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Innovation Grants in Atlantic Canada for 2026

Across Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador, organizations can access innovation grants that support R&D, pilots, and market entry. Funding spans federal programs like ACOA, NRC IRAP, and NSERC, plus provincial streams tailored to local sectors such as ocean tech, agri-food, ICT/AI, life sciences, and clean tech. This directory explains the landscape, eligibility, and application steps so you can select the right programs and build a successful plan.

166 programs
  • Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) logo
    Grant and FundingOpen

    Innovative Communities Fund (ICF)

    Supports economic development projects in Atlantic Canadian communities
    Eligible Funding
    Varies by project
    Types of eligible projects
    Innovation
    Legal Structure
    Non-profit, Public or Parapublic institution, Non-financial cooperative
    Timeline
    Open Date : February 3, 2026
    NB, NL, NS, PE, Canada
  • Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council logo
    Other SupportGrant and FundingOpen

    Accessibility Support Fund

    Accessibility support for ArtsNL applicants
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 500 $
    Eligible Industries
    Arts, entertainment and recreation
    Types of eligible projects
    InnovationDigital Transformation
    NL, Canada
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  • Innovation PEI (PEI) logo
    Tax CreditsOpen

    Advanced Marine Technology Tax Rebate

    Tax rebate for advanced marine technology companies
    Eligible Funding
    Varies by project
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationInnovation
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business
    Timeline
    Open Date : July 3, 2015
    PE, Canada
  • Get grants for innovation in Atlantic Canada for your business

    Tell us about your business and project so we can identify relevant funding programs and practical next steps.

  • Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 100,000 $ · Up to 50% of project cost
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationTechnologyEnvironment and ClimateHuman ResourcesInnovation
    Legal Structure
    Non-profit, Public or Parapublic institution, Non-financial cooperative
    Timeline
    Open Date : July 9, 2024
    NB, NL, NS, PE, Canada
  • Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 80 $ · Up to 75% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationTechnologyEnvironment and ClimateInnovation
    Legal Structure
    Non-profit, Sole proprietorship, Public or Parapublic institution, For-profit business
    PE, Canada
  • Eligible Funding
    Varies by project
    Types of eligible projects
    TechnologyEnvironment and ClimateInnovation
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business, Non-profit, Public or Parapublic institution
    Timeline
    Open Date : April 1, 2026 · Closing date : March 31, 2028
    PE, Canada
  • Eligible Funding
    Varies by project
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
    Types of eligible projects
    TechnologyEnvironment and ClimateInnovation
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business, Non-profit, Public or Parapublic institution
    PE, Canada
  • Government of New Brunswick logo
    Grant and FundingOpen

    Anaerobic Digestor Feasibility Studies Funding Program

    Funding for anaerobic digestor feasibility studies
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 300,000 $ · Up to 95% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Public administration
    Types of eligible projects
    TechnologyEnvironment and ClimateInnovation
    Legal Structure
    Non-profit, Public or Parapublic institution
    NB, Canada
  • Platform

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  • Invest Nova Scotia logo
    Researchers And FacilitiesPartnering and CollaborationGrant and FundingOpen

    AscendBio

    Scale industrial biotech and agritech in Canada
    Eligible Funding
    Varies by project
    Eligible Industries
    Manufacturing, Professional, scientific and technical services
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationInnovation
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business
    Cape Breton, NS, Canada
  • Eligible Funding
    Up to 70% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, Manufacturing, Professional, scientific and technical services, Educational services
    Types of eligible projects
    Innovation
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business, Non-profit, Public or Parapublic institution, Sole proprietorship
    NB, NL, NS, PE, Canada
  • Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) logo
    Grant and FundingOpen

    Atlantic Fisheries Fund — Infrastructure

    Support for Atlantic fisheries projects
    Eligible Funding
    Up to 80% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    All industries
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationTechnologyInnovation
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business, Non-profit, Public or Parapublic institution
    NB, NL, NS, PE, Canada
  • Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) logo
    Grant and FundingOpen

    Atlantic Fisheries Fund — Innovation

    Supports innovation, infrastructure, and science partnerships in Atlantic fisheries
    Eligible Funding
    Varies by project
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, Manufacturing, Professional, scientific and technical services
    Types of eligible projects
    Environment and ClimateInnovation
    Legal Structure
    Non-profit, Public or Parapublic institution, For-profit business
    NB, NL, NS, PE, Canada
  • Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) logo
    Grant and FundingOpen

    Atlantic Fisheries Fund — Science Partnerships

    Helps Canada’s fish and seafood sector transition
    Eligible Funding
    Up to 70% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    All industries
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationTechnologyInnovation
    Legal Structure
    Non-profit, Public or Parapublic institution, For-profit business
    NB, NL, NS, PE, Canada
  • Turn funding opportunities for innovation in Atlantic Canada into strong applications

    Build a clearer funding plan and prepare stronger applications with guidance from our funding team.

  • Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) logo
    Tax CreditsOpen

    Atlantic Investment Tax Credit

    Tax relief for Atlantic investments
    Eligible Funding
    Up to 10% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction, Utilities, Manufacturing
    Types of eligible projects
    Construction and Renovation Innovation
    Legal Structure
    Sole proprietorship, For-profit business
    Canada
  • Rogers logo
    Grant and FundingOpen

    bourses d'études ted rogers

    Support for technology students at partner universities
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 100,000 $
    Eligible Industries
    Educational services
    Types of eligible projects
    InnovationDigital Transformation
    Canada
  • Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) logo
    Grant and FundingLoans and Capital investmentsOpen

    Business Development Program (BDP)

    Financial support for business growth in Atlantic Canada
    Eligible Funding
    Up to 75% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Manufacturing, Retail trade, Other services (except public administration)
    Types of eligible projects
    TechnologyEnvironment and ClimateConstruction and Renovation Innovation
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business
    NB, NL, NS, PE, Canada
  • Government of Newfoundland and Labrador (CBDC) logo
    Loans and Capital investmentsOpen

    Business Investment Program — Equity Investment

    Equity funding for business improvement in Newfoundland and Labrador
    Eligible Funding
    Varies by project
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction, Manufacturing, Information and cultural industries
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationTechnologyEnvironment and ClimateInnovation
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business
    NL, Canada
  • Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 25,000 $ · Up to 80% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationTechnologyHuman ResourcesInnovation
    Legal Structure
    Non-profit, Sole proprietorship, Public or Parapublic institution, For-profit business
    NB, Canada
  • Platform

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  • Holland College logo
    Expert AdviceOpen

    Canada's Smartest Kitchen

    Custom food innovation services
    Eligible Funding
    Varies by project
    Eligible Industries
    Manufacturing, Accommodation and food services
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationInnovation
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business, Sole proprietorship
    PE, Canada
  • City of Fredericton logo
    Grant and FundingOpen

    Community Funding Grants

    Supports Fredericton nonprofits
    Eligible Funding
    Varies by project
    Eligible Industries
    All industries
    Types of eligible projects
    Innovation
    Legal Structure
    Non-profit
    Fredericton, NB, Canada
  • Need help applying for grants for innovation in Atlantic Canada?

    Get guidance to assess program fit, required documents, and the steps involved in applying.

  • Government of New Brunswick logo
    Grant and FundingOpen

    Crop and Livestock Sector Development (CLSD)

    Supports crop and livestock growth through cooperative machinery and development projects
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 150,000 $ · Up to 70% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
    Types of eligible projects
    Environment and ClimateInnovation
    Legal Structure
    Financial cooperative, Non-financial cooperative, For-profit business
    NB, Canada
  • Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 350,000 $ · Up to 75% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
    Types of eligible projects
    TechnologyEnvironment and ClimateInnovation
    Legal Structure
    Sole proprietorship, For-profit business, Non-profit, Social economy enterprise
    NS, Canada
  • Platform

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  • LearnSphere logo
    Grant and FundingExpert AdviceOpen

    EMAP/EforE PEI

    Support for PEI SMEs expanding export marketing
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 15,000 $ · Up to 65% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Manufacturing, Wholesale trade, Professional, scientific and technical services
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationTechnologyConstruction and Renovation InnovationDigital Transformation
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business
    PE, Canada
  • New Brunswick Innovation Foundation (NBIF) logo
    Grant and FundingOpen

    Emerging Projects Fund

    Seed funding for early-stage innovation research
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 25,000 $ · Up to 50% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Professional, scientific and technical services
    Types of eligible projects
    Innovation
    Legal Structure
    Non-profit
    NB, Canada
  • Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 90,000 $ · Up to 35% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
    Types of eligible projects
    TechnologyEnvironment and ClimateInnovation
    Legal Structure
    Non-profit, Sole proprietorship, Public or Parapublic institution, For-profit business
    NB, Canada
  • Government of Prince Edward Island (PEI) logo
    Grant and FundingOpen

    Equity Investors Incentive

    Funds for PEI businesses to attract investors
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 200,000 $ · Up to 20% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Manufacturing, Information and cultural industries, Professional, scientific and technical services, Arts, entertainment and recreation
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationTechnologyInnovation
    PE, Canada
  • Find funding programs for innovation in Atlantic Canada that fit your project

    Share your project context to review funding options that may match your goals.

  • Efficiency Nova Scotia logo
    Grant and FundingOpen

    Fisheries and Aquaculture Energy Efficiency Innovation Fund (FAEEIF)

    Provincial funding for sustainable energy-efficient fisheries practices
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 250,000 $ · Up to 80% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
    Types of eligible projects
    Environment and ClimateInnovation
    Legal Structure
    Sole proprietorship, For-profit business
    NS, Canada
  • Perennia Food and Agriculture Corporation logo
    Grant and FundingExpert AdviceOpen

    Food Ventures Program

    Supports Nova Scotia food businesses with quality and safety services
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 10,000 $ · Up to 75% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, Manufacturing, Accommodation and food services
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationInnovation
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business, Sole proprietorship
    NS, Canada
  • NunatuKavut Community Council (NCC) logo
    Grant and FundingOpen

    George Roberts Community Grant Program

    Community funding for culture and well-being initiatives
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 4,000 $
    Eligible Industries
    Arts, entertainment and recreation, Other services (except public administration), Public administration
    Types of eligible projects
    Innovation
    Legal Structure
    Non-profit
    NL, Canada
  • Platform

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  • GoodLife Kids Foundation logo
    Grant and FundingOpen

    GoodLife Kids Foundation - MOVE Program

    Free fitness program for youth with disabilities
    Eligible Funding
    Varies by project
    Eligible Industries
    Health care and social assistance, Arts, entertainment and recreation
    Types of eligible projects
    Innovation
    Legal Structure
    Non-profit
    Alberta, NS, Ontario, Canada
  • Government of Nova Scotia logo
    Wage Subsidies And InternsOpen

    Graduate to Opportunity (GTO) Program

    Subsidy for Nova Scotia graduate salaries
    Eligible Funding
    Up to 25% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    All industries
    Types of eligible projects
    Innovation
    Legal Structure
    Non-profit, Public or Parapublic institution, Social economy enterprise, For-profit business
    NS, Canada
  • Community Business Development Corporations (CBDC) logo
    Other SupportGrant and FundingWage Subsidies And InternsOpen

    Hire for Talent

    National resources for inclusive hiring
    Eligible Funding
    Varies by project
    Eligible Industries
    All industries
    Types of eligible projects
    TechnologyHuman ResourcesInnovation
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business
    NS, Canada
  • Government of Prince Edward Island (PEI) logo
    Partnering and CollaborationGrant and FundingExpert AdviceOpen

    Horticulture Diversification Program

    Supports horticultural producers to expand and diversify production
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 75,000 $ · Up to 50% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    All industries
    Types of eligible projects
    TechnologyEnvironment and ClimateInnovation
    Legal Structure
    Sole proprietorship, For-profit business
    PE, Canada
  • Get grants for innovation in Atlantic Canada for your business

    Tell us about your business and project so we can identify relevant funding programs and practical next steps.

  • Eligible Funding
    Varies by project
    Eligible Industries
    Manufacturing, Information and cultural industries, Professional, scientific and technical services, Health care and social assistance
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationTechnologyInnovationDigital Transformation
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business
    NB, Canada
  • Government of Nova Scotia logo
    Grant and FundingOpen

    Innovation Rebate Program

    Funding for Nova Scotia SMEs
    Eligible Funding
    From $350,000 to $3,750,000 · Up to 25% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Manufacturing
    Types of eligible projects
    Environment and ClimateInnovation
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business
    NS, Canada
  • Platform

    Discovery at scale.

    Filter thousands of active funding opportunities with granular precision. Our explorer instantly matches your company profile with regional and national credits.
  • Government of Nova Scotia logo
    Loans and Capital investmentsOpen

    Invest Nova Scotia — Investment

    Early stage investment for Nova Scotia innovators
    Eligible Funding
    Up to 25% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Information and cultural industries, Finance and insurance, Professional, scientific and technical services
    Types of eligible projects
    TechnologyInnovation
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business
    NS, Canada
  • Government of Nova Scotia logo
    Grant and FundingOpen

    Invest Nova Scotia — Payroll Rebate

    Performance-based support for growing Nova Scotia companies
    Eligible Funding
    Up to 10% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Information and cultural industries, Finance and insurance, Public administration
    Types of eligible projects
    TechnologyBusiness BuyoutInnovation
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business
    NS, Canada
  • Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 75,000 $ · Up to 50% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, Manufacturing
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationTechnologyEnvironment and ClimateInnovation
    Legal Structure
    Non-profit, Sole proprietorship, Public or Parapublic institution, For-profit business
    PE, Canada
  • Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 75,000 $ · Up to 50% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
    Types of eligible projects
    Environment and ClimateInnovation
    Legal Structure
    Non-profit, Sole proprietorship, Public or Parapublic institution, For-profit business
    PE, Canada
  • Turn funding opportunities for innovation in Atlantic Canada into strong applications

    Build a clearer funding plan and prepare stronger applications with guidance from our funding team.

  • Breast Cancer Support Fund (BCSF) logo
    Other SupportGrant and FundingOpen

    Meal Support Program

    No-cost meal support for breast cancer patients
    Eligible Funding
    Varies by project
    Eligible Industries
    Health care and social assistance
    Types of eligible projects
    Innovation
    Legal Structure
    Non-profit
    Canada
  • Music PEI logo
    Grant and FundingOpen

    Music PEI Funding Program

    Development support for PEI music companies
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 8,000 $ · Up to 80% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Arts, entertainment and recreation
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationInnovationDigital Transformation
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business, Sole proprietorship
    PE, Canada
  • Platform

    Your AI grant expert.

    Meet Charles. An AI trained specifically for grants. Get instant answers to complex qualification questions.
  • New Brunswick Innovation Foundation (NBIF) logo
    Researchers And FacilitiesGrant and FundingOpen

    NBIF Innovation Voucher

    Funding for R&D at a New Brunswick research institution
    Eligible Funding
    From $10,000 to $80,000 · Up to 80% of project cost
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationTechnologyInnovation
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business
    Timeline
    Open Date : August 9, 2023
    NB, Canada
  • New Brunswick Innovation Foundation (NBIF) logo
    Other SupportPartnering and CollaborationLoans and Capital investmentsOpen

    NBIF Startup Investment Fund

    Pre-seed investment for New Brunswick startups
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 200,000 $
    Eligible Industries
    Information and cultural industries, Professional, scientific and technical services
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationTechnologyInnovation
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business
    NB, Canada
  • Need help applying for grants for innovation in Atlantic Canada?

    Get guidance to assess program fit, required documents, and the steps involved in applying.

  • Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 750,000 $ · Up to 50% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Manufacturing, Information and cultural industries, Professional, scientific and technical services, Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationTechnologyInnovationDigital Transformation
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business, Financial cooperative, Non-profit, Sole proprietorship, Public or Parapublic institution, Non-financial cooperative
    NL, Canada
  • Platform

    Never miss an opportunity.

    Funding cycles open and close within days. Our real-time engine monitors policy changes and alerts you as soon as a new matching opportunity appears.
  • Government of Nova Scotia logo
    Grant and FundingOpen

    Nova Scotia Mineral Resources Development Fund

    Advanced mineral development support in Nova Scotia
    Eligible Funding
    From $15,000 to $525,000 · Up to 80% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
    Types of eligible projects
    Innovation
    Legal Structure
    Public or Parapublic institution, For-profit business
    NS, Canada
  • National Research Council Canada (NRC) logo
    Researchers And FacilitiesOpen

    NRC — Ice Tank - 90 m Research Facility

    Ice tank facility in St. John's, Newfoundland
    Eligible Funding
    Varies by project
    Eligible Industries
    Manufacturing, Transportation and warehousing, Professional, scientific and technical services
    Types of eligible projects
    Construction and Renovation Innovation
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business
    NL, Canada
  • National Research Council Canada (NRC) logo
    Researchers And FacilitiesOpen

    NRC — Marine research station

    Marine research facility in Ketch Harbour, Nova Scotia
    Eligible Funding
    Varies by project
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, Manufacturing, Professional, scientific and technical services
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationTechnologyEnvironment and ClimateInnovation
    Legal Structure
    Non-profit, Public or Parapublic institution, For-profit business
    NS, Canada
  • National Research Council Canada (NRC) logo
    Researchers And FacilitiesPartnering and CollaborationOpen

    NRC — Ocean, Coastal and River Engineering Research Centre

    Collaborate on ocean, coastal and river engineering R&D
    Eligible Funding
    Varies by project
    Eligible Industries
    Construction, Transportation and warehousing, Professional, scientific and technical services
    Types of eligible projects
    Artificial Intelligence (AI)TechnologyEnvironment and ClimateInnovation
    NL, Canada
  • Find funding programs for innovation in Atlantic Canada that fit your project

    Share your project context to review funding options that may match your goals.

  • National Research Council Canada (NRC) logo
    Researchers And FacilitiesPartnering and CollaborationOpen

    NRC — Zebrafish research facility

    Industry testing with zebrafish models
    Eligible Funding
    Varies by project
    Eligible Industries
    Manufacturing, Professional, scientific and technical services, Health care and social assistance
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationTechnologyInnovation
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business
    Halifax, NS, Canada
  • Arts Nova Scotia logo
    Grant and FundingOpen

    Operate - Sustain

    Sustains established arts organizations in Nova Scotia
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 550,000 $ · Up to 25% of project cost
    Types of eligible projects
    InnovationDigital Transformation
    Legal Structure
    Non-profit
    Timeline
    Closing date : March 15, 2028
    NS, Canada
  • NB Power logo
    Grant and FundingOpen

    Peak Rebate Program

    Business incentive for reducing energy use during winter peaks
    Eligible Funding
    Up to 10% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    All industries
    Types of eligible projects
    TechnologyEnvironment and ClimateHuman ResourcesInnovation
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business
    NB, Canada
  • Government of Prince Edward Island (PEI) logo
    Grant and FundingOpen

    PEI - Export Trade Assistance

    Funding to explore new global opportunities in PEI
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 3,000 $ · Up to 75% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Manufacturing, Information and cultural industries, Professional, scientific and technical services, Arts, entertainment and recreation
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationTechnologyInnovation
    Legal Structure
    Sole proprietorship, For-profit business
    PE, Canada
  • Platform

    Data-driven strategy.

    Leverage historical data to predict your likelihood of success. See how you compare against industry benchmarks and optimize your capital structure.
  • Eligible Funding
    Varies by project
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationTechnologyEnvironment and ClimateInnovation
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business, Non-profit, Public or Parapublic institution
    PE, Canada
  • Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 10,000 $ · Up to 25% of project cost
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationInnovation
    Legal Structure
    Non-profit, Public or Parapublic institution, Non-financial cooperative
    Timeline
    Open Date : February 3, 2026
    NL, Canada
  • Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) logo
    Grant and FundingLoans and Capital investmentsOpen

    Regional Economic Growth through Innovation — Regional Innovation Ecosystems — ACOA

    Support for business growth and innovation
    Eligible Funding
    Varies by project
    Eligible Industries
    All industries
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationTechnologyInnovation
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business, Sole proprietorship, Social economy enterprise, Non-financial cooperative, Non-profit, Public or Parapublic institution
    NB, NL, NS, PE, Canada
  • Get grants for innovation in Atlantic Canada for your business

    Tell us about your business and project so we can identify relevant funding programs and practical next steps.

  • River Philip Foundation logo
    Researchers And FacilitiesPartnering and CollaborationGrant and FundingOpen

    River Philip Foundation — General Funding

    Funding for community, education, arts, youth and research
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 1,000,000 $
    Eligible Industries
    Educational services, Health care and social assistance, Arts, entertainment and recreation
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationConstruction and Renovation Innovation
    NS, Canada
  • Perennia Food and Agriculture Corporation logo
    Grant and FundingOpen

    Seafood Accelerator Program

    Funding for Nova Scotia seafood businesses
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 15,000 $ · Up to 50% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Manufacturing, Wholesale trade, Retail trade, Professional, scientific and technical services
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationInnovation
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business
    NS, Canada
  • Perennia Food and Agriculture Corporation logo
    Grant and FundingOpen

    Seafood Expansion and Market Access Program (SeaMArk)

    Supports Nova Scotia seafood businesses in expanding market access
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 99,900 $ · Up to 80% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, Manufacturing
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationTechnologyHuman ResourcesInnovationDigital Transformation
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business, Financial cooperative, Sole proprietorship, Non-financial cooperative
    NS, Canada
  • Platform

    Discovery at scale.

    Filter thousands of active funding opportunities with granular precision. Our explorer instantly matches your company profile with regional and national credits.
  • New Brunswick Innovation Foundation (NBIF) logo
    Grant and FundingOpen

    Social Innovation Research Fund

    Support for socially innovative research with community impact
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 50,000 $ · Up to 66% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Professional, scientific and technical services, Educational services, Health care and social assistance, Other services (except public administration)
    Types of eligible projects
    Innovation
    Legal Structure
    Non-profit
    NB, Canada
  • Startup Zone logo
    Other SupportExpert AdviceOpen

    Startup Zone Accelerator Program

    Training to help you build your PEI start-up
    Eligible Funding
    Varies by project
    Eligible Industries
    All industries
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationTechnologyHuman ResourcesInnovation
    Legal Structure
    Non-profit, Sole proprietorship, Public or Parapublic institution, For-profit business
    PE, Canada

Frequently asked questions about innovation grants in Atlantic Canada

Concise answers to common questions about Atlantic Canada innovation funding, eligibility, stacking, and application steps in 2026.

How do I apply for innovation grants in Atlantic Canada?

Start by defining the project scope, TRL, and commercialization plan, then map programs such as ACOA (REGI/AIF), NRC IRAP Atlantic, NSERC Alliance, Mitacs, and provincial streams. Prepare a budget with matching funds and letters of support. helloDarwin can guide eligibility checks, program selection, and proposal writing through its expert‑plus‑SaaS approach.

Which programs fund prototyping and pilots in Atlantic provinces?

NRC IRAP Atlantic frequently funds proof of concept and prototyping for SMEs. ACOA and provincial programs (Invest Nova Scotia, Opportunities New Brunswick, Innovation PEI, GovNL) support pilots and commercialization. Clusters like the Ocean Supercluster and Springboard Atlantic can complement with collaboration funding.

Can I stack ACOA funding with IRAP or provincial grants?

Grant stacking is sometimes permitted but capped. Verify each program’s maximum contribution and eligible cost rules, and reflect this in your contribution agreement. helloDarwin helps structure compliant budgets and stacking strategies.

What documents strengthen an Atlantic Innovation Fund (AIF) application?

Provide a commercialization roadmap, technical plan, budget with matching funds, IP strategy, risk register, and letters of support from customers, partners, and research institutions. Clear outcomes on regional economic impact and job creation are helpful.

Are startups without revenue eligible for innovation grants in Nova Scotia or PEI?

Early‑stage startups can be eligible if they demonstrate innovation, qualified talent, and a credible market path. Programs may require cost‑share and milestones. Pairing vouchers, IRAP advisory support, and Mitacs interns can strengthen readiness.

How do digital adoption and automation grants work in Atlantic Canada?

Digital adoption grants (CDAP Atlantic) fund planning and initial implementation, while productivity and automation grants support equipment integration and process upgrades. Align with export goals and workforce training for maximum impact.

What is the role of universities and colleges in grant‑funded projects?

Atlantic universities (Dalhousie, UNB, UPEI, MUN) and colleges (e.g., NBCC) provide labs, talent, and expertise for NSERC Alliance or Mitacs collaborations. They also help with testing, data collection, and IP strategy linked to commercialization vouchers.

How can helloDarwin help with IRAP, ACOA, and provincial applications?

helloDarwin simplifies discovery, eligibility checks, and proposal assembly by combining specialized advisors with a SaaS platform for tracking, documentation, and timelines. This hybrid model improves compliance, speeds intake readiness, and clarifies stacking with SR&ED.

Which sectors in Atlantic Canada see the best fit for innovation grants?

Strong alignment exists in ocean tech and the blue economy, clean tech and energy, agri‑food and aquaculture, ICT/AI and cybersecurity, life sciences, and advanced manufacturing. City ecosystems—Halifax, Moncton/Fredericton/Saint John, Charlottetown/Summerside, St. John’s/Corner Brook—offer targeted supports.

What are common pitfalls when budgeting for grants?

Underestimating match funding, overlooking ineligible costs, and misaligning timelines with reimbursement cycles are common issues. Maintain cash reserves, confirm stackability rules early, and align SR&ED claims with grant reporting to avoid double‑counting.