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CFI — Innovation Fund - Canada
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CFI — Innovation Fund

CFI Innovation Fund supports research infrastructure development
Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI)
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
No Condition
Timeline
  • Receipt of requests is now closed
Location
Canada

Overview

The Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) provides funding to support the acquisition and development of state-of-the-art research infrastructure at Canadian universities, colleges, research hospitals, and non-profit research institutions. The program aims to bolster economic growth, job creation, and environmental quality through supporting world-class research and technology development. Eligible activities for funding include the acquisition of research equipment, construction and renovation of research facilities, and the provision of advanced research computing resources.

/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals
  • Reduce environmental footprint
  • Develop workforce skills
Eligible Funding
  • Up to 40% of project cost
Timeline
  • Receipt of requests is now closed

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries
  • Professional, scientific and technical services
  • Educational services
  • Health care and social assistance
Location
  • Canada
Legal structures
  • Non-profit
  • Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
  • All revenue ranges
Organisation size
  • All organization sizes
Audience
  • All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
  • Higher Education
  • Research
  • Hospitals and Rehabilitation
Target groups
  • Business owners / entrepreneurs
  • Nonprofits / charities
  • Academia / students
Revenue structures
  • All structures
Scope
  • Local
  • Regional
  • Provincial
  • National
  • International

Next steps

1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility

Activities funded

  • Acquisition or development of state-of-the-art research infrastructure to enhance research capacity and enable world-class research.
  • Construction or renovation of spaces essential to house or utilize research infrastructure for research activities.
  • Creation or acquisition of databases and digital libraries designed for use by a research community.
  • Implementation of advanced research computing systems that support research activities across various disciplines.
  • Collaborative projects that build productive networks among universities, colleges, research hospitals, non-profit research institutions, and private sector partners.

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • Universities
  • Colleges
  • Research hospitals
  • Research institutes
  • Non-profit research institutions (operating primarily in Canada, with specific criteria)

Who is not eligible

  • For-profit organizations and agencies of for-profit entities.
  • Federal departments, departmental corporations, Crown corporations or wholly owned subsidiaries of Crown corporations.
  • Provincial or territorial departments, agencies or Crown corporations (except for universities, colleges, research hospitals, and research institutes).

Eligible expenses

  • Purchase and installation of research equipment and components.
  • Shipping, transportation, and installation costs, including brokerage fees, excise taxes, and duties.
  • Warranties and service contracts for eligible infrastructure.
  • Software subscriptions and licences required for research.
  • Laboratory furniture and essential communications infrastructure tied to research activities.
  • Travel expenses to manufacturers, dealers, or suppliers for infrastructure selection, including carbon offsets.
  • Initial training for main operators of the research infrastructure.
  • Salaries and benefits of professional, technical, and managerial staff (including consultants and contractors) directly involved in design, engineering, manufacturing, installation, construction, or renovation of the infrastructure.
  • Construction or renovation costs required to house and use the research infrastructure or to conduct research (including direct costs, soft costs such as planning, architectural and design services, permits, insurance, and contingency costs up to 10%).
  • Acquisition or specialized development of research databases or digital libraries for the project.
  • Costs for maintenance, repairs, and supplies required for the operation and maintenance of CFI-funded infrastructure (with some limits, e.g., consumables up to 10% of certain funding).
  • Extended warranties, service contracts, and replacement parts specifically for CFI-funded infrastructure.
  • Essential utilities and services (e.g., electricity, security, cleaning) directly supporting eligible infrastructure spaces.

Eligible geographic areas

  • Institutions located in Canada.

Additional information

  • Applicants must maintain detailed records and supporting documentation for at least six years following the end of the fiscal year to which they relate.
  • The CFI may withhold payments if reporting requirements are not met or if the institution fails to comply with award conditions.
  • A portion of grant funding (typically 10%) is held back and released upon satisfactory project completion and reporting.
  • The CFI may conduct periodic monitoring visits or audits of funded projects to ensure compliance and proper management of funds.

Frequently Asked Questions about the CFI — Innovation Fund Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the CFI — Innovation Fund. 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 CFI — Innovation Fund?

The Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) provides funding to support the acquisition and development of state-of-the-art research infrastructure at Canadian universities, colleges, research hospitals, and non-profit research institutions. The program aims to bolster economic growth, job creation, and environmental quality through supporting world-class research and technology development. Eligible activities for funding include the acquisition of research equipment, construction and renovation of research facilities, and the provision of advanced research computing resources.

How much funding can be received?

CFI — Innovation Fund Funds up to 40% of admissible expenses.

Who is eligible for the CFI — Innovation Fund program?

To be eligible for the CFI — Innovation Fund program, you must: For-profit organizations are not eligible

What expenses are eligible under CFI — Innovation Fund?

Acquisition or development of state-of-the-art research infrastructure to enhance research capacity and enable world-class research. Construction or renovation of spaces essential to house or utilize research infrastructure for research activities. Creation or acquisition of databases and digital libraries designed for use by a research community. Implementation of advanced research computing systems that support research activities across various disciplines. Collaborative projects that build productive networks among universities, colleges, research hospitals, non-profit research institutions, and private sector partners.

Who can I contact for more information about the CFI — Innovation Fund?

You can contact Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI).

Where is the CFI — Innovation Fund available?

The CFI — Innovation Fund program is available across Canada.

Is the CFI — Innovation Fund a grant, loan, or tax credit?

CFI — Innovation Fund is a Grant and Funding

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