Closed
CMF — Innovation & Experimentation Program
Canadian digital media innovation and experimentation funding program
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
$ 1,500,000
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Location
Canada
Overview
The Innovation and Experimentation Program aims to fund innovative Canadian digital interactive media content, offering up to 75% of eligible project expenses or a maximum of 1.5 million dollars. Eligible activities include creating a market-ready version of a project, covering localization, and initial marketing efforts.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Conduct research and development activities
- Reduce environmental footprint
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 1,500,000 $
- Up to 75% of project cost
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Information and cultural industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Other Racialized Persons
- Canadians
- Women
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Culture and Arts
- Research
- Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
- Women & girls
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Artists / creatives
- Minority groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- National
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
The Innovation and Experimentation Program supports projects that demonstrate a high level of innovation in interactive digital media content or technology in Canada. Eligible projects are those that can showcase innovative elements not only in their final outputs but also in the process and technology used in development, distribution, or marketing.
- Projects with innovative content or technology.
- Projects that include groundbreaking, cutting-edge technologies, or the reinvention of existing content or technology.
- Projects accompanied by a letter of intent from a third-party publisher or distributor committing to market and promote the project.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
This grant targets projects in the interactive digital media sector that are innovative, have strong teams, and demonstrate community engagement while promoting sustainability.
- Team (17 points): Evaluation of the team's background, track record, expertise, collaboration experience, and ability to complete the project successfully. Includes considerations for gender parity and diversity within the team.
- Community and Sustainability (4 points): Assessment of the project's community engagement plan and commitment to sustainable environmental practices.
- Innovation, Creativity, and Advancement (60 points): Originality, quality, and sophistication in content, technology integration, user experience, and potential industry impact.
- Financial Viability (9 points): Appropriateness of the budget, financial stability of the applicant, and risk related to project completion.
- Strategic Positioning and Marketing (10 points): Market analysis, audience understanding, marketing strategy, distribution methods, promotional activities, and interest from third-party publishers or distributors.
Eligible expenses
The grant covers specific expenses directly related to the implementation and success of the project.
- Research and content preparation.
- Salaries, social benefits, and contracts for project teams (project management, business development, coding, design, system infrastructure, content development).
- Technological infrastructure (hardware and software).
- Travel and accommodation.
- Project audit fees.
- Other technical and administrative expenses.
- Localization activities.
- Marketing and promotion.
- Reasonable costs for activities and practices aimed at promoting environmental sustainability or hiring personnel for these activities and practices.
Eligible geographic areas
This grant focuses on Canadian digital media projects, but the eligible geographic locations are not specifically mentioned. Applicants should align their eligibility based on the overarching guidelines relevant to Canadian funding bodies.
Frequently Asked Questions about the CMF — Innovation & Experimentation Program Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the CMF — Innovation & Experimentation Program. 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 CMF — Innovation & Experimentation Program?
The Innovation and Experimentation Program aims to fund innovative Canadian digital interactive media content, offering up to 75% of eligible project expenses or a maximum of 1.5 million dollars. Eligible activities include creating a market-ready version of a project, covering localization, and initial marketing efforts.
How much funding can be received?
CMF — Innovation & Experimentation Program Funds up to 75% of admissible expenses, capped at $1,500,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the CMF — Innovation & Experimentation Program program?
To be eligible for the CMF — Innovation & Experimentation Program program, you must:
Applicants must comply with criteria outlined in section 3.1 of the MNI - Module principal.
What expenses are eligible under CMF — Innovation & Experimentation Program?
The Innovation and Experimentation Program supports projects that demonstrate a high level of innovation in interactive digital media content or technology in Canada. Eligible projects are those that can showcase innovative elements not only in their final outputs but also in the process and technology used in development, distribution, or marketing. Projects with innovative content or technology.
Projects that include groundbreaking, cutting-edge technologies, or the reinvention of existing content or technology.
Projects accompanied by a letter of intent from a third-party publisher or distributor committing to market and promote the project.
Who can I contact for more information about the CMF — Innovation & Experimentation Program?
You can contact Canada Media Fund (CMF).
Where is the CMF — Innovation & Experimentation Program available?
The CMF — Innovation & Experimentation Program program is available across Canada.
Is the CMF — Innovation & Experimentation Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
CMF — Innovation & Experimentation Program is a Grant and Funding