Closed
Source verified July 8, 2026
Arctic and Northern Challenge program
Northern research and innovation collaboration initiative
Funding available
$ 150,000
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Canada
Who can apply
Provincial, territorial, regional and municipal government ministries and agencies.
See full eligibility
Overview
The Arctic and Northern Challenge program offers up to $150,000 per year for each project to eligible Indigenous beneficiaries, governments, universities, non-profits, and SMEs in Inuit Nunangat, Yukon, and the Northwest Territories. It supports collaborative research to improve daily life through technology and innovation.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Increase social or community impact
- Develop a new product or service
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 150,000 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- 500 employees maximum
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Collaborative R&D and prototyping to support the adoption or adaptation of new or improved innovative or technology-oriented products, services, or processes in Canada.
- Housing research and technology development to improve the adequacy, suitability and affordability of Northern homes.
- Health research and technology development to improve the accessibility, comprehensiveness and appropriateness of Northern health resources.
- Food research and technology development to improve the accessibility, availability and quality of Northern food resources.
- Water research and technology development to improve the availability, accessibility and quality of Northern water resources.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Provincial, territorial, regional and municipal government ministries and agencies.
- Indigenous beneficiaries, including governments, representative organizations and groups.
- Universities.
- Non-profit organizations.
- Small and medium-sized enterprises with 500 employees or fewer.
Eligible expenses
- Acquisition and commissioning of equipment necessary for collaborative R&D projects.
- Equipment needed for research in fundamental areas.
Eligible geographic areas
- Inuit Nunangat
- Yukon
- The Northwest Territories
Selection criteria
- Technical reviewers assess the scientific aspects of each proposal.
- Regional review committees consider a wide range of factors.
- Regional committees provide a consensus ranking of proposals.
How to apply
- Email NRC.Arctic_Northern-Arctique_Nord.CNRC@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca to request a copy of the documents needed to submit an application.
Processing and Agreement
- Technical reviewers assess the scientific aspects of each proposal.
- Regional, territory-focused review committees then evaluate the proposals and provide a consensus ranking to the NRC.
- Accepted applicants must submit a semi-annual report to the NRC using the provided template.
- Annual scientific meetings, in person or virtual, will be held so project teams can report on progress.
- The NRC collaborator must work closely with the applicant on report writing.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Arctic and Northern Challenge program Program
What is the Arctic and Northern Challenge program?
The Arctic and Northern Challenge program offers up to $150,000 per year for each project to eligible Indigenous beneficiaries, governments, universities, non-profits, and SMEs in Inuit Nunangat, Yukon, and the Northwest Territories. It supports collaborative research to improve daily life through technology and innovation.
How much funding can be received?
Arctic and Northern Challenge program Funds up to $150,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Arctic and Northern Challenge program program?
To be eligible for the Arctic and Northern Challenge program program, you must:
Projects must be directly linked to Arctic and Northern peoples.
Projects should address Northern capacity building and Indigenous Knowledge.
The majority of projects are expected to be carried out on Arctic and Northern lands and territories.
What expenses are eligible under Arctic and Northern Challenge program?
Collaborative R&D and prototyping to support the adoption or adaptation of new or improved innovative or technology-oriented products, services, or processes in Canada.
Housing research and technology development to improve the adequacy, suitability and affordability of Northern homes.
Health research and technology development to improve the accessibility, comprehensiveness and appropriateness of Northern health resources.
Food research and technology development to improve the accessibility, availability and quality of Northern food resources.
Water research and technology development to improve the availability, accessibility and quality of Northern water resources.
Who can I contact for more information about the Arctic and Northern Challenge program?
You can contact National Research Council Canada (NRC) by email at NRC.Arctic_Northern-Arctique_Nord.CNRC@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca or by phone at none.
Where is the Arctic and Northern Challenge program available?
The Arctic and Northern Challenge program program is available across Canada.
Is the Arctic and Northern Challenge program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Arctic and Northern Challenge program is a Grant and Funding