The Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF)’s objective is to spur Canadian innovation through transformative projects in numerous sectors. The program offers funding to two project categories: Business Innovation and Growth, for projects led by individual companies, and Collaborations and Networks projects, for collaborations between SMEs, large corporations, research institutes, post-secondary institutions, or not-for-profit organizations.
SIF provides a minimum contribution of $10 million, for projects with a budget of at least $20 million. Generally, contributions are repayable, though non-repayable funding may be available for projects with significant benefits to Canadians that align with the strategic priorities. The priorities include clean technologies, critical minerals, biomanufacturing, aerospace, agri-food, and more.
Eligible costs are limited to non-recurring costs that are specifically related to the project, including:
Applicants to the Business Innovation and Growth Stream can either be a for-profit business or cooperative incorporated in Canada, or a partnership proposing to carry out business in Canada.
Lead applicants to the Collaborations and Networks stream can be either a for-profit or not-for-profit organization, incorporated in Canada.
SIF is a program launched in 2017 which offers continuous intake.
Find out more about the services we offer, what options are a good fit for your business, and where to begin on your funding journey.
