Closed
Source verified July 8, 2026
Digital Research Infrastructure Strategy
Support for Canada’s research data ecosystem
Funding available
$ 375,000,000
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Canada
Overview
Digital Research Infrastructure is a Government of Canada initiative backed by $572.5 million over 5 years to strengthen Canada’s research computing, data management, research software, network, cybersecurity, and highly qualified personnel support. It funds a national not-for-profit organization and key ARC host sites to help Canadian researchers access advanced digital tools.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop a new program or service
- Enhance an existing program
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 375,000,000 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- All industries
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- National
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Advance and invest in national DRI activities in advanced research computing, data management, and research software.
- Immediately expand advanced research computing capacity at existing national ARC host sites.
- Provide ongoing support for highly qualified personnel.
- Strengthen cybersecurity across Canada’s DRI system.
- Maintain, expand, and safeguard Network Operations, Technology Innovation, and Private Sector Innovation for CANARIE.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- One eligible not-for-profit corporation.
- The five existing national ARC host sites currently providing general computing cycles to academic researchers.
Who is not eligible
- Organizations and universities other than the five existing national ARC host sites currently providing general computing cycles to academic researchers are not eligible for the immediate ARC expansion component.
Selection criteria
- Immediate ARC expansion allocations were made based on the best value for money to maximize increased capacity for researchers as quickly as possible.
Processing and Agreement
- The Government of Canada released a call for proposals in April 2019 and received one application for assessment.
- The submission was informed by the recommendations of an expert advisory panel before the Minister of Science approved funding.
- ISED officials will regularly monitor the recipient’s delivery of services and programs under the Contribution Agreement.
Additional information
- Funding agreements for DRI include mandatory cybersecurity requirements.
- ISED officials will regularly monitor the recipient’s delivery of services and programs to ensure it meets the objectives outlined in the Contribution Agreement and operates in the national interest of all Canadian researchers, regardless of location or discipline.
- The Government of Canada will have no direct role in the appointment of the leadership of the new independent arm’s length not-for-profit organization.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Digital Research Infrastructure Strategy Program
What is the Digital Research Infrastructure Strategy?
Digital Research Infrastructure is a Government of Canada initiative backed by $572.5 million over 5 years to strengthen Canada’s research computing, data management, research software, network, cybersecurity, and highly qualified personnel support. It funds a national not-for-profit organization and key ARC host sites to help Canadian researchers access advanced digital tools.
How much funding can be received?
Digital Research Infrastructure Strategy Funds up to $375,000,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Digital Research Infrastructure Strategy program?
To be eligible for the Digital Research Infrastructure Strategy program, you must:
The applicant must be one eligible not-for-profit corporation.
For the immediate ARC expansion, the applicant must be one of the five existing national ARC host sites currently providing general computing cycles to academic researchers.
What expenses are eligible under Digital Research Infrastructure Strategy?
Advance and invest in national DRI activities in advanced research computing, data management, and research software.
Immediately expand advanced research computing capacity at existing national ARC host sites.
Provide ongoing support for highly qualified personnel.
Strengthen cybersecurity across Canada’s DRI system.
Maintain, expand, and safeguard Network Operations, Technology Innovation, and Private Sector Innovation for CANARIE.
Who can I contact for more information about the Digital Research Infrastructure Strategy?
You can contact Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) by email at digitalresearchinfrastructure-infrastructurederecherchenumerique@ised-isde.gc.ca or by phone at none.
Where is the Digital Research Infrastructure Strategy available?
The Digital Research Infrastructure Strategy program is available across Canada.
Is the Digital Research Infrastructure Strategy a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Digital Research Infrastructure Strategy is a Grant and Funding