At NorthBridge, we keep up to date on all the most recent government funding updates, intake announcements and upcoming grant deadlines in Canada so you don’t have to. Each month, we will be providing a summary of the most important news in government funding. Get in touch today to learn more about each program and assess your eligibility.
For: SMEs looking to develop new AI technologies and solutions, or accelerate AI adoption
Through Canada’s regional development agencies (RDAs), $200 million is being provided to develop new AI technologies and accelerate AI adoption in SMEs. The program will include an AI Productization and Commercialization stream, and Adoption of AI applications. Eligible activities for the Productization and Commercialization stream include technology demonstration of Canadian AI technologies, business and capacity development to support AI technology scale-up, and capacity building to strengthen startups. Eligible activities for AI Adoption include AI adoption and integration, process re-engineering and capacity development, and ecosystem support for SME AI adoption.
Applications to the FedDev RAII program will be accepted until December 20, 2024.
For: Southern Ontario-based companies looking to take on innovative projects
Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev) has opened applications to Funding for businesses, which provides interest-free loans to develop, commercialize, or produce innovative products, processes, and services; improve productivity, capacity, and competitiveness; or scale-up and expand to develop new business opportunities, enter new markets, or reach new customers. Fall 2024 intake priorities include clean economic growth, growth companies, technology, industrial transition; and automotive suppliers; this includes projects that support zero-emission vehicles, housing manufacturing innovation, and inclusive growth and regional coverage.
Applications to the fall intake of FedDev Funding for Businesses are due by December 20, 2024.
For: Canadian SMEs looking to develop new technologies for homebuilding
Through Canada’s regional development agencies (RDAs), $50 million is being provided to develop new homebuilding technologies. Funding will be provided to increase productivity in manufacturing and construction technology; promote innovation, demonstration, and commercialization of new materials and methods for homebuilding; and develop industry tools to accelerate homebuilding innovation. For-profit applicants can receive up to $5 million in interest-free loans.
Applications to the FedDev program will be accepted until December 20, 2024.
For: BC-based women-led startups looking to commercialize clean technologies
The B.C. Centre for Innovation and Clean Energy (CICE) funds the commercial development and scaleup of B.C.-based clean energy solutions. Focusing on technologies with a TRL between 4-9, the fund seeks to achieve net-negative emissions in B.C. The $3-million call for applications in climate tech and clean energy ventures led by women will support commercial development of climate technologies.
Applications to the Women in Climate Tech will be accepted until December 3, 2024.
For: SMEs looking to develop lithium-based battery solutions
Innovative Solutions Canada offers funding to innovators capable of solving specific challenges, with the aim of supporting technologies to market. The program offers two phases of funding for Proof of Feasibility and Prototype Development. The Canadian midstream battery materials innovation challenge has been launched for lithium-based battery materials for electric vehicle and energy storage system applications. Applications to the challenge will be accepted until December 17, 2024.
Applications to Canadian midstream battery materials innovation will be accepted until December 17, 2024.
For: Canadian companies looking to develop forecasting models for emerging events and crises
Through the Department of National Defence’s Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS), Canadians have the opportunity to respond to specific challenges faced by the Canadian Armed Forces. Intake to a new contest has opened, with the aim of creating accurate forecasting models for geopolitical conflicts.Grants between $25,000-$150,000 are available through the contest.
Applications to Fast forward: Forecasting global emerging threats are due by December 2, 2024.
For: Entrepreneurs looking to develop post-farmgate technologies
Canada Food Innovation Network (CFIN) has opened a new program, NextGen Food Innovators, aimed towards entrepreneurs still in school who are developing technologies in food processing, food services, or grocery retail. One award will be delivered through each of CFIN’s regions, for a total of five awards. 100% of costs can be covered through the program, to a maximum of $10,000.
Initial video submissions to NextGen Food Innovators will be accepted until December 6, 2024.
For: Ontario-based digital media companies looking to launch interactive content projects
Ontario Creates and the Canada Media Fund (CMF) have reopened the IDM Futures Forward program to fund early-stage, interactive digital media development projects from companies facing barriers in accessing funding. Eligible applicants include newer companies with under three years of professional IDM content creation experience, or established companies that have produced screen-based or publishing content.
Applications to IDM Futures Forward will be accepted until December 16, 2024.
For: Quebec-based fishing and seafood companies looking to innovate or adopt new technologies
Through Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the Quebec Fisheries Fund supports innovation in the fish and seafood sector. The program provides funding for projects which encourage innovation of new products and technologies and supporting infrastructure to support sustainable sector development. The Fund will support innovation, infrastructure, and science partnership projects, and has been extended until March 31, 2026.
Applications will be accepted to Quebec Fisheries Fund on an ongoing basis.
If you’re interested in any of these program offerings, or have questions about deadlines, eligibility, or other government funding programs in Canada, contact NorthBridge for a free assessment with one of our experts.