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Atlantic Innovation Fund — Private Sector Businesses
Financial backing for technology R&D in Atlantic Canada
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Open Date : February 3, 2026
Location
New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Canada
Overview
Get a conditionally repayable contribution to develop or adapt a technology-based product process or service with strong potential for commercialization.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop a new product or service
- Launch or market a product/service
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Open Date : February 3, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Educational services
- Other services (except public administration)
Location
- New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
The Atlantic Innovation Fund (AIF) is designed to stimulate the development and commercialization of new technology-based products, processes, and services for Atlantic Canada's markets. Eligible projects are specifically those that blend research and development (R&D) efforts with a significant prospect of commercialization.
- Creation and marketing of new products and services that align with global quality standards.
- Adaptation of new technology to address business needs or explore market opportunities.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
Eligible applicants for the Atlantic Innovation Fund (AIF) include:- Private-sector businesses- Colleges, universities, and other post-secondary institutions- Non-government research organizations- Provincial Crown corporationsWho is not eligible
There are specific types of companies that are not eligible for the Atlantic Innovation Fund grant. Companies that are not eligible include:
- Government departments or agencies
- Municipalities
- Individuals
Eligible expenses
The Atlantic Innovation Fund supports projects that focus on innovative research and commercialization efforts. These initiatives are designed to develop new products and services and integrate new technology to adapt to market needs.
- Creation and commercialization of new products and services that meet market demands and standards.
- Adaptation and integration of new technology to fulfill business needs or respond to market opportunities.
Eligible geographic areas
This grant focuses on companies within the Atlantic Canadian region including several specified provinces. Locations are chosen to bolster local development and innovation initiatives.
- Nova Scotia
- New Brunswick
- Prince Edward Island
- Newfoundland and Labrador
Additional information
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- The grant supports projects with a strong possibility for commercialization and requires an R&D element.
- Past recipients of this program can be researched on the Open Government Portal for insights.
- ACOA provides business information services to assist with queries and application procedures.
- Follow ACOA's social media channels for updates and more information about the fund.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Atlantic Innovation Fund — Private Sector Businesses Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Atlantic Innovation Fund — Private Sector Businesses. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Atlantic Innovation Fund — Private Sector Businesses?
Get a conditionally repayable contribution to develop or adapt a technology-based product process or service with strong potential for commercialization.
Who is eligible for the Atlantic Innovation Fund — Private Sector Businesses program?
To be eligible for the Atlantic Innovation Fund — Private Sector Businesses program, you must:
Projects must be large-scale with an R&D element and strong commercialization potential.
Eligible applicants include private-sector businesses, colleges, universities, non-government research organizations, and provincial Crown corporations.
What expenses are eligible under Atlantic Innovation Fund — Private Sector Businesses?
The Atlantic Innovation Fund (AIF) is designed to stimulate the development and commercialization of new technology-based products, processes, and services for Atlantic Canada's markets. Eligible projects are specifically those that blend research and development (R&D) efforts with a significant prospect of commercialization. Creation and marketing of new products and services that align with global quality standards.
Adaptation of new technology to address business needs or explore market opportunities.
Who can I contact for more information about the Atlantic Innovation Fund — Private Sector Businesses?
You can contact Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) or by phone at 1-888-576-4444.
Where is the Atlantic Innovation Fund — Private Sector Businesses available?
The Atlantic Innovation Fund — Private Sector Businesses program is available the province of New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island.
Is the Atlantic Innovation Fund — Private Sector Businesses a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Atlantic Innovation Fund — Private Sector Businesses is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the Atlantic Innovation Fund — Private Sector Businesses?
Atlantic Innovation Fund — Private Sector Businesses is funded by Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), Government of Canada