
Closed
Energy Innovation Program — Off-Site Construction Challenge
Support for innovative off-site residential construction
Last Update: May 29, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Closing date : March 27, 2026
Location
Canada
Overview
Natural Resources Canada’s Energy Innovation Program supports the design and demonstration of innovative off-site construction solutions for more energy-efficient and resilient multi-unit residential buildings. Phase 1 offers up to $180,000 in grant funding, and Phase 2 offers up to $10 million in contribution funding.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Increase production or service capacity
- Implement environmental initiatives
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Closing date : March 27, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Construction
- Manufacturing
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- For-profit business
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Startups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- All industries
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- All dimensions
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Plan and develop an off-site construction (OSC) building design for more energy-efficient and resilient multi-unit residential buildings (Phase 1 design grant).
- Design and demonstrate innovative off-site construction methods to modernize residential construction and improve energy performance (Challenge scope).
- Build and implement the selected OSC design as a large-scale multi-unit residential project (Phase 2 contribution).
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Businesses and stakeholders in the residential construction sector in Canada.
- Organizations involved in the off-site construction (OSC) of residential buildings.
- Businesses and design/engineering teams developing innovative methods for multi-unit residential buildings.
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada (at the national level).
Processing and Agreement
- Phase 1 applications are evaluated in spring 2026.
- Finalists are selected and invited to due diligence before funding is awarded.
- Successful finalists receive grant funding after due diligence is completed.
- Phase 2 finalists are evaluated in spring 2027, and a winner is selected and invited to due diligence.
- The Phase 2 winner receives contribution funding after due diligence and agreement execution.
Additional information
- The Challenge is delivered under Natural Resources Canada’s Energy Innovation Program (EIP) by the Office of Energy Research and Development (OERD).
- The opportunity is structured as a two-phase challenge, with Phase 2 open only to finalists selected from Phase 1.
- The Challenge is positioned in alignment with federal housing priorities referenced in Budget 2025 and the Build Canada Homes (BCH) initiative.
- An information video is available for applicants seeking an overview of the Challenge.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Innovation Program — Off-Site Construction Challenge Program
What is the Energy Innovation Program — Off-Site Construction Challenge?
Natural Resources Canada’s Energy Innovation Program supports the design and demonstration of innovative off-site construction solutions for more energy-efficient and resilient multi-unit residential buildings. Phase 1 offers up to $180,000 in grant funding, and Phase 2 offers up to $10 million in contribution funding.
Who is eligible for the Energy Innovation Program — Off-Site Construction Challenge program?
To be eligible for the Energy Innovation Program — Off-Site Construction Challenge program, you must:
Phase 1 is open to all eligible applicants (see applicant guide).
Phase 2 is open only to finalists selected from Phase 1.
What expenses are eligible under Energy Innovation Program — Off-Site Construction Challenge?
Plan and develop an off-site construction (OSC) building design for more energy-efficient and resilient multi-unit residential buildings (Phase 1 design grant).
Design and demonstrate innovative off-site construction methods to modernize residential construction and improve energy performance (Challenge scope).
Build and implement the selected OSC design as a large-scale multi-unit residential project (Phase 2 contribution).
Who can I contact for more information about the Energy Innovation Program — Off-Site Construction Challenge?
You can contact Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) by email at eipbuildings-piebatiments@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca.
Where is the Energy Innovation Program — Off-Site Construction Challenge available?
The Energy Innovation Program — Off-Site Construction Challenge program is available across Canada.
Is the Energy Innovation Program — Off-Site Construction Challenge a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Energy Innovation Program — Off-Site Construction Challenge is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the Energy Innovation Program — Off-Site Construction Challenge?
Energy Innovation Program — Off-Site Construction Challenge is funded by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)