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Canada Foundation for Innovation - Innovation Fund
Funding for world-class research infrastructure
Last Update: May 15, 2026
Funding available
$ 4,000,000
Timeline
- Closing date : September 29, 2026
Location
Canada
Overview
The Innovation Fund supports a broad range of research and technology development projects across multiple disciplines and helps strengthen Canada’s research capacity. It supports the acquisition and development of research infrastructure for eligible institutions.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Conduct research and development activities
- Conduct research or evaluation activities
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 4,000,000 $
- Up to 40% of project cost
Timeline
- Closing date : September 29, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Research
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- Mixed revenue (<50% earned)
Scope
- Provincial
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Acquiring or developing research infrastructure
- Research and technology development across all disciplines
- Creation, renewal, or upgrade of core facilities
- Research supported through institutional collaboration
Documents Needed
- Notice of intent
- Proposal
- Award finalization documents
- Award agreement
Official resources
Application form
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Canadian universities
- Colleges
- Research hospitals
- Non-profit research institutions
Who is not eligible
- Individual researchers
Eligible expenses
- Purchase of equipment, including shipping, taxes, and installation
- Lease of equipment
- Personnel costs related to infrastructure acquisition and development
- Components, software, and extended warranties or service contracts
- Construction or renovation costs needed to house and use the infrastructure
- Initial training of infrastructure personnel
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Projects focused mainly on shared advanced research computing infrastructure
- Travel and hospitality costs under the Infrastructure Operating Fund
Eligible geographic areas
Canada
Selection criteria
- Quality of the research and need for infrastructure
- Contribution to strengthening the institution’s innovation capacity
- Potential benefit of the research to Canada
- Projects must meet a minimum threshold in expert committee review
How to apply
- Step 1: Confirm institutional readiness
- Make sure the institution is eligible to apply for CFI funding.
- Ensure the institutional agreement is signed and up to date.
- Set up or access an account in CAMS.
- Step 2: Submit a notice of intent
- Prepare and submit the notice of intent in CAMS.
- Use it to indicate the project and help the CFI organize the review process.
- Step 3: Submit the proposal
- Prepare the proposal according to the call for proposals and submit it in CAMS.
- Complete any required research security forms with the application.
- Step 4: Finalize the award if approved
- Complete the award finalization form in CAMS.
- Sign the award agreement through the CFI process before funding is released.
Processing and Agreement
- Approved projects receive an award agreement from the CFI.
- The institution must sign the agreement to accept the funding terms and conditions.
- The agreement includes the instalment schedule and financial reporting requirements.
- Funding is released only after finalization documents are reviewed and any conditions are met.
- The CFI may defer or suspend instalments if reporting, policy, or payment conditions are not met.
Additional information
- Institutional eligibility must be up to date before application.
- Notices of intent are used to identify review expertise and confirm infrastructure eligibility.
- Research security requirements may apply through CAMS.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Canada Foundation for Innovation - Innovation Fund Program
What is the Canada Foundation for Innovation - Innovation Fund?
The Innovation Fund supports a broad range of research and technology development projects across multiple disciplines and helps strengthen Canada’s research capacity. It supports the acquisition and development of research infrastructure for eligible institutions.
How much funding can be received?
Canada Foundation for Innovation - Innovation Fund Funds up to 40% of admissible expenses, capped at $4,000,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Canada Foundation for Innovation - Innovation Fund program?
To be eligible for the Canada Foundation for Innovation - Innovation Fund program, you must:
Eligible Canadian institution
Research infrastructure project
Project costs above $1 million
What expenses are eligible under Canada Foundation for Innovation - Innovation Fund?
Acquiring or developing research infrastructure
Research and technology development across all disciplines
Creation, renewal, or upgrade of core facilities
Research supported through institutional collaboration
Who can I contact for more information about the Canada Foundation for Innovation - Innovation Fund?
You can contact Leaders Opportunity Fund (LOF).
Where is the Canada Foundation for Innovation - Innovation Fund available?
The Canada Foundation for Innovation - Innovation Fund program is available across Canada.
Is the Canada Foundation for Innovation - Innovation Fund a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Canada Foundation for Innovation - Innovation Fund is a Grant and Funding