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By Ryan Remati-Paquette
December 8, 2025

What Can Global Innovation Clusters Fund? Comprehensive Overview

The Global Innovation Clusters program provides substantial financial support to projects that foster collaboration and innovation within key Canadian industries. This initiative, which focuses on areas such as digital technologies, plant proteins, advanced manufacturing, and artificial intelligence, aims to enhance Canada's economic landscape by supporting projects that drive industry-wide advancements.

Overview of Funding Scope

The funding provided by the Global Innovation Clusters is designed to support collaborative innovation projects. These projects typically involve partnerships between businesses, academic institutions, and non-profit organizations, all working together to address industry challenges and create new opportunities. For full eligibility details, consult the complete program guide.

Eligible Expenses

Global Innovation Clusters funding can cover a wide range of expenses related to innovation projects. Eligible expenses generally include:

  • Salaries and Wages: Compensation for employees directly involved in the project.

  • Equipment Costs: Purchase or lease of equipment necessary for project execution.

  • Consulting Fees: Costs associated with hiring external experts for project-related services.

  • Research and Development: Expenses related to R&D activities that advance the project's objectives.

These categories are not exhaustive. For a detailed list of eligible expenses, refer to the complete program guide.

Ineligible Expenses

While the program supports a broad array of costs, certain expenses are not covered. Typically excluded are general operating expenses, costs unrelated to the innovation objectives, and expenses incurred outside the project's timeline. More information on ineligible expenses is available in the complete program guide.

Funding Amounts and Rates

The funding provided is typically contingent upon a dollar-for-dollar match from the industry, meaning that every dollar provided by the program is matched by industry investment. This co-investment approach ensures both government and private sector commitment. For current funding rates and calculations, visit the complete program guide.

Examples of Funded Projects

Projects that receive funding through the Global Innovation Clusters often involve collaborative efforts that push the boundaries of what's possible in their respective fields. Examples include:

  • Development of advanced manufacturing processes that reduce waste and increase efficiency.

  • Collaborative research into plant-based proteins to create sustainable food sources.

  • Implementation of AI technologies to optimize supply chain management.

These examples illustrate the program's broad capacity to support transformative projects. For more project examples, see the complete program guide.

Conclusion

The Global Innovation Clusters program is a vital resource for Canadian organizations aiming to innovate and collaborate on a large scale. By understanding what expenses are eligible and how the funding works, organizations can better plan their projects to leverage this support effectively. For detailed funding information and guidelines, always refer to the complete program guide.

About the author

Ryan Remati-Paquette - Canadian grants specialist

Ryan Remati-Paquette

Canadian grants specialist
Working at helloDarwin for some time now, I'm in charge of providing you with the information you need on government aid. Dedicated to helping companies in Quebec and Canada reach their full potential, I write on the helloDarwin blog about the various programs, allowances and funding available to enable organizations to make their digital transformation through access to federal and provincial support.

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