CMF — Innovation & Experimentation Program
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|openingDateDecember 01, 2024
- grant_single|closingDateFebruary 01, 2025
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|open
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|projects
This grant program aims to finance Canadian interactive digital media projects that are at the forefront of innovation and technology. Eligible projects are those that have already completed conceptualization and prototyping stages and are ready for distribution and commercialization.
- Projects featuring innovative content or technology.
- Projects accompanied by a letter of intent from a third-party publisher or distributor.
- Projects complying with privacy protection laws.
- Projects that have not been repeatedly rejected for the same activity since 2010.
- Projects available to the Canadian public.
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 is intended for eligible applicants as outlined in the guiding principles. However, the geographical eligibility is not specified in detail within the provided context.
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|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- 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
Empowering Digital Media Innovation in Canada
The Innovation and Experimentation Program for 2024-2025 provides crucial financial support to Canadian interactive digital media projects that are pioneering in technology and content. This grant is dedicated to fostering cutting-edge innovation, ensuring that these digital endeavors are not only conceptualized but also effectively commercialized.
Detailed Insights into the Innovation and Experimentation Grant Program
The Innovation and Experimentation Program is a pivotal initiative aimed at spurring the development of highly advanced interactive digital media content in Canada. Projects seeking support from this program are expected to have moved beyond the initial ideation and prototyping stages, showcasing their potential for distribution and commercialization. The core intent of this grant is to fund the final production phase, ensuring that these projects reach a commercially viable form, which includes localization and initial marketing efforts.
Eligible projects must demonstrate a clear innovation component, where projects are required to exhibit either revolutionary content or cutting-edge technology. The definition of innovation under this program is broad, acknowledging both groundbreaking new technologies and the enhancement or reimagining of existing ones. This flexibility encourages applicants to dynamically interpret innovation, thereby fostering a diverse array of digital advancements.
Moreover, the program necessitates that projects be accompanied by a letter of intent from a third-party publisher or distributor, who commits to market and actively promote the project. This requirement underscores the program’s emphasis on not only developing innovative content but also ensuring its successful penetration into the market. However, there is room for exceptions if a compelling alternative marketing strategy is proposed or if the applicant demonstrates an effective self-distribution capability.
Financial support from the program can cover up to 75% of eligible project expenses or a maximum of CAD 1.5 million, whichever is lesser. The eligible costs span a wide range, including research, content development, team remunerations, technological infrastructure, travel, auditing, localization, marketing, and even sustainability practices. This comprehensive coverage ensures that projects receive the necessary resources to thrive, while mandating that at least a quarter of certain expenditure categories are allocated to marketing and promotions.
The competitive nature of the selection process requires applicants to meet high evaluation standards across several categories, including team experience and achievements in digital media, the depth of innovation, financial feasibility, and strategic market positioning. This rigorous assessment ensures that the grant supports only those projects with palpable potential for industry impact, financial success, and cultural contribution.
In summary, the Innovation and Experimentation Program represents a significant opportunity for Canadian digital media innovators. Beyond funding, it facilitates a platform for realizing projects that have the capacity to redefine industry standards and contribute culturally significant content. As such, this program not only supports individual entrepreneurial ambitions but also enriches the broader digital media landscape in Canada.
