Closed
Source verified May 29, 2026
Energy Innovation Program — Off-Site Construction Challenge
Support for innovative off-site residential construction
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
March 27, 2026
Location
Canada
Who can apply
Businesses and stakeholders in the residential construction sector in Canada.
See full eligibility
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
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
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).
Official resources
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).
How to apply
- Step 1: Review the applicant guide
- Consult the applicant guide for the Challenge details and eligibility criteria.
- Step 2: Prepare the Phase 1 application
- Complete the Phase 1 Design Grant Application using the applicant portal.
- Step 3: Submit the application
- Submit the completed Phase 1 Design Grant Application through the application portal by 1:00 p.m. ET on March 27, 2026.
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)