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.

grant_single_labels|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.

grant_single_labels|projects

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.

grant_single_labels|admissibility

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.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

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.

grant_eligibility_criteria|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.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

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.

grant_single_labels|criteria

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.

grant_single_labels|register

Here are the steps to submit an application for the Innovation Ecosystem Projects and Activities program in Canada:

Step 1: 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.
Step 2: Submission of Prequalification
Submit the prequalification summary to the Supercluster, ensuring all required information is included.
Step 3: Evaluation of Prequalification
Await Supercluster's evaluation of your prequalification submission.
Step 4: 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.
Step 5: Submission of the Proposal
Submit the detailed proposal through the specified channels, ensuring all necessary documents are attached.
Step 6: 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.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

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.

Apply to this program

Driving Innovation in Canada's Ocean Sector

The "Programme Projets et activités de l’écosystème d’innovation" offers a funding opportunity focused on strengthening Canada's innovation ecosystem, particularly aimed at accelerating growth in the ocean industries. This grant supports a broad range of non-commercial initiatives designed to build capacity, develop skills, and expand networks within the sector.

Understanding the Ecosystem Innovation Projects Program

The "Programme Projets et activités de l’écosystème d’innovation" is an innovative funding initiative tailored to enhance Canada's ocean sector by fostering a dynamic and interconnected innovation ecosystem. This program underscores Canada's commitment to expanding its global ocean brand visibility and supporting the emergence of new ocean enterprises. Initiatives under this grant aim to drive growth by connecting businesses, educators, and innovators to build and sustain a world-class ocean technology and resource network.

Eligible projects must be non-commercial and focus on the establishment of a collaborative environment that promotes skills development, enhances workforce capability, and forges international partnerships. The program is designed to fuel the ecosystem's development with an emphasis on creating and scaling ocean-related businesses, thereby contributing to job creation and economic resilience. The projects can span various scopes, ranging from thousands to millions of dollars, allowing considerable flexibility in budgeting and execution to achieve ambitious goals by its completion deadline in October 2027.

Funding provided by the Supergrappe des océans du Canada (SOC) will cover up to 75% of the eligible project costs, reflecting a strong public investment to stimulate private sector participation and engagement. The program's open-call, continuous acceptance of proposals ensures that emerging ideas are not hindered by time constraints, allowing for the constant evolution and refreshment of the innovation ecosystem. This encourages strategic alignment and partnership-building activities that are crucial for leveraging Canada's position as a leader in ocean innovation.

Acceptance into the program requires a thorough multi-phase evaluation process, beginning with prequalification, followed by proposal submission, and ending with an extensive proposal assessment. This rigorous process ensures that the funded projects possess the necessary potential and capacity to deliver significant economic and developmental impacts aligned with Canada's strategic innovation objectives.

The flexibility in the funding structure allows project consortia to efficiently allocate resources across various eligible cost items identified by the SOC. These include salaries, contractor costs, equipment maintenance, and other project-specific needs, enhancing their ability to deliver on expansive and varied project requirements. Additionally, contributions in cash and kind from industry members remain essential, ensuring shared commitment and risk management in the projects undertaken. Detailed guidance on cost eligibility is provided to assist applicants in navigating the complex landscape of project financing and ensure alignment with program requirements.

Overall, this grant program is an integral part of Canada's strategy to reinforce its stature in global ocean innovation, driving sustainable development, and economic balance across the nation. Its strategic planning and resource allocation principles are designed to reward projects that offer measurable advancement, innovative thinking, and the potential to revolutionize the way Canada interacts with its ocean resources while remaining environmentally conscious and socially responsible.