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Innovation Grants Available in Nova Scotia for 2026

Nova Scotia offers a robust mix of provincial, federal, and cluster funding to support R&D, commercialization, and digital adoption. Programs span ocean technology, clean technology, life sciences, ICT, and advanced manufacturing across Halifax, Cape Breton, and rural communities. This directory explains eligibility, amounts, timelines, and how to apply for innovation grants in the province.

72 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
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  • 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
  • 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
  • Get grants for innovation in Nova Scotia for your business

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

  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
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  • 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
  • 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
  • Turn funding opportunities for innovation in Nova Scotia into strong applications

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

  • 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
  • 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 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
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  • 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
  • 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
  • Need help applying for grants for innovation in Nova Scotia?

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

  • 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 — 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 — 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
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  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Find funding programs for innovation in Nova Scotia that fit your project

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

  • 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
  • Tali's Fund logo
    Partnering and CollaborationGrant and FundingOpen

    Tali's Fund — Research and Family Support

    Support for childhood brain cancer research and families
    Eligible Funding
    Varies by project
    Eligible Industries
    Health care and social assistance
    Types of eligible projects
    Innovation
    Legal Structure
    Non-profit
    Canada
  • Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) logo
    Grant and FundingLoans and Capital investmentsClosed

    ACOA — Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative

    Funding to recover Atlantic aerospace sector
    Eligible Funding
    Up to 100% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Manufacturing
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationArtificial Intelligence (AI)TechnologyEnvironment and ClimateHuman ResourcesInnovationDigital Transformation
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business, Public or Parapublic institution, Non-profit
    NB, NL, NS, PE, Canada
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  • Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture logo
    Researchers And FacilitiesPartnering and CollaborationGrant and FundingClosed

    Agricultural Research and Innovation Program

    Funding for agricultural research and on-farm innovation
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 50,000 $ · Up to 85% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
    Types of eligible projects
    Environment and ClimateInnovation
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business, Sole proprietorship, Public or Parapublic institution, Non-profit
    NS, Canada
  • Eligible Funding
    Varies by project
    Eligible Industries
    Manufacturing, Information and cultural industries, Professional, scientific and technical services, Educational services
    Types of eligible projects
    Innovation
    Legal Structure
    Non-profit, Public or Parapublic institution, For-profit business
    NB, NL, NS, PE, Canada
  • AtlanticOER – REL Atlantique (REL) logo
    Grant and FundingClosed

    AtlanticOER Development Grants

    Funding for open educational resource development
    Eligible Funding
    From $1,000 to $7,000
    Eligible Industries
    Educational services
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationArtificial Intelligence (AI)InnovationDigital Transformation
    NB, NL, NS, PE, Canada
  • Community Business Development Corporations (CBDC) logo
    Expert AdviceClosed

    CBDC Women in Business New Brunswick

    Advice for women entrepreneurs in New Brunswick
    Eligible Funding
    Varies by project
    Eligible Industries
    Retail trade, Professional, scientific and technical services, Arts, entertainment and recreation, Other services (except public administration)
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationTechnologyHuman ResourcesInnovation
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business, Sole proprietorship
    NS, Canada
  • Get grants for innovation in Nova Scotia for your business

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

  • Government of Nova Scotia logo
    Grant and FundingClosed

    Civil Forfeiture Grant Program

    Funding for crime prevention and victim support projects
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 50,000 $
    Eligible Industries
    Educational services, Health care and social assistance, Other services (except public administration), Public administration
    Types of eligible projects
    Innovation
    Legal Structure
    Non-profit
    NS, Canada
  • Government of Nova Scotia logo
    Grant and FundingClosed

    Community Economic Development Fund

    Funding for competitive community-led projects
    Eligible Funding
    Varies by project
    Eligible Industries
    All industries
    Types of eligible projects
    Innovation
    Legal Structure
    Non-profit, Public or Parapublic institution, Social economy enterprise
    NS, Canada
  • Government of Canada logo
    Grant and FundingClosed

    Critical Minerals Geoscience and Data Initiative

    Funding for critical minerals geoscience and data
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 500,000 $ · Up to 75% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction, Professional, scientific and technical services, Public administration
    Types of eligible projects
    Environment and ClimateInnovationDigital Transformation
    Legal Structure
    Public or Parapublic institution
    Halifax, Port Hope Simpson area, NS
  • CWB Welding Foundation (CWB) logo
    Partnering and CollaborationGrant and FundingClosed

    CWB Association Chapter Awards

    Co-funded support for welding education initiatives
    Eligible Funding
    From $500 to $2,500
    Eligible Industries
    Manufacturing, Educational services
    Types of eligible projects
    TechnologyInnovation
    Legal Structure
    Non-profit
    Canada
  • Invest Nova Scotia logo
    Partnering and CollaborationGrant and FundingClosed

    Early Stage Commercialization Fund (ESCF)

    Funding for early-stage research commercialization
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 50,000 $ · Up to 100% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Professional, scientific and technical services, Educational services, Health care and social assistance
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationTechnologyEnvironment and ClimateInnovation
    Legal Structure
    Public or Parapublic institution
    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.
  • Branch Out Neurological Foundation (BONF) logo
    Researchers And FacilitiesPartnering and CollaborationGrant and FundingClosed

    Graduate Grant

    Matched funding for NeuroCAM graduate research
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 22,000 $
    Eligible Industries
    Educational services, Health care and social assistance
    Types of eligible projects
    Innovation
    Alberta, NS, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Canada
  • Municipality of East Hants logo
    Grant and FundingClosed

    Major Special Events Grant Policy

    One-time support for major special events
    Eligible Funding
    Varies by project
    Eligible Industries
    Arts, entertainment and recreation
    Types of eligible projects
    Innovation
    Legal Structure
    Non-profit
    NS, Canada
  • Turn funding opportunities for innovation in Nova Scotia into strong applications

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

  • Eligible Funding
    Up to 15.000001% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Professional, scientific and technical services
    Types of eligible projects
    Innovation
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business
    NS, Canada
  • Perennia Food and Agriculture Corporation logo
    Grant and FundingClosed

    Nova Scotia Seafood and Agriculture Strategic Investment Fund

    Supports transformative, innovative projects in Nova Scotia's seafood and agriculture
    Eligible Funding
    From $500,000 to $1,125,000 · Up to 75% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, Manufacturing
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationTechnologyInnovation
    Legal Structure
    Sole proprietorship, For-profit business
    NS, Canada
  • Arts Nova Scotia logo
    Grant and FundingClosed

    Operate - Activate

    Operating support for arts organizations
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 25 $
    Eligible Industries
    All industries
    Types of eligible projects
    Innovation
    Legal Structure
    Non-profit
    NS, Canada
  • Platform

    Your AI grant expert.

    Meet Charles. An AI trained specifically for grants. Get instant answers to complex qualification questions.
  • Government of Canada logo
    Partnering and CollaborationGrant and FundingClosed

    Rediscover Main Streets

    Community funding for vibrant main streets
    Eligible Funding
    From $25,000 to $500,000 · Up to 100% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Arts, entertainment and recreation
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationInnovation
    Legal Structure
    Non-profit
    NB, NL, NS, PE, Canada
  • Need help applying for grants for innovation in Nova Scotia?

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

  • Eligible Funding
    From $5,000 to $100,000 · Up to 75% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    All industries
    Types of eligible projects
    TechnologyEnvironment and ClimateInnovationDigital Transformation
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business
    NS, Canada
  • Eligible Funding
    Varies by project
    Eligible Industries
    Utilities, Construction, Transportation and warehousing, Professional, scientific and technical services
    Types of eligible projects
    Environment and ClimateInnovation
    Legal Structure
    Non-profit, Public or Parapublic institution
    Halifax, NS, Canada

Frequently asked questions about innovation grants in Nova Scotia

Find clear answers about eligibility, matching requirements, timelines, stacking rules, and how to apply for Nova Scotia innovation grants in 2026.

How do I get R&D funding in Nova Scotia?

Start by mapping your project’s TRL, scope, and outcomes, then match them to programs like the Productivity and Innovation Voucher, the Innovation Rebate, IRAP, or Mitacs/NSERC. Prepare a budget with eligible costs and define milestones. helloDarwin can assess eligibility, structure stacking, and connect you with advisors to strengthen your application.

Which Nova Scotia grants cover equipment purchases?

Equipment and automation upgrades are commonly supported by the Innovation Rebate and, in some cases, by cluster or clean technology programs. Ensure your equipment aligns with productivity gains, quality improvements, energy efficiency, or GHG reductions. helloDarwin helps identify cost eligibility and match equipment funding with complementary grants.

Can startups access prototyping and market validation grants?

Yes. Early‑stage companies can use research vouchers, IRAP, and university‑industry programs to fund prototyping, testing, and customer discovery. Many also combine market validation and IP strategy support. helloDarwin guides startups to appropriate vouchers and matching funds.

What are typical matching and stacking rules?

Most grants are cost‑share with a required cash contribution; stacking across provincial and federal programs is allowed up to a public funding cap. Tax credits may count toward that cap. helloDarwin clarifies stacking scenarios and prepares compliant budgets.

How long do Nova Scotia innovation applications take?

Vouchers may approve within weeks, while major innovation funds can take several months including due diligence. Build a realistic schedule and consider phased milestones. helloDarwin helps plan timelines and documentation.

Can I combine IRAP with provincial vouchers?

Often yes, provided scopes are distinct and costs are not double‑counted. Keep clear statements of work and separate cost centers. helloDarwin reviews eligibility and ensures compliant stacking.

Are grants taxable for SMEs in Nova Scotia?

Grants can be considered assistance and may affect tax calculations or eligibility for credits. Track all contributions and consult a tax professional. helloDarwin structures project budgets to reflect assistance and reporting needs.

How do I apply for the Innovation Rebate?

Define the capital project, quantify productivity or GHG benefits, and prepare vendor quotes and timelines. Confirm eligibility, matching contributions, and procurement plans before submitting. helloDarwin assists with eligibility review and application preparation.

Where can I find grants for ocean robotics and COVE pilots?

Explore Ocean Supercluster calls, IRAP for R&D, research vouchers for testing, and regional programs that fund pilot and demonstration at maritime testbeds. COVE‑linked opportunities often support standards, certification, and market validation. helloDarwin maps relevant calls and timelines.

How can helloDarwin help my Nova Scotia grant strategy?

helloDarwin combines grant consulting with a SaaS platform to simplify discovery, eligibility checks, application planning, and project tracking. We specialize in non‑dilutive funding, stacking analysis, and aligning projects with programs like vouchers, rebates, IRAP, ACOA, CDAP, and cluster calls. This hybrid approach reduces complexity and accelerates funding outcomes.