Productivity and Innovation Voucher Program
The Productivity & Innovation Voucher Program (PIVP) supports Nova Scotia businesses in advancing applied innovation projects that deliver clear, measurable business outcomes.
Through the program, companies can work with Nova Scotia post-secondary institutions to develop new or improved products, services, or processes, strengthen operations, and improve competitiveness.
Offered by Invest Nova Scotia
Amount
Tier 1: Up to $15,000 to support a new project; Tier 2: Up to $25,000 to build on previously completed Tier 1 work (credit note paid directly to the Academic Institution; AI projects may be considered for Tier 1 funding up to $25,000)
Quick eligibility check
Who can apply
To be eligible for the Program, the business must:
- Be a Nova Scotia registered business in good standing (current registration on
the Registry of Joint Stock Companies)
- Have a permanent establishment in Nova Scotia
- Have most of its workforce residing in Nova Scotia (exceptions may apply where
economic benefit to Nova Scotia can be demonstrated)
- Have fewer than 100 employees at the time of application
- Have a business plan that outlines:
- Products or services to be marketed
- Target market(s) and distribution channels, supported by research
- Key market challenges (e.g., competition, cultural differences, regulations)
and how these will be addressed Pre-revenue companies must clearly demonstrate the development of a business plan.
Additional information may be requested as part of the review process.
Eligibility is determined at the sole discretion of Invest Nova Scotia based on the information provided.
Eligible Service Providers are Nova Scotia post-secondary academic institutions.
For a complete list of Service Providers and their areas of expertise, please refer to the PIVP web page.
The chosen researcher must be at arm’s length from the business (i.e., no ownership or direct financial interest).
Applicants must demonstrate how the project will improve productivity and innovation.
Projects must result in at least one of the following:
- Increased productivity, efficiency, or competitiveness
- Development or enhancement of products, services, or processes
- Improved capacity to serve markets outside Nova Scotia
About the funding
PIVP provides support through a credit note, paid directly to the Academic Institution, across two tiers:
- Tier 1: Up to $15,000 to support a new project
- Tier 2: Up to $25,000 to build on previously completed Tier 1 work
Advanced Data & AI Projects
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Projects involving advanced data and artificial intelligence are encouraged where they demonstrate:
- A clear technical approach
- Access to required data and systems
- Strong potential for measurable business impact
These projects often require specialized expertise, infrastructure, and resources. Where justified, they may be considered for Tier 1 funding up to $25,000, based on scope and technical requirements.
A business may receive funding for only one project per fiscal year and may only hold one active voucher at a time. A business may receive a maximum of four vouchers through the program over a lifetime (up to two Tier 1 projects, each eligible for one corresponding Tier 2 project).
Eligible Projects
Projects must focus on practical, applied work that leads to a clear business outcome within the program timeframe. Examples include:
- Applied research
- Engineering or technical development
- Prototyping
- Product or process development
- Testing and validation
- Market or technical feasibility analysis
- Advanced technical development and modelling
Projects should demonstrate the potential to improve productivity, innovation, or competitiveness.
- Funding applies only to eligible project costs, as outlined in the budget section of
the Application Form
- Limited equipment purchases may be permitted if clearly tied to project outcomes
and included in the approved application; items not identified at application will not be eligible.
- Can I apply for program funding after my project is completed?
Only project costs occurring after submission of a complete application are eligible.
Costs incurred prior to approval are at the applicant’s risk.
Similar programs
| Program | Type | Amount | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced Manufacturing Technology Assessments | Grant | Up to $50,000 | Open |
| New Product Creator | Grant | Projects are cost-shared to a maximum of 50/50 with applicants (for example, a $10,000 project would receive $5,000 in funding) | Open |
| Technical Obstacles Program | Grant | Projects are cost-shared to a maximum of 50/50 with applicants (for example, a $10,000 project would receive $5,000 in funding) | Open |
| Innovative Solutions Canada Program: Challenges | Grant | Phase 1: a maximum of $150,000 over up to six months to develop a proof of feasibility report (in some cases up to $300,000) | Open |
