Closed
CMF — Innovation & Experimentation Program
Funding for innovative Canadian interactive media projects
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
$ 1,500,000
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Location
Canada
Overview
The Innovation & Experimentation Program funds innovative Canadian interactive digital media projects, with support of up to 75% of eligible costs or $1.5 million, whichever is less. It covers the creation of a market-ready version of the project, including localization and marketing/commercialization activities.
/100
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
- Development of innovative interactive digital media projects
- Creation of a final, market-ready version of an eligible project
- Localization of the project
- Marketing and commercialization activities
Documents Needed
- Narrative Positioning Attestation
- Narrative Positioning Statement
- Community Engagement Plan
- Sustainability Plan
- Budget and cash flow
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Canadian for-profit production companies
- Canadian broadcasters
- Companies in the interactive digital media sector
Eligible expenses
- Content research and preparation
- Project team salaries, wages, benefits, and contracts
- Technology infrastructure, including hardware and software
- Travel, accommodation, audit fees, and other technical or administrative costs
- Localization, marketing and promotion, and sustainability-related costs
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Projects that have substantially commenced production before submission
- Projects already publicly available, except for demo or prototype testing in previous phases
- Projects refused funding for the same activity two or more times since 2010-2011
- Projects submitted to both the Innovation & Experimentation Program and the Commercial Projects Program in the same spring or fall deadline period
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Processing and Agreement
- Eligible projects are assessed through a selective and competitive review process.
- Applications are evaluated against an evaluation grid, with separate criteria for lower-budget projects and main-stream projects.
- Applicants receive a funding decision after the review process.
- Approved applicants must sign a contract before funding is paid.
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 & Experimentation Program funds innovative Canadian interactive digital media projects, with support of up to 75% of eligible costs or $1.5 million, whichever is less. It covers the creation of a market-ready version of the project, including localization and marketing/commercialization activities.
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:
Applicant must meet IDM core rules
Project must be innovative
Project needs clear distribution plan
What expenses are eligible under CMF — Innovation & Experimentation Program?
Development of innovative interactive digital media projects
Creation of a final, market-ready version of an eligible project
Localization of the project
Marketing and commercialization activities
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