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Atlantic Innovation Fund — Universities, Colleges and Research Institutions

Q: How much funding can be received?

There is no informations about how much funding can be received.

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the Atlantic Innovation Fund — Universities, Colleges and Research Institutions?

You can contact Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) or by phone at 1-888-576-4444.

Q: Where is the Atlantic Innovation Fund — Universities, Colleges and Research Institutions available?

The Atlantic Innovation Fund — Universities, Colleges and Research Institutions program is available the province of Nova Scotia.

Q: Are startups eligible for the Atlantic Innovation Fund — Universities, Colleges and Research Institutions program?

Yes, startups are eligible to apply for the Atlantic Innovation Fund — Universities, Colleges and Research Institutions program.

Last Update: December 12, 2025

NS, Canada

Funding for R&D in Atlantic Canada

Grant and Funding

Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals

Develop a new product

Marketing a product

Selling in a new market

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Timeline

Archived

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing
Information and cultural industries
Professional, scientific and technical services
Educational services

Location

Nova Scotia

Legal structures

Non-profit
Public or Parapublic institution
For-profit business

Annual revenue

All revenue ranges

Organisation size

All organization sizes

Audience

Canadians
Startups

Non-profit candidates

Sector of operation

Higher Education
Research
Economic, Social and Community Development
Business Associations

Target group

Business owners / entrepreneurs
Nonprofits / charities
Academia / students

Revenue structure

All structures

Scope

Regional
Provincial
National

Overview

Get a non-repayable contribution to develop a new technology-based product, process or service with strong potential for commercialization.

Activities funded

Creation and marketing of new products and services that meet demands and global quality standards.
Adaptation of new technology to respond to market opportunities or business needs.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 470,000

Develop a smart home energy management system

$ 600,000

Create a blockchain-based supply chain tracking system

$ 350,000

Create a mobile app for mental health support

Eligibility

Eligibility for the Atlantic Innovation Fund grant is determined by specific requirements related to the type of organization applying.

The applicant must be a private-sector business, including co-operatives.
The applicant can be a college, university, or other post-secondary institution.
Non-government research organizations are eligible.
Provincial Crown corporations can apply.

Who is eligible?

To qualify for AIF funding, eligible recipients include:

Private-sector businesses.
Colleges, universities, and other post-secondary institutions.
Non-government research organizations.
Provincial Crown corporations.

Who is not eligible

There are specific types of companies that are not eligible for the Atlantic Innovation Fund (AIF) grant. Recipients NOT eligible for AIF funding include:

Government organizations
Non-profit organizations

Eligible expenses

The Atlantic Innovation Fund supports projects that emphasize research and development with a focus on commercialization in Atlantic Canada. These activities aim to foster collaboration, innovation, and economic growth through new technologies and market-ready solutions.

Creation and marketing of new products and services that meet global quality standards and market demands.
Adaptation of new technologies to fulfill business needs or respond to market opportunities.

Eligible geographic areas

The Atlantic Innovation Fund targets organizations located within the Atlantic Canada region. This aims to support the economic development and innovation capacity of these provinces.

Nova Scotia
New Brunswick
Prince Edward Island
Newfoundland and Labrador

Selection criteria

There are evaluation and selection criteria for the Atlantic Innovation Fund (AIF) grant:

Projects must be large-scale with a strong possibility for commercialization and include an R&D element
Recipients eligible for AIF funding include private-sector businesses, colleges, universities, non-government research organizations, and provincial Crown corporations

How to apply

Complete Project Concept Template

Obtain the Project Concept Template from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).
Fill out the template with detailed project information.
Submit the completed template to your nearest ACOA office.
Await contact from ACOA to confirm receipt and discuss the project further.

Submit Application for Financial Assistance

Engage in a discussion with ACOA about your project based on the submitted concept.
Once advised, complete the Application for Financial Assistance.
Submit the finalized application to ACOA for consideration.

Additional information

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

Business impact stories, such as those of Mark Kennedy and Chad House of Celtx, and Kinduct Technologies, highlight successful past recipients.
To find past recipients and contributions of the AIF, the Open Government Portal site can be used where searches can be conducted using keywords like "AIF" or "Atlantic Innovation Fund."

Contacts

1-888-576-4444

NS, Canada

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Atlantic Innovation Fund — Universities, Colleges and Research Institutions Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Atlantic Innovation Fund — Universities, Colleges and Research Institutions. 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 — Universities, Colleges and Research Institutions?

How much funding can be received?

What expenses are eligible under Atlantic Innovation Fund — Universities, Colleges and Research Institutions?

This grant supports large-scale projects that involve research and development with a strong potential for commercialization. The activities focus on the creation and marketing of new products and services, as well as adapting technologies to meet business and market needs. Creation and marketing of new products and services that meet demands and global quality standards. Adaptation of new technology to respond to market opportunities or business needs.

What is the deadline to apply?

Is the Atlantic Innovation Fund — Universities, Colleges and Research Institutions a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Who are the financial supporters of the Atlantic Innovation Fund — Universities, Colleges and Research Institutions?

Who is eligible for the Atlantic Innovation Fund — Universities, Colleges and Research Institutions program?

To be eligible for the Atlantic Innovation Fund — Universities, Colleges and Research Institutions program, you must: Eligible recipients include private-sector businesses, colleges, universities, and other post-secondary institutions. Non-government research organizations and provincial Crown corporations are also eligible. Projects must be large-scale and include a research and development element with potential for commercialization.