities of its international action set out in the International Vision of Quebec .
$50,000
Grant
Description:
The Innovation Fund assists businesses to bring a new product, service, or process (“product”) to market by providing financial support for the costs to refine and commercialize an innovative product that has demonstrated potential for export market uptake. The Innovation Fund has two streams: 1. The New Product stream can support the transition from a demonstrated beta/pilot/prototype product to the final stage refinements for scale-up and full commercial development of the product. 2. The Product Diversification stream can support the adaptation of an existing product for a new market segment, where refinement and enhancement changes are required to function in a new geographical area, vertical or industry (to adjust to different requirements, such as regulatory/legal, business environment, industry requirements, culture, etc.).
$50,000
Grant
Description:
The Call for Indigenous Cultural Development Projects program aims to increase the offer of activities, services and goods that significantly contribute to the Ministère’s objectives of strengthening and developing Indigenous cultures and communications. It also aims to meet the objectives of the 2022-2027 Government Action Plan for the Social and Cultural Wellness of the First Nations and Inuit.
Financial assistance granted by the Ministère makes it possible to conduct, over a specified period, defined actions that cannot be automatically renewed. The various calls for projects covered by the program include specific provisions according to the project type.
$200,000.00
Grant
Description:
The AICE – Concepts Program serves to accelerate early-stage health research and innovation that demonstrates high commercial potential towards proof of concept.
No fixed amount
Grant
Description:
ventureLAB’s Hardware Catalyst Initiative is a competitive program that is offered at no cost and with no equity requirement to eligible companies. Dedicated to supporting both silicon and hardware companies for up to 24 months, the Hardware Catalyst Initiative is enabling Canadian companies to grow and scale locally to compete globally.
$90,000.00
Entrepreneurship Program, Grant
Description:
The Government of Alberta, in collaboration with the University of Alberta, University of Calgary, and University of Lethbridge, developed GreenSTEM to offer a new funding model for high- quality technical talent to pursue entrepreneurship, develop the required business skills and move a deep technology concept towards commercialization.
The program supports a pan-Alberta cohort of technically-skilled GreenSTEM Fellows to transform their technical know-how into a business application and prioritize entrepreneurship over other conventional career paths.
$10,000
Grant
Description:
The Future Ready (FR) program provides support for Ontario-based SMEs working in CIT’s four key sectors (Advanced Manufacturing, Construction, Agri-food and Mining) to upskill/reskill current employees on Critical Technologies (5G and advanced networks, AI, Blockchain, Cybersecurity, Quantum,
and Robotics) to support the company’s adoption of Critical Technologies and commercialization of new products and services. Under this program eligible SMEs receive support to hire an external third-party consultant to train their employees in the adoption and implementation of these Critical Technologies.
$10,000
Grant
Description:
Supports women and non-binary founders from equity-deserving groups with $10,000 in non-matching funds and growth coaching.
$50,000
Grant
Description:
For founders with a product in-market and generating revenue: build a growth plan and execute it with hands-on support and potential access to $50,000.
$3,000
Grant
Description:
The Export Trade Assistance provides a grant to active exporters and export ready companies on Prince Edward Island. Support may be available for Innovation PEI’s Global Trade coordinated trade activities, including virtual trade initiatives, focused on international and domestic exporting; and bringing buyers and business partners to Prince Edward Island to strengthen business relationships or close sales.
$20,000
Grant, Loan, Investment
Description:
Accelerate the growth of productivity of Quebec businesses through an innovative technological transition or the acquisition of new technologies
Promote the realization of investment projects in Quebec as part of the establishment or expansion of businesses here or elsewhere
$50,000
Grant, Loan, Investment
Description:
Accelerate the realization of an investment project for your company by allowing the use of studies prior to your investment project, i.e. feasibility studies and a digital diagnosis.
No specific amount was identified.
Grant, Loan, Investment
Description:
Increase the presence of Quebec companies in global supply chains by supporting them in their more complex internationalization strategies
$100,000
Grant, Loan, Investment
Description:
Reducing the environmental footprint of Quebec businesses, particularly through the adoption of clean technologies
$100,000.00
Grant
Description:
The Voucher Program provides Alberta tech and innovation companies with up to $100,000 to accelerate new product toward commercialization for novel, promising technologies, and an identified product/market fit.
$150,000.00
Grant
Description:
The Product Demonstration Program (PDP) supports Alberta tech companies commercialize their products and achieve optimal market position to increase revenue and expand into global markets.
Alberta tech companies may be eligible for up to $150,000 to enter a partnership with a strategic partner to conduct a product pilot or demonstration that proves their product’s technical and business merits. The strategic partner is critical to commercialization and could be the first buyer, distributor, or influential client.
$10,000.00
Grant
Description:
The Micro Voucher Program helps Alberta tech companies to design and/or develop innovative technology solutions by providing up to $10,000 in non-dilutive funding.
$250,000.00
Grant
Description:
The International Technology Partnership program helps Alberta technology businesses further develop their product or pilot the technical and business merits of their product to prove its value and advance commercialization. With the International Technology Partnership program, applicants will work with an international partner to prove the product value and advance commercialization.
$105,000.00
Grant
Description:
The Industry r&D Associates Program supports Alberta tech companies with an innovative technology or knowledge-based solution looking to employ in-house professional research and developmental expertise.
$120,000.00
Grant
Description:
Industry Commercialization Associate Program helps cover the salary for employees to promote the commercialization of your business. The Industry Commercialization Associate Program is managed through the Entrepreneurial Investments business unit within Alberta Innovates.
$50,000.00
Grant
Description:
The Alberta Digital Traction program supports digital tech companies with software development at the core, who are looking to increase their customers, increase revenue, and scale to a global marketplace.
no fixed amount
Grant
Description:
The Technology Development (SME) Program partners Ontario-based small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with ENCQOR 5G Anchor Firms on 5G technology development projects. Areas of technology interest are defined in Challenge Statements submitted to OCI by the ENCQOR 5G Anchor Firms and posted to the OCI website on a rolling basis.
$50,000
Grant
Description:
The ENCQOR 5G Demonstration Program supports standalone SME projects and SME collaborations with industry partners and/or public sector organizations such as municipalities, healthcare facilities, public utilities for testing and validation activities using the ENCQOR 5G Innovation Platform as a Service (iPaaS) testbed in order to develop or advance new technologies, products, processes and services.
No fixed amount
Grant, Subsidy,
Description:
If you are an immigrant and have no work experience in North America, the Program to Assist with the Integration of Immigrants and Visible Minorities into Employment (PRIIME) could help you. It could give you the opportunity to acquire initial work experience in Quebec in your field of expertise.
Your new employer may receive wage support and a subsidy for additional costs, such as
the salary of an escort;
training costs;
the implementation of specific integration activities.
Total $5 million
Grant
Description:
The Start Stream funds projects that support businesses in their efforts to advance the development of their innovations and begin commercializing them
Total $5 million
Grant
Description:
The Scale & Grow Stream funds large-scale projects that support the scale-up and growth efforts of businesses while, in turn, producing significant economic outcomes
$5,000,000.00
Grant, Loan
Description:
The Eastern Ontario Development Fund provides support for projects and investments to existing businesses, municipalities and not-for-profit organizations for economic development in eastern Ontario. The objective of the program is to provide financial support and services to help growing companies in eastern Ontario make investments to:
1. Grow their businesses
2. Improve productivity
3. Invest in innovation and skills development
4. Pursue new markets
5. Generate broad positive regional economic impact
6. Create new good, sustainable jobs
A project is a distinct undertaking, separate from ongoing operations, that will result in benefits to the organization such as business growth or access to new markets.
$25,000
Grant, Loan, Investment
Description:
This tax measure aims to consolidate the development of information technology (IT) throughout Quebec. It allows specialized companies that carry out innovative activities with high added value in the IT sector to obtain a tax credit of up to an annual maximum of $25,000 per eligible employee .
$200,000
Grant
Description:
The Development and Commercialization (DC) Program supports the development and commercialization of Ontario made products and services that integrate/adopt Critical Technologies (5G and advanced networks, AI, blockchain, robotics, quantum, cybersecurity) related to four key sectors: Advanced Manufacturing, Agri-Food, Construction and Mining.
No specific amount was identified.
Grant, Subsidy
Description:
The NovaScience – Project Support program (stream 2) supports new projects to help the next generation discover, cultivate and develop their skills in science and research, including science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
No specific amount was identified.
Grant, Subsidy
Description:
Meeting the needs in attraction, integration and retention of talent, among others.
Promote, develop and consolidate a culture of science and innovation.
Improve the competitiveness and productivity of businesses.
Develop new markets, new partnerships or new collaborations.
No specific amount was identified.
Grant, Subsidy
Description:
The Cybersecurity initiative, supported by the Québec Ministry of Economy and Innovation (MEI) and Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED), assists companies in training and obtaining the cybersecurity certifications now required by governments and OEMs. It develops tools to improve the cyber resilience of Québec aerospace companies through best practice sharing circles, awareness events and the creation of the Aéro Cyber portal.
$15,000
Grant, Subsidy
Description:
The Mitacs Elevate program is a training program that allows postdoctoral researchers to lead large-scale research projects in companies.
$15,000
Grant, Subsidy
Description:
The Mitacs Accelerate program encourages companies to collaborate with post-secondary students, postdoctoral fellows and researchers to solve innovation challenges.
$60,000
Grant, Subsidy
Description:
The Business Innovation Internships measure helps meet the strong demand for qualified labour from businesses, with a view to increasing their capacity for innovation.
$150,000
Grant, In-Kind Support
Description:
This program supports the collaboration between Academia and Industry to solve an industry-based problem and drive the commercialization of Intellectual Property [IP]. The institution will leverage the unique skills and specialized infrastructure that is instrumental to streamline internal innovations and commercialization needs. Resulting in targeted training of individuals and direct engagement with Industry to work on commercially viable solutions.
$25,000
Grant
Description:
Capital Acquisition Assistance supports Prince Edward Island businesses investing in technology, equipment, and infrastructure needed to grow their business and increase capacity and competitiveness.
$30,000
Grant, Subsidy
Description:
The NovaScience program – Support for employment (component 2) in research and innovation promotes the integration of the next generation into jobs in SMEs to develop skills in science and technology.
$ 10,000,000
Grant, Subsidy
Description:
This call for projects is aimed at Quebec companies that have a design or demonstration project in partnership or in collaboration with other companies and public research centers in the aerospace sector.
This call is part of the Innovation program, section 2 – Support for mobilizing projects.
$1,500,000
Grant, Loan, Investment
Description:
This call for projects is aimed at groups of companies wishing to carry out an innovation project as well as research and development in artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum technologies with the possibility of collaboration with a public research center.
$75,000
Grant, Investment, Subsidy
Description:
The general objective of the Innovation program is to strengthen the innovation capacities of companies, primarily SMEs, at the different stages of their innovation projects.
No specific amount was identified.
Grant, Investment, Subsidy
Description:
The aim is to encourage companies from the same sector or from related sectors of activity to take part in pre-competitive research consortia. Read the contents of note number1 , or to proceed with their creation in order to jointly carry out pre-competitive research activities in Quebec.
$2,500,000.00
Grant
Description:
The Digital Innovation in Clean Energy (DICE) program supports the development of digital technologies that create value and jobs while reducing emissions in the energy sector. This is inclusive of technologies in artificial intelligence and machine learning, blockchain, industrial internet of things, unmanned aerial vehicles (drones), virtual and augmented reality, digital twins, etc. While many of these technologies have multi-sectoral potential, the energy industry represents both a wealth of data to de-risk technologies along with cash flow to create value to the developer and the end user.
About the author
Maurice
