At NorthBridge, we keep up to date on all the most recent government funding updates, intake announcements and upcoming deadlines 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: Canadian companies looking to develop solutions in the quantum communications, sensing, or computing
Innovative Solutions Canada offers funding to innovators capable of solving specific challenges, with the aim of supporting technologies to market. The Canada Border Services Agency is currently seeking solutions within quantum communications, quantum sensing, and quantum computing.SMEs can receive up to $150,000 to develop a proof of concept, with the potential to receive further funding for prototyping upon successful project completion.
Applications will be accepted until August 3, 2023, for proposals in Quantum communications, Quantum sensing, and Quantum computing.
For: Agricultural producers looking to improve the climate change resiliency in water infrastructure
The Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC (IAF) aims to provide assistance to BC’s agricultural sector. IAF’s Agricultural Water Infrastructure Program is a three-year, $20 million program which funds projects focused on climate change resiliency in the agricultural sector’s water infrastructure. Between 50-75% of project costs may be covered for projects which improve water infrastructure in the BC agricultural sector.
Application review dates for the Agricultural Water Infrastructure Program will be on August 15, 2023, and September 1, 2023.
For: Canadian SMEs and public research institutions looking to advance drug discovery research
CQDM’s Quantum Leap program provides support for drug discovery research to assist Canadian SMEs and universities in innovative biopharmaceutical research projects which have the potential to improve the drug discovery process. Successful applicants can receive up to $1.2 million in non-repayable funding to cover costs related to the development of technologies for use by CQDM pharmaceutical members.
Applications to the next selection round of Quantum Leap are due by August 17, 2023.
For: Canadian companies looking to develop innovative solutions in B.C-based forestry residue collection, transport, and processing
The BC Centre for Innovation & Clean Energy supports technology solutions development throughout British Columbia which advance net-zero emissions goals. The Forestry Residue Management program will provide $6 million in non-dilutive funding towards projects focused on innovation in the collection, transport, and processing of forestry residues. Individual projects may be eligible for funding of up to $3 million, with the potential for replication across multiple sites throughout the province.
EOIs for the Forestry Residue Management program are due by August 18, 2023.
For: Ontario companies looking to create digital media content
The Ontario Creates Interactive Digital Media (IDM) Fund Concept Definition and Production program provide IDM content creators with support in creating digital media content that contributes to the Ontario economy. The Concept Definition program funds early-stage activities that prepare for a full production, while the Production program supports the creation of market-ready interactive or video content project. Up to 50% of eligible project costs may be available to applicants of either program.
Applications for both the Production and Concept Definition streams of the IDM Fund are due by August 28, 2023.
For: BC food producers and processors looking to improve production and capacity
The BC Lean for Food Processors Program supports business skill development which allow food processors to optimize operating procedures, improve production capacity and labour productivity, strengthen business, and make more informed decisions. Through funding provided for consulting fees, applicants will have the opportunity to work on R&D, marketing, training, food safety and quality assurance, and more.
Intake is now open for applications to the BC Lean for Food Processors Program, and will close on September 1, 2023.
For: Quebec-based SMEs looking to adopt AI in the bioeconomy sector
The Partenar-IA program is designed to support collaborative projects involving the adoption of AI in bioeconomy sector, advancing Quebec’s goals in artificial intelligence. Projects which develop or improve a product or process related to the use of AI may be funded by the program, with up to 50% of costs covered for labour, material, IP, and professional fees.
Full applications to Partenar-IA (Enterprises) are due by September 5, 2023.
For: Early-stage tech companies looking to pilot innovative solutions in the food industry
Canada Food Innovation Network (CFIN)’s FoodTech Next supports early-stage Canadian technology firms seeking to pilot technologies solving a market issue in the food industry related to one of the following priorities: Smart Product and Process Development, Food Ecosystem Sustainability, or Agile and Safe Supply Chains. SMEs focused on post-farmgate solutions can receive up to 50% of costs covered through the program.
The deadline to submit EOIs to FoodTech Next is September 6, 2023.
For: Ontario-based employers looking to build or upgrade training facilities for in-demand jobs
The Government of Ontario’s Skills Development Fund Capital Stream provides funding to support the building and upgrading, or conversion of training centres for skilled trades or in-demand jobs. Funding of up to 49% of eligible costs can be received for material, salary, building, renovation, and repair costs.
Applications to the SDF’s Capital Stream are due by September 25, 2023.
For: Saskatchewan-based agricultural organizations looking to commercialize agriculture technologies
The Agtech Growth Fund, delivered by Innovation Saskatchewan, is an R&D funding program which aims to accelerate the commercialization of innovations in Saskatchewan’s agricultural sector. Areas of focus include digital agriculture hardware/software, smart farm equipment, animal health, agrifood supply chain, and agricultural marketplace and fintech.
The AgTech Growth Fund will be accepting Expressions of Interest until September 30, 2023.
For: Collaborators looking to implement AI solutions in the agri-food sector
Protein Industries Canada, one of Canada’s Global Innovation Clusters, has launched a call for project proposals which employ AI to improve food safety and quality assurance, assist in the creation and testing of product formulations, improve health outcomes, and reduce food waste within the agri-food sector as part of the Pan-Canadian AI Strategy.
EOIs will be accepted to Protein Industries Canada’s Artificial Intelligence program on a continuous basis, until funding has been fully committed.
For: Canadian organizations looking to lead collaborative projects
NSERC Alliance Grants support research projects led by collaborative teams, for projects running from 1-5 years, with up to $1 million in funding available. Recent updates to the cost sharing ratios now allow applicants to receive up to 66.7% of project costs for Option 1.