How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 40% of admissible expenses.

What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Who are the financial supporters of the CFI — Innovation Fund?

CFI — Innovation Fund is funded by Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI)

What are CFI — Innovation Fund's eligibility criterias?

For-profit organizations are not eligible

CFI — Innovation Fund

Last Update: June 2, 2025

Canada

CFI Innovation Fund supports research infrastructure development

CFI — Innovation Fund at a glance

Eligible Funding

Up to 40% of project cost

Timeline

Continuous Intakes

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Professional, scientific and technical services
Educational services
Health care and social assistance

Grant Providers

Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI)

Status

Open

Overview of the CFI — Innovation Fund program

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.

Financing terms and conditions

The CFI typically provides funding up to a maximum of 40% of the total eligible costs of supported infrastructure projects.
The remainder of the project funding must be provided by the institution or other eligible partners.
For projects approved after July 1, 2001, institutions are usually allocated 30% of the maximum CFI contribution amount at award finalization for the Infrastructure Operating Fund (IOF).
The final CFI contribution is limited to the maximum allowable CFI funding share of eligible costs (typically 40%) or the maximum CFI amount, whichever is lower.
The CFI holds back a portion of the funding for each project, usually 10% of each instalment, to be released after review of financial reporting; the minimum holdback amount per project is $10,000.

Eligible projects & activities

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.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 1,200,000

Development of a new computational biology lab at a research hospital

$ 1,400,000

Acquisition of a high-throughput genomic sequencer for agricultural research

$ 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

$ 1,200,000

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

Eligibility criteria of the CFI — Innovation Fund program

The applicant must be a Canadian institution such as a university, college, research hospital, research institute, or a non-profit research institution primarily operating in Canada.
The institution must be engaged in research and research training activities.
The applicant institution must be able to administer government funding in accordance with the Canada Foundation for Innovation's requirements, policies, and procedures.
The proposed project must involve the acquisition or development of research infrastructure to enhance research capacity and enable world-class research.

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.

Eligibility criteria of the CFI — Innovation Fund program

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

How to apply to the CFI — Innovation Fund program

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Online Submission

Submit the proposal electronically through the CFI Awards Management System (CAMS).
Ensure all sections are completed and all required documents are uploaded.

Confirmation and Tracking

Upon submission, receive confirmation of the proposal receipt.
Retain the confirmation email and track the proposal status via CAMS.

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.