Global Innovation Clusters
At a glance
- No Condition
- Open Date : July 17, 2023
- All industries
- Science and Economic Development Canada
- Innovation Canada
- Government of Canada
Overview
Eligibility criteria
Who is eligible
Eligible types of companies for this grant include companies of all sizes, academic institutions, Indigenous groups, and non-profit organizations. They are encouraged to collaborate within Canada's Global Innovation Clusters to drive innovation and create a competitive edge.
- Companies of all sizes
- Academic institutions
- Indigenous groups
- Non-profit organizations
Eligible expenses
There are eligible expenses for this grant.
- Research and development costs
- Innovation and commercialization activities
- Investments in technology and IP
- Skills and talent development initiatives
- Project-specific expenses approved by the clusters
Eligible projects & activities
Grants are available for projects and activities related to Canada's Global Innovation Clusters, including collaborative initiatives, problem-solving projects, research, and innovation development. Eligible projects may involve industry, academia, Indigenous groups, and non-profit organizations.
- Collaborative research projects
- Innovation development initiatives
- Problem-solving projects
- Industry-academia partnerships
- Projects involving Indigenous groups and non-profit organizations
Evaluation & selection criteria
The evaluation and selection criteria for this grant are as follows:
- Project alignment with cluster priorities and objectives
- Economic potential and impact on Canada's innovation ecosystem
- Diversity and collaboration among project partners
- Feasibility and scalability of the proposed project
- Potential for commercialization and growth of Canadian businesses
How to apply
- Step 1: Visit the website of the specific Global Innovation Cluster you are interested in applying to.
- Content: Access the application process details.
- Implications: Understand the requirements and procedures for membership.
- Step 2: Review the application requirements and associated fees.
- Content: Check if there are any fees for membership or different membership levels.
- Implications: Determine the financial implications of applying to the cluster.
- Step 3: Complete the application process based on the guidelines provided.
- Content: Follow the instructions for submitting your application.
- Implications: Ensure you provide all necessary information and documents for consideration.
Additional information
There are further details that applicants should be aware of:
- Eligibility criteria may vary for each cluster, so applicants should review specific requirements before applying.
- Membership fees or different levels of membership, including free options, may be applicable depending on the cluster.
Global Innovation Clusters Grant Summary
Canada's Global Innovation Clusters initiative aims to foster collaboration between companies, academic institutions, and non-profits to drive innovation, economic growth, and job creation. With significant investments and support, the clusters focus on various sectors such as Digital Technology, Protein Industries, Advanced Manufacturing, Scale AI, and Ocean, promoting sustainable development and competitiveness on a global scale.
Global Innovation Clusters: Driving Innovation and Economic Growth
Canada's Global Innovation Clusters represent a strategic investment in fostering innovation ecosystems that benefit all Canadians. These clusters bring together diverse stakeholders to generate cutting-edge ideas, catalyze commercialization efforts, and enhance Canada's global competitiveness.
The funding allocated to the five clusters supports their growth, strengthens collaborative networks, and fosters talent development, particularly among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). By promoting cross-sector partnerships and knowledge sharing, the clusters aim to unlock new market opportunities, drive technological advancements, and create sustainable economic impacts.
Through strategic collaborations and project partnerships, the clusters have announced over 500 initiatives, with more than 2,500 project partnerships established. Notably, a significant portion of these collaborations involve SMEs, highlighting the clusters' commitment to supporting diverse industry players and driving inclusive innovation.
One of the key objectives of the Global Innovation Clusters is to support Canadian intellectual property (IP) development and protection. By fostering innovation and research, the clusters contribute to the generation of new IP assets, including patents, copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets. This strategic use of IP assets not only drives business growth but also enhances Canada's standing in the global innovation landscape.
As a result of the clusters' initiatives, the economic benefits to Canada's innovation ecosystem are substantial. With over $2.32 billion co-invested with industry partners and $874 million in program funds, the clusters are driving considerable economic growth and job creation opportunities across various sectors. A recent EY report estimates that the clusters will create or sustain 23,900 full-time employment jobs from 2018 to 2023, underscoring the program's significant impact on the labor market.
Through success stories and impactful projects, the clusters showcase tangible outcomes that contribute to Canada's economic prosperity and global competitiveness. By leveraging the strengths of different sectors and fostering innovation-driven collaborations, the Global Innovation Clusters are at the forefront of driving sustainable growth and shaping the future of Canada's innovation landscape.
