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By Émile Audet
December 8, 2025

What Can Riipen Level UP Fund?

Riipen's Level UP program offers Canadian employers a unique opportunity to leverage student talent for short-term projects. By providing fully subsidized internships, the program enables organizations to tackle business challenges with fresh perspectives from top-tier students. This article explores what types of expenses and activities can be funded through Level UP.

Program Funding Overview

Level UP is designed to support Canadian employers by subsidizing student internships. Each project involves a 60-hour commitment from students, fully funded by the program, allowing businesses to focus on project outcomes without financial strain. For more detailed funding information, please refer to the complete program guide.

Funding Amounts & Rates

Each completed project qualifies for a $1,400 stipend paid directly to the student by Riipen. This funding model ensures that businesses can access top student talent without incurring direct costs. The stipend is part of the Government of Canada's Innovative Work-Integrated Learning (I-WIL) Initiatives program.

Eligible Expenses

Level UP primarily covers the stipend for student interns, making it an attractive option for organizations looking to innovate without financial constraints. Eligible expenses include:

  • Student Stipends: Fully subsidized $1,400 per project.

  • Project Management: Costs associated with defining and managing projects.

  • Remote Collaboration Tools: Expenses related to software and tools necessary for virtual collaboration.

For a comprehensive list of eligible expenses, visit the complete program guide.

Ineligible Expenses

While Level UP provides significant support, certain costs are not covered by the program. These include:

  • Operational Overheads: General business expenses like rent and utilities.

  • Permanent Staff Salaries: Compensation for existing employees is not covered.

To ensure a full understanding of ineligible expenses, consult the complete program guide.

Expense Documentation Requirements

Organizations must maintain accurate records of project completion to ensure compliance. While Riipen handles the stipend distribution, businesses should document:

  • Project Milestones: Progress reports and completion confirmation.

  • Communication Records: Logs of interactions with student interns.

See the complete program guide for detailed documentation guidelines.

Examples of Funded Projects

Level UP supports a wide array of projects, from market research to digital marketing campaigns. Examples include:

  • Market Analysis: Students conduct research and present findings to enhance business strategies.

  • Social Media Campaigns: Creation and management of targeted online marketing efforts.

For more examples, explore the complete program guide.

Conclusion

Riipen's Level UP program provides a valuable opportunity for Canadian businesses to innovate and test-drive new talent. By funding student internships, the program reduces financial barriers and fosters collaboration between academia and industry. For organizations ready to engage with fresh talent, Level UP is a strategic investment in future growth. For detailed funding criteria and application steps, refer to the complete program guide.

About the author

Émile Audet - Canadian grants specialist

Émile Audet

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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