Digital Technology Cluster
BC, Canada
Funding in the development of novel and innovative digital technology solutions
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|noCondition
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Partnering and Collaboration
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Information and cultural industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Health care and social assistance
- Public administration
grant_single|grantors
- Canada's Digital Technology Cluster
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
Get a grant to cover a portion of eligible expenses for a collaborative project in various industries. Activities may include R&D to improve connectivity, access to innovation, enabling partnerships and providing training for SMEs, women, Indigenous peopl
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant is specifically applicable to geographical areas within Canada, reflecting the co-investment model supported by Canadian federal and provincial bodies. Eligible companies must be located or operate within regions targeted by these co-investments to stimulate technological and economic advancements.
- Businesses operating within the province of British Columbia.
- Companies with operations in other Canadian provinces as part of the Global Innovation Cluster program and related federal initiatives.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$140,000
Winnipeg
Creating a platform for digital education for Indigenous communities
$90,000
Montreal
Developing quantum computing training modules for SMEs
$180,000
Ottawa
Developing AI solutions for personalized health recommendations
$250,000
Toronto
Developing a new AI-driven diagnostic tool for early cancer detection
$160,000
Edmonton
Leveraging AI for natural resource management in partnership with SMEs
$140,000
Vancouver
Creating a digital platform to improve housing production capacity
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant requires that applicants meet certain criteria pertaining to their organizational structure, project scope, and partnership arrangements.
- Applicants must be part of a consortium that may include businesses, academia, community, and government partners.
- Each project needs a proposed project lead who should be capable of managing multiple projects if necessary.
- Non-Canadian organizations must have operations in Canada to be eligible for co-investment, or they should participate as a partner without receiving direct funding unless pre-approved for foreign costs.
- Projects need to demonstrate capacity for digital innovation relevant to health, environment, talent building, quantum and AI technologies, or housing production.
- Projects must comply with the co-investment model, requiring all partners to negotiate intra-payments to manage their net costs.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Organizations interested in applying for the DIGITAL co-investment programs should generally include businesses, academic institutions, and other community or government bodies looking to collaborate on technology innovation projects. Typically, eligible applicants would be those operating within sectors relevant to the specific call for proposals, such as digital innovation, AI commercialization, quantum technologies, or housing production capacity. Consortia are encouraged to demonstrate their ability to achieve proposed outcomes with co-investment funding.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant excludes certain organizations mainly based on their operational presence and eligibility for co-investment. The restrictions ensure that the funds are directed towards entities aligned with Canadian innovation and development goals.
- International organizations without a registered business presence in Canada.
- Non-Canadian entities not undertaking any eligible project activities in Canada.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
This grant supports projects focused on boosting housing production capacity in British Columbia, leveraging data-driven digital innovation. The initiative aims to address housing challenges through innovative technological solutions.
- Harnessing data-driven digital innovation to increase housing production capacity in British Columbia.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The co-investment from DIGITAL covers specific costs that are incremental, reasonable, and directly related to the project's execution and success.
- Personnel salaries and benefits for roles directly related to the project.
- Costs for equipment and materials necessary for project implementation.
- Consulting fees for external expertise or technical support that is integral to the project.
- Travel expenses essential for project execution.
- Administrative and overhead costs that are appropriately attributed to the project.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria to ensure alignment with the grant’s objectives as detailed in the Program Guides.
- Innovation and originality of the project proposal.
- Feasibility and clarity of the implementation plan.
- Alignment with the grant’s strategic goals.
- Potential impact on the targeted community or sector.
- Cost-effectiveness and efficient use of resources.
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Subscribe for Updates
- Subscribe to the newsletter to receive announcements regarding calls for proposals and informational webinars.
- Step 2: Review Program Information
- Visit the respective program pages to review available calls for proposals and gather information on specific programs and co-investment criteria.
- Step 3: Assess Eligibility and TRL
- Determine your project’s eligibility by reviewing the relevant program guides and ensuring alignment with DIGITAL’s objectives.
- Use the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) assessment tool to identify your project’s maturity level.
- Step 4: Prepare Project Concept
- Prepare a detailed project concept proposal including objectives, expected outcomes, and impact.
- Identify partners and form a consortium if applicable.
- Step 5: Application Submission
- Complete the online application form and submit all necessary documents and supporting information.
- Ensure all eligibility criteria are met and documents are accurately compiled.
- Step 6: Follow Application Status
- Wait for feedback from DIGITAL regarding your proposal.
- Stay informed of project selections through program page updates and communications.
- Step 7: Contracting Process
- If selected, engage in the contracting process, which may involve discussing and finalizing the master project agreement (MPA).
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- There is an expectation for project participants to have cash flow to cover 3-6 months of costs for accounting for claims payment review and processing timelines.
- In-kind contributions are considered donations and are not eligible for co-investment.
- Approval of foreign costs usually requires a 2-3 week process with ISED.
- The participation of international customers is encouraged for global market readiness, but non-Canadian entities are ineligible for co-investment unless they have operations in Canada.
Apply to this program
Empowering Canadian Initiatives with Innovative Funding
The DIGITAL grant initiative facilitates the advancement of Canadian technologies and workforce by providing co-investment models that drive meaningful collaborations among industry leaders, academic institutions, and government bodies. With a focus on areas such as health technology, environmental sustainability, and digital connectivity, this grant propels Canadian organizations towards global industry leadership.
Exploring the DIGITAL Grant's Multifaceted Support for Canadian Growth
DIGITAL's grant initiative represents a strategic approach toward nurturing innovation and sustainable development across Canada. Unlike traditional grants, DIGITAL's co-investment model entails a non-dilutive financial support framework where the commitment is cemented through multiparty contracts that emphasize commercial and ecosystem impact. This ensures that the participating entities, which may range from small to large-scale enterprises, can align their projects with strategic societal and industry goals while maintaining their operational autonomy.
The initiative is particularly focused on key sectors that are integral to Canada’s economic and social fabric, such as health, natural resources, digital talent development, and quantum technology. Each of these focus areas has been deliberately chosen to address contemporary challenges while also preparing Canada for future technological landscapes. For instance, investments in health and wellness aim to enhance equitable access to care and improve health outcomes, thereby contributing to the establishment of sustainable healthcare systems both domestically and internationally.
Furthermore, the DIGITAL grant seeks to fortify Canada’s natural resources sector by fostering innovations that align with a low-carbon economy, thereby supporting environmental health and sustainability. The grant's support does not stop at protecting the environment; it extends to nurturing a digitally connected Canada. By working with Indigenous communities and those in remote areas, the initiative aims to bridge the digital divide, foster clean energy transformation, and cultivate leaders who can drive digital innovation within their communities.
In the realm of technology commercialization, DIGITAL places a strong emphasis on deploying home-grown artificial intelligence solutions through the Horizon AI streams, ensuring that Canadian innovations can capture both local and international market spaces. This approach bolsters Canada’s position in the global AI ecosystem, encouraging international collaborations while anchoring technological advancements on national soil. Moreover, the initiative accelerates the adoption and proof-of-value demonstration of Canadian quantum technologies, inviting both domestic and international collaborations to explore the practical applications of quantum solutions.
Underpinning all these efforts is a comprehensive approach to workforce development through strategic partnerships with Employment & Social Development Canada programs. These partnerships aim to cultivate digital skills and harness Canada’s talent pool by seeking sector-wide solutions that anticipate the future workforce demands.
The competitive nature of these grants encourages a wide range of applications, ensuring that only the most impactful and innovative projects receive support. By providing continual updates through newsletters and informational webinars, DIGITAL ensures transparency and accessibility. The flexible model allows businesses to embark on multiple projects as long as they can showcase their capacity for parallel project management.
This grant initiative is not just a financial support mechanism; it is a visionary step towards positioning Canada as a frontrunner in global technological and digital advancements. Through strategic collaborations and an unwavering commitment to innovation, DIGITAL is enabling Canadian partners to not only meet but exceed industry expectations, making measurable impacts in society and the global market.
