CMF — Innovation & Experimentation Program
grant_single|update March 27, 2025
Canada
Canadian digital media innovation and experimentation funding program
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDate April 11, 2024
- grant_single|closingDate April 25, 2024
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Information and cultural industries
grant_single|grantors
- Canada Media Fund (CMF)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
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.
grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions
The CMF Innovation & Experimentation Program provides substantial financial assistance tailored to foster innovation in Canadian interactive digital media content. The funding terms are designed to support the development of commercially viable projects at the forefront of technology and creativity.
- Offers a contribution up to a maximum of 75% of eligible project expenses or 1.5 million CAD per project, whichever is less.
- Eligible expenses may include project management, business development, and content development salaries and contracts.
- Coverage extends to technological infrastructure, travel, accommodation, and project audit fees.
- Support for marketing and promotional activities, requiring at least 25% and at most 50% of production budget categories B + C to be allocated to these activities.
- Allows costs related to environmentally sustainable practices and activities.
- Mandates strict adherence to financial reporting and audit requirements.
- Projects must be available to the public in Canada.
grant_single_labels|projects
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.
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements as outlined in the grant guidelines.
- The applicant must meet the criteria set forth in section 3.1 of the MNI - Module principal.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
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.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria with allocated point scores to ensure alignment with the grant’s objectives.
- Team - Includes backgrounds and achievements in the interactive digital media sector, experience among team members, and the team's capacity to deliver the project. [13 points]
- Parity - The project qualifies as achieving parity with 40% of key positions occupied by individuals identifying as women. [2 points]
- Diversity - The project incorporates diversity with 40% of key positions filled by members of diverse communities. [2 points]
- Community and sustainability - Includes commitment to responsible content creation, community engagement, and environmental sustainability measures. [4 points]
- Innovation, creativity, and advancement - Assesses originality, relevance, and innovative use of technology; impact on industry and market is also considered. [60 points]
- Financial viability - Evaluates budget accuracy, financial stability of the applicant, and project risk. [9 points]
- Strategic positioning and marketing - Includes market analysis, audience study, marketing plan quality, distribution methods, and market interest. [10 points]
grant_single_labels|apply
- Step 1: Review Eligibility
- Ensure that both the applicant and the project meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the guidelines.
- Review section 3.1 and 3.2 to confirm eligibility criteria are met.
- Step 2: Gather Required Documents
- Prepare a detailed project proposal demonstrating innovation in content or technology.
- Obtain a letter of intent from a third-party publisher or distributor.
- Compile any supporting documents related to project feasibility, such as budget, timeline, and team credentials.
- Step 3: Complete Application Form
- Access the application form on the fund provider's official portal.
- Fill out all sections of the application form accurately, aligning with project details and eligibility criteria.
- Step 4: Submit Application
- Upload all necessary documents, including the project proposal, letter of intent, and supporting documents to the portal.
- Verify the completeness and accuracy of your application before submission.
- Submit the application before the final deadline as indicated by the funding body.
- Step 5: Confirmation of Submission
- Receive confirmation of application submission from the funding body, typically by email.
- Ensure you keep a record of your application submission and confirmation details for future reference.
Apply to this program
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