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: Collaborators looking to implement technology solutions for Canada’s plant-based ecosystem
Protein Industries Canada, one of Canada’s Global Innovation Clusters, has launched a call for project proposals which invest in technology projects in the plant-based value chain, specifically in the following priority areas: genetics, crops, ingredients, and products. The Technology Leadership Program aims to expand the plant-based protein industry while increasing sustainability in the agricultural and food processing sectors.
Expressions of Interest to Protein Industries Canada’s Technology Leadership Program will be accepted until January 16, 2025.
For: Canadian businesses looking to scale energy storage solutions in BC
The B.C. Centre for Innovation and Clean Energy (CICE) funds the commercial development and scaleup of B.C.-based clean energy solutions. Through the $3-million Energy Storage program, companies can receive support for energy storage solutions, microgrids, flexible generation, load, and grid management, and integrated energy systems and sensing technologies.
Expressions of Interest to CICE’s Energy Storage Innovation will be accepted until February 28, 2025.
For: Canadian companies looking to improve defence against aerospace and maritime threats
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, NORAD Modernization S&T contest, will focus on projects which improve defences against aerospace and maritime threats through quantum technologies, autonomous technologies, counter uncrewed aerial systems, Arctic mobility, and scalable, energy-efficient power solutions.
Applications to NORAD Modernization S&T contest will be accepted until February 6, 2025.
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. Delivered through CRIBQ, projects which develop or improve a product or process related to the use of AI, encourage collaboration, and support AI adoption may be funded by the program. Up to $1.5 million in grants can be accessed through the program.
Applications to Partenar-IA (Enterprises) for 2024-25 will be accepted until April 15, 2025.
For: Small Canadian companies looking to provide skills development and work opportunities for youth
Canada Summer Jobs is an initiative under the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy that provides funding to help employers create summer job opportunities to allow Canadian youth between the ages of 15-30 to transition into the labour market. Through the program, employers with 50 or fewer employees can receive funding for placements which take place between April 21, 2025, and August 30, 2025.
Applications for the 2025 term of Canada Summer Jobs are due by December 19, 2024.
For: Yukon-based production companies looking to develop film, television, or digital media projects
Yukon’s Predevelopment Fund provides supports to film and television producers in developing new projects. Eligible applicants must be developing professional film, television, or digital media projects with economic benefits to Yukon. Up to 75% of predevelopment expenses can be covered through the program.
Applications for the Yukon Predevelopment Fund 2025-26 fiscal year are due by May 13, 2025.
For: Employers looking to employ and train First Nations and Inuit youth
The First Nations and Inuit Summer Work Experience Program provides support for skills development and employment opportunities for First Nations and Inuit secondary post-secondary students. Up to 50% of training and employment costs can be covered through the program, for youth between the ages of 15-30.
Applications to First Nations and Inuit Summer Work Experience Program are due by March 7, 2025.
For: Employers in Ontario looking to build and upgrade facilities for skills development
The Skills Development Fund (SDF) Capital Stream provides support for capital technical planning costs and upgrades/construction of training centres for skilled trades and other jobs in healthcare, information technologies, and more. Through the SEED and GROW pathways, the program aims to support skills development capacity in sectors facing challenges with employee recruitment. Ontario-based companies can receive up to 49%-70% of costs for planning and construction activities.
Applications to the SDF Capital Stream are now open and will be accepted on a rolling basis.
For: Bioeconomy companies looking to employ post-secondary students
Biotalent Canada’s Student Work Placement Program (SWPP) is a wage subsidy which provides funding to employ post-secondary students in the biotechnology and healthcare sectors. The program aims to provide on-the-job experience for students, resulting in new talent creation with benefits to employers in supporting current and future projects. Up to 50-70% of student salaries may be covered through the program, for placements occurring between December 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025.
Applications for the Winter 2025 term of Biotalent Canada SWPP are due by February 28, 2025.
For: Quebec-based businesses looking to collaborate with public research institutions on life science projects
Through the biopharmaceutical research consortium CQDM, SynergiQC provides support for collaborative research projects in the life sciences sector. Public research institutions partnering with businesses in Quebec have the opportunity to receive funding of up to $1.5 million for R&D projects.
Applications to the next selection round of SynergiQC are due by February 25, 2025.
For: Canadian organizations looking to participate in collaborative technology transfer projects
Idea to Innovation (I2I) grants provide funding for R&D projects with the potential for technology transfer from universities and colleges to Canadian companies. Researchers can receive grants through the program, to collaborate with other organizations including private sector companies.
Applications to the next intake of Idea to Innovation are due by January 8, 2025.
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.