How much funding can be received?

The Innovation Ecosystem Projects and Activities Program in Canada funds up to 75% of eligible project costs, with no set maximum, to build a robust innovation ecosystem supporting the growth of oceanic enterprises and workforce development. Eligible activities include skill development, network expansion, and enhancing Canada's global ocean brand visibility.

Financing terms and conditions

This grant offers funding to support non-commercial initiatives designed to enhance Canada's ocean innovation ecosystem. The funding modalities emphasize flexibility in budgeting and a significant commitment from industry members.

Co-funding is provided up to 75% of eligible project costs.
No fixed maximum or minimum funding amount for project cost categories.
Allows for a flexible budget preparation to designate reimbursable costs by SOC.
Total government assistance cannot exceed 100% of eligible costs incurred.
Industry members must provide matching contributions based on the co-financing rate requested from SOC.
Eligible project costs include cash expenses and in-kind contributions, both of which need to be pertinent and directly linked to project outcomes.
Only costs paid or incurred on or after the project award letter date are eligible.
Salaries engaged by project participants are eligible cash costs, not in-kind contributions.
Eligible funded costs include a proportion of actual gross salaries, benefits, and contractor fees associated directly with project activities.
Reimbursement claims for funded expenses must be made within six months of payment.

Eligible projects & activities

Canada's Ocean Supercluster's Innovation ecosystem projects aim to bolster ocean-based businesses and facilitate networking and visibility on a global scale. The eligible activities under this grant focus on non-commercial initiatives that enhance the ocean innovation ecosystem.

Supporting the growth and development of emerging ocean businesses.
Advancing skills and workforce development in the ocean sector.
Building and expanding ocean networks and partnerships.
Increasing the global visibility of Canada's ocean brand.

Eligibility criteria of the Canada's Ocean Supercluster — Program Innovation ecosystem projects and activities program

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the profile of the applicant consortium and the focus of the project.

The proposal must be submitted by a consortium.
The project must be a non-commercial initiative aimed at building a robust innovation ecosystem.
The project must support ocean sector business start-up and growth, skill development, workforce development, network and partnership building, or enhancing Canada's global ocean brand visibility.
If the project focuses on technology development, it must meet the requirements of the project under the technological leadership program, not this grant.
The project must conclude by October 2027.

Who is eligible?

The Program is designed to be inclusive of various entities participating in the ocean innovation ecosystem, allowing them to collaborate and build impactful initiatives. Specific eligibility is determined by the consortium structure and defined by contributions aligned with project goals.

All consortiums with an interest in building and expanding ocean innovation ecosystems.
Entities capable of facilitating workforce and skills development in the ocean sector.
Organizations with the ability to create and enhance networks and partnerships within the marine environment.
Initiatives that can contribute to raising Canada's global ocean brand visibility.

Eligible expenses

The grant covers specific expenses directly related to the implementation and success of the project.

Personnel salaries and benefits for employees working directly on the project, including project managers and coordinators.
Subcontractor costs for essential work not available from project partners, valued at market rates.
Rental, operation, and maintenance of equipment related to project activities.
Usage fees for services directly related to the project, such as university research access and specialized software licenses.
Materials and supplies used for the project.
Rental of spaces or facilities exclusively for project use.
Costs related to renting facilities for conferences and related telecommunications.
Travel expenses, including meals and lodging, as per SOC's travel policy.
Communication and marketing costs specific to the project, such as publication and advertising fees.
Other direct project costs like market studies, insurance, and shipping fees.
Capital expenditures and equipment necessary for achieving project goals, subject to SOC's approval when exceeding $1 million.
Exceptionally, costs incurred outside Canada necessary for project success, with SOC's prior approval required.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is available to companies located throughout Canada, as part of a national effort to strengthen the ocean innovation ecosystem. Eligibility is determined by the participation within Canada's ocean industries and innovation networks.

Companies located in any Canadian province or territory.
Organizations that are part of the Canadian ocean industries.

Eligibility criteria of the Canada's Ocean Supercluster — Program Innovation ecosystem projects and activities program

The evaluation and selection of projects for the "Projets et activités de l’écosystème d’innovation" grant are based on specific criteria, which ensure that the projects align with the objectives of building a robust innovation ecosystem and supporting the Canadian ocean sector.

Alignment with the aim to build and expand networks and partnerships in the ocean sector.
Support for skill development and workforce expansion in the ocean industry.
Contribution to enhancing the visibility of Canada's global ocean brand.
Relevance and alignment with the program's objective of supporting ocean-centric businesses as they start and grow.
Feasibility of project completion by October 2027.
Adherence to the funding framework, including the provision of up to 75% of eligible project costs through matching funds.

How to apply to the Canada's Ocean Supercluster — Program Innovation ecosystem projects and activities program

Prequalification

Prepare a summary of your project idea and gather any necessary preliminary feedback.
Ensure your project aligns with the program guidelines and eligibility criteria.

Submission of Prequalification

Submit the prequalification summary to the Supercluster, ensuring all required information is included.

Evaluation of Prequalification

Await Supercluster's evaluation of your prequalification submission.

Proposal Phase

If prequalified, prepare a detailed project proposal including objectives, outcomes, and a budget plan.
Compile supporting documents such as timelines, partnership agreements, and letters of support.

Submission of the Proposal

Submit the detailed proposal through the specified channels, ensuring all necessary documents are attached.

Evaluation of the Proposal

Your proposal will be evaluated based on the criteria set by the Supercluster.
Be prepared to provide additional information or clarification if requested.

Additional information

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

There is an allowance of up to 75% matching funds for eligible project costs, providing a significant opportunity for funding leverage.
No maximum or minimum funding amount is set per cost category, allowing flexibility in project budgeting.
Projects must conclude by October 2027, making it essential to plan the project timeline accordingly.
All project expenses must be incurred and fully documented for reimbursement eligibility, including detailed supporting receipts, invoices, or time sheets.
Pre-qualification prior to a formal proposal submission is required, highlighting initial vetting steps in the application process.
Two consecutive missed claims submissions will void the claims for the respective periods, emphasizing the need for timely submissions.
Final financial claims or reconciliations must be submitted within 30 days post reporting period to prevent claim nullification.

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