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By Ryan Remati-Paquette
December 8, 2025

Who Can Apply for the Global Innovation Clusters Program?

The Global Innovation Clusters program provides significant financial assistance for Canadian organizations aiming to engage in cutting-edge innovation projects. This initiative fosters collaboration among businesses, academic institutions, and not-for-profit organizations to advance innovation and economic growth within major industry sectors in Canada.

Overview of Eligibility for the Global Innovation Clusters

Eligibility for the Global Innovation Clusters program is broad yet specific to ensure impactful collaboration and innovation. This program is open to a variety of organizations, including:

  • Small and Large Companies: From startups to established corporations, businesses across various sectors can participate.

  • Academic Institutions: Universities and colleges that contribute research and development expertise are key partners.

  • Not-for-Profit Organizations: These entities help drive social innovation and community engagement.

  • Accelerators and Incubators: Organizations that support new ventures and innovation are essential components.

To determine if your organization qualifies, consult the complete program guide for detailed eligibility requirements.

Industry and Sector Focus

The program prioritizes sectors that are pivotal to Canada's economic future, including:

  • Digital Technologies

  • Plant Proteins

  • Advanced Manufacturing

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Supply Chains

  • Oceans

These focus areas are designed to enhance Canada's competitive edge in global markets. For more information on sector-specific eligibility criteria, see the complete program guide.

Geographic and Organizational Requirements

While the program is national, the emphasis is on collaboration across Canada’s diverse regions. Organizations must demonstrate how their projects will benefit the Canadian economy and contribute to regional and national innovation ecosystems.

Special Considerations

Certain projects may have unique eligibility criteria based on their scale and scope. Organizations interested in multi-partner projects or those involving cross-border collaborations should refer to the complete program guide for more detailed guidance.

Conclusion

The Global Innovation Clusters program offers a remarkable opportunity for organizations to contribute to Canada’s innovation landscape. By fostering strategic partnerships and leveraging combined expertise, participants can achieve groundbreaking advancements. For complete eligibility details and to explore how your organization can apply, consult 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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