How much funding can be received?

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.

grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions

The CFI — Innovation Fund provides financial support for infrastructure projects, focusing on enhancing research capabilities across Canada. The funding terms are designed to encourage collaboration and ensure effective management of resources.

CFI funding typically covers up to 40% of the total eligible costs of infrastructure projects.
Financing requires the remaining project costs to be covered by the institution or eligible partners.
Eligible partner contributions can include cash or in-kind contributions recognized at fair market value.
All partner contributions must be secured within nine months following a CFI decision.
The Infrastructure Operating Fund (IOF) supports up to 30% of the maximum CFI-funded portion for operational and maintenance costs.
Payments are made in instalments and are subject to project progress and financial reporting requirements.
The CFI holds back 10% of funding instalments as a safeguard, released upon satisfactory financial reporting and project completion.

grant_single_labels|projects

The CFI — Innovation Fund supports projects that are focused on developing and acquiring research infrastructure to enhance research capacity. These projects are intended to foster world-class research, promote collaboration, and contribute to innovation across various disciplines.

Acquisition or development of research infrastructure to increase research capacity.
Projects that facilitate the pursuit of world-class research.
Development of infrastructure that promotes productive networks and collaboration among researchers and institutions.

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$ 1,200,000

Development of a new computational biology lab at a research hospital

$ 2,500,000

Construction and equipping of a new clean room for nanotechnology research

$ 2,100,000

Acquisition of a particle accelerator for advanced physics research

$ 1,400,000

Acquisition of a high-throughput genomic sequencer for agricultural research

$ 1,200,000

Acquisition of advanced microscopes to further cancer research at a university laboratory

$ 1,200,000

Renovation and equipping of a research lab for renewable energy studies

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for the CFI — Innovation Fund is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant institution's profile and its capacity to conduct and support research.

The applicant must be an institution situated in Canada.
The institution must be engaged in research and research training.
The applicant institution must meet the eligibility requirements specific to universities, colleges, research hospitals, research institutes, or non-profit research institutions as detailed in the CFI guidelines.
For universities, colleges, research hospitals, and research institutes, the institution must provide a letter requesting CFI eligibility, demonstrate tri-agency eligibility, and confirm the ability to administer CFI funding according to the CFI's guidelines.
Non-profit research institutions must demonstrate non-profit status for a minimum of five years, be not affiliated or federated with a CFI-eligible institution, and have an independent Board of Directors.
The institution must have no constraints on the publication of research results.
Institutions must demonstrate their capacity to support and conduct research, including having current research facilities, infrastructure, and a track record of researchers qualified to carry out independent research.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

Eligible institutions for the CFI Innovation Fund include universities, colleges, research hospitals, research institutes, and non-profit research institutions located in Canada. These institutions must be engaged in research and research training and demonstrate their capacity to conduct and support research. Individual researchers are not eligible to apply directly; proposals must be submitted by eligible institutions.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

This grant is restricted to certain entities based on their organizational status or affiliation. Ineligible entities are identified to maintain alignment with the strategic objectives of the grant.

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 universities, colleges, research hospitals, and research institutes).

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

The grant covers expenses for acquiring or developing research infrastructure essential for the project.

Research equipment and components.
Shipping, transportation, and installation of research infrastructure, including brokerage fees, excise taxes, and duties.
Warranties and/or service contracts.
Software subscriptions and licences.
Laboratory furniture.
Communications infrastructure essential for research activities.
Travel to a manufacturer, dealer, or supplier to select research infrastructure, including carbon offset costs for travel.
Initial training for the main operators of the research infrastructure.
Salaries (including benefits) of professional, technical, and managerial personnel involved in the design, engineering, manufacturing, installation, construction, or renovation of the infrastructure.
Construction or renovation of space essential to house and use the infrastructure or to conduct research activities.
Acquisition of a database or time-limited design and development of a database ready for exploitation by a designated research community.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

This grant is eligible for institutions that are situated within Canada. Canadian universities, colleges, research hospitals, and certain non-profit research institutions can apply for and administer this grant.

Institutions located within Canada.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for the CFI Innovation Fund are governed by specific criteria to ensure the alignment of proposals with the fund's objectives and standards of excellence.

Quality of the research and the need for infrastructure.
Contribution to strengthening the capacity for innovation.
Potential benefits of the research to Canada.

grant_single_labels|register

Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:

Step 1: Eligibility Confirmation
Ensure your institution is eligible by meeting the requirements for universities, colleges, research hospitals, or non-profit research institutions.
Email eligibility@innovation.ca if further clarification on institutional eligibility is needed.
Step 2: Institutional Agreement
Ensure your institution has an institutional agreement signed with CFI.
This agreement sets the terms and conditions for the use of CFI funding.
Step 3: Strategic Research Plan
Develop or update the institution's strategic research plan, outlining major research objectives and priorities.
Ensure the plan aligns with the proposed project and CFI objectives.
Step 4: Proposal Preparation
Prepare a comprehensive project proposal addressing quality of research, infrastructure necessity, and potential benefits to Canada.
Include details on research objectives, impact, collaborations, and project team.
Step 5: Review Internal Processes
Coordinate with the institution's research office to follow internal procedures for proposal submission.
Ensure alignment with the institution’s strategic portfolio of projects.
Step 6: Online Submission
Submit the proposal electronically through the CFI Awards Management System (CAMS).
Ensure all sections are completed and all required documents are uploaded.
Step 7: Confirmation and Tracking
Upon submission, receive confirmation of the proposal receipt.
Retain the confirmation email and track the proposal status via CAMS.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

The grant includes various procedural and reporting requirements meant to ensure proper use and management of funds.

Submission deadlines for financial and progress reports must be adhered to, and extensions may be granted under specific conditions.
Institutions must maintain accurate financial records and supporting documentation for all expenditures and contributions related to the funded projects.
Changes to projects, especially those impacting costs or project objectives, require CFI pre-approval.
Institutions are expected to monitor and report on the implementation and progress of funded projects using specified tools like the project progress report (PPR).
The CFI may conduct monitoring visits and contribution audits to ensure compliance with guidelines and proper management of funds.
Institutions must acknowledge CFI support in public communications and may be asked to host joint funding announcements with the Government of Canada.

Apply to this program

Enhancing Research Infrastructure Across Canada

The CFI Innovation Fund strategically allocates financial resources towards enhancing Canada's research capabilities through infrastructural development and innovation. This fund is tailored to support universities, colleges, hospitals, and research institutions dedicated to advancing transformative research, ensuring they have access to cutting-edge tools and facilities.

Comprehensive Details About the CFI Innovation Fund and Its Role in Canadian Research

The CFI Innovation Fund, established under the Canada Foundation for Innovation, plays a pivotal role in elevating the country’s research landscape. By prioritizing the enhancement of research infrastructure, the fund fosters an environment conducive to groundbreaking scientific discovery and technological advancement. This initiative is critical to sustaining Canada’s competitive edge in the global research arena, enabling institutions to attract world-class talent and facilitating high-impact research projects. The fund supports infrastructural projects ranging from the development of advanced laboratories and equipment acquisition to the integration of state-of-the-art technological infrastructures.

Emphasizing inclusivity and broad accessibility, the fund is available to a wide range of eligible Canadian institutions, including universities, colleges, research hospitals, and non-profit research entities. These institutions are required to demonstrate robust research capabilities and a strategic alignment with the fund’s objectives. Through careful selection and rigorous merit-based evaluation, the CFI ensures that only the most promising and strategically aligned projects receive funding. This evaluation is conducted by experts both from within Canada and internationally, ensuring a high standard of excellence is upheld in the selection of projects. Moreover, the funding process encourages collaboration and networking across various sectors, promoting synergy and shared innovation across disciplines.

The CFI Innovation Fund not only supports infrastructure investment but also bridges operational and maintenance gaps by providing resources necessary for long-term project sustainability. The strategic allocation of these funds helps address operational challenges, reinforcing the operational capacity of research facilities and ensuring they remain adaptive to future technological needs. Alongside financial aid, institutions benefit from the infrastructural synergies created through collaborative partnerships, which can sometimes include private sector engagement, enhancing the practical application of research outcomes.

Notably, the fund emphasizes the importance of research security and intellectual property management, encouraging institutions to develop robust frameworks for safeguarding research findings and innovations. By doing so, the fund fosters a secure research environment that protects Canadian intellectual innovations from risks while promoting beneficial commercialization and real-world application of research outcomes. This proactive approach aligns with national security guidelines, ensuring that research partnerships are both secure and strategically beneficial.

In conclusion, the CFI Innovation Fund represents a cornerstone initiative for Canadian research institutions aiming to enhance their infrastructure and spur innovation. By supporting the development and maintenance of advanced research facilities, the fund not only contributes to the contemporary needs of the scientific community but also lays the foundation for future explorations and industrial applications, ultimately driving economic growth, job creation, and societal advancements across Canada.