INVEST North Program: Innovation Stream
Innovation Stream The Innovation Stream supports the research, development and commercialization of new and innovative technologies in Northern Ontario.
Private-sector businesses alone, or in partnership with a public sector academic or research institution.
Offered by Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC)
Amount
Conditional contribution of up to 50% of total eligible costs to a maximum of $500,000 (Applied Research and Development only projects) or to a maximum of $2 million (combined, or Demonstration & Commercialization only projects)
Quick eligibility check
Who can apply
Private-sector businesses alone, or in partnership with a public sector academic or research institution.
For public-private partnership projects, the private-sector business is the lead applicant and the funding recipient.
For public-private partnership projects, the partnering academic or research institution must have the relevant expertise and resources required by the private-sector partner to complete the proposed project.
What Projects are Eligible?
Applied research & development projects, and demonstration & commercialization of new and innovative technologies.
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”.
Applicants have the choice to apply for support for applied research & development or demonstration & commercialization costs under separate applications or in one combined application.
- In the event that an applicant chooses to include demonstration &
commercialization costs in their project, NOHFC will not accept a subsequent application for the same technology.
- For projects where the applicant elects to combine applied research & development,
and demonstration & commercialization costs, before proceeding to demonstration and commercialization phase, the applicant must:
- Own, have registered a patent for, or have the rights to exploit the intellectual
property associated with the technology.
- Be able to demonstrate that the technology has been tested and fully validated.
Before you begin, check if you fall within the eligible region of Northern Ontario.
My innovation project is not limited to serving Northern Ontario. Am I eligible to apply for the program?
Yes, provided that you meet all other program requirements.
About the funding
Funding for Applied Research and Development only projects Funding is in the form of a conditional contribution of up to 50% of total eligible costs to a maximum of $500,000.
Funding for Applied Research & Development and Demonstration & Commercialization Combined or Demonstration & Commercialization only projects
- Funding is in the form of a conditional contribution of up to 50% of total eligible
costs to a maximum of $2 million.
Show all funding details
Combined Federal and Provincial government funding may not exceed 75% of eligible project costs.
Funding for each project is determined by the NOHFC Board of Directors, and limited funding is available. Not all projects meeting the criteria will necessarily receive funding.
The applicant may be required to reimburse NOHFC if assets financed by NOHFC are sold within the first three years after project completion.
Eligible applied research & development activities and associated costs include, but not limited to:
- Direct internal technical labour costs
- Prototyping costs (engineering and design services and component purchase,
fabrication and installation costs) • Product testing
- Intellectual property protection costs
- Research and development services provided by public sector partners
Eligible demonstration & commercialization activities and associated costs include, but are not limited to:
- Direct internal technical labour costs
- Building or renovation costs specifically related to the commercialization of the new
technology
- Prototype demonstration costs (engineering and design services and equipment
purchases, fabrication and installation costs) • Material costs
- Product certification costs
- Research and development services provided by public sector partners
- Marketing costs (in-person or virtual trade show assistance and marketing material
design costs) - limited to 20% of total eligible project costs Evaluation Criteria Factors that will be considered during evaluation of applications will include but not limited to:
What is “direct internal technical labour” and are there any limitations for funding it?
Direct internal technical labour means labour performed by an employee of the funding recipient that has knowledge and training in a specialized, complex procedure or operation needed to complete the project.
NOHFC will only fund direct technical labour costs for work done in Northern Ontario that is directly needed for the project. Regular wages for company employees are not eligible for funding. Also, labour costs for anyone who owns 10% or more of the company won’t be eligible for NOHFC funding. In some cases, exceptions may be made for sole proprietors, but this is up to NOHFC’s discretion.
For prototype demonstration projects, is there a limit on the number of prototypes that are considered eligible for funding in one project?
NOHFC will consider up to three prototypes per project. Exceptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Similar programs
| Program | Type | Amount | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regional Development Program: Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Competitiveness Stream | Grant, Loan | Up to 15% of eligible project costs | Open |
| Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program | Grant, Loan | AAFC contribution normally not exceeding $1 million per project, generally not more than $5 million over 5 years for each applicant | Open |
| Cooperation with the Community Sector — Development of Official Language Communities Program | Grant | Up to 100% of eligible expenses | Open |
| Business Scale-up and Productivity in Northern Ontario | Loan, Grant | Up to $500,000 | Open |
