archived
Atlantic Innovation Fund — Universities, Colleges and Research Institutions
Funding for R&D in Atlantic Canada
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Archived
Location
New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Canada
Overview
Get a non-repayable contribution to develop a new 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
- Access new markets
- Launch or market a product/service
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Archived
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Manufacturing
- Information and cultural industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Educational services
Location
- New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island
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 groups
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Nonprofits / charities
- Academia / students
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Regional
- Provincial
- National
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
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.
Eligibility
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
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
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?
Get a non-repayable contribution to develop a new technology-based product, process or service with strong potential for commercialization.
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.
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.
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.
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 New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island.
Is the Atlantic Innovation Fund — Universities, Colleges and Research Institutions a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Atlantic Innovation Fund — Universities, Colleges and Research Institutions is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the Atlantic Innovation Fund — Universities, Colleges and Research Institutions?
Atlantic Innovation Fund — Universities, Colleges and Research Institutions is funded by Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), Government of Canada