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Source verified July 23, 2026
Canada Foundation for Innovation - Innovation Fund
Support for Canadian research infrastructure
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Latest source updateLast Update: June 12, 2026Latest change: The Innovation Fund page now shows the 2027 competition details, including eligibility, dates, funding amounts, and application steps.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: June 12, 2026
Latest change: The Innovation Fund page now shows the 2027 competition details, including eligibility, dates, funding amounts, and application steps.
Innovation Fund 2027 details added
The Innovation Fund content now shows the 2027 competition details, including a status of now open, a notice of intent deadline of September 29, 2026, a proposal deadline of February 2, 2027, and board decisions in November 2027. It also states up to $325 million in research infrastructure funding, up to 40 percent of eligible infrastructure costs, and up to $97.5 million for associated operating and maintenance costs through the Infrastructure Operating Fund. The page now describes three competition streams, a minimum total project cost of more than $1 million, the requirement that an institution be eligible to apply and have an institutional agreement and a CAMS account, and the two-step process to submit a notice of intent and then a proposal. The scope is now explicitly framed around research infrastructure across all disciplines, with separate streams for open research, SSHA, and core facilities.
Funding available
Up to 40% of project cost
Deadline
September 29, 2026
Location
Canada
Overview
The 2027 Innovation Fund provides up to 40 percent of eligible infrastructure costs to Canadian universities, colleges, research hospitals and non-profit research institutions to strengthen research capacity and support world-class research infrastructure. It supports projects that create or upgrade critical facilities and advance mission-driven research in fields such as artificial intelligence and quantum science.
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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
- Up to 40% of project cost
Funds Providers
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
- Create or upgrade critical facilities
- Support mission-driven research that contributes to a stronger and more sustainable economy
- Expand Canada’s capacity in areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum science and cybersecurity, advanced materials and manufacturing, clean technology and resource value chains, defence and dual-use technologies, environment, climate resilience and the Arctic, food and water security, health and biotechnology, and democratic and community resilience
- Support emerging lines of research that provide insights into how Canadians can adapt to rapid social and technological change
Documents Needed
- Notice of intent
- Proposal
- Award finalization documents
- Award agreement
Official resources
Application form
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Canadian universities
- Colleges
- Research hospitals
- Research institutes
- Non-profit research institutions that carry out their activities primarily in Canada
Who is not eligible
- Individual researchers
Eligible expenses
- Purchase of equipment, including shipping, taxes and installation; lease of equipment
- Personnel for infrastructure acquisition and development
- Components, software, and extended warranties or service contracts
- Construction or renovation costs essential to house and use the infrastructure; initial training of infrastructure personnel
- Travel related to the infrastructure; database-related personnel costs incurred before the project end date; maintenance, user support and integration of updated data sets
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Projects focused mainly on shared advanced research computing infrastructure
- Travel and hospitality costs under the Infrastructure Operating Fund
Selection criteria
- The quality of the research and the need for infrastructure
- The project’s contribution to strengthening the institution’s capacity for innovation
- The potential benefit of the research to Canada
- Expert Committees assess proposals using a five-point rating scale
- The Special Multidisciplinary Assessment Committee identifies the proposals that best meet the competition objectives without surpassing the available competition budget
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
- Proposals are reviewed by Expert Committees and then by Multidisciplinary Assessment Committees; some proposals also go to a Special Multidisciplinary Assessment Committee.
- The CFI Board of Directors makes the final funding decision.
- The Government of Canada publicly announces the funded projects.
Additional information
- The competition has three streams with tailored assessment criteria.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Canada Foundation for Innovation - Innovation Fund Program
What is the Canada Foundation for Innovation - Innovation Fund?
The 2027 Innovation Fund provides up to 40 percent of eligible infrastructure costs to Canadian universities, colleges, research hospitals and non-profit research institutions to strengthen research capacity and support world-class research infrastructure. It supports projects that create or upgrade critical facilities and advance mission-driven research in fields such as artificial intelligence and quantum science.
How much funding can be received?
Canada Foundation for Innovation - Innovation Fund Funds up to 40% of admissible expenses.
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:
The applicant institution must be eligible to receive and administer CFI funding.
The institution must be situated in Canada.
The institution must be engaged in research and research training.
What expenses are eligible under Canada Foundation for Innovation - Innovation Fund?
Create or upgrade critical facilities
Support mission-driven research that contributes to a stronger and more sustainable economy
Expand Canada’s capacity in areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum science and cybersecurity, advanced materials and manufacturing, clean technology and resource value chains, defence and dual-use technologies, environment, climate resilience and the Arctic, food and water security, health and biotechnology, and democratic and community resilience
Support emerging lines of research that provide insights into how Canadians can adapt to rapid social and technological change
Who can I contact for more information about the Canada Foundation for Innovation - Innovation Fund?
You can contact Leaders Opportunity Fund (LOF) by email at eligibility@innovation.ca.
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