Global Innovation Clusters
Last Update: July 22, 2025
Canada
Financial assistance to work in collaboration on innovation projects
Global Innovation Clusters at a glance
Eligible Funding
- No Condition
Timeline
- Open Date : July 17, 2023
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
- Manufacturing
- Information and cultural industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
Grant Providers
- Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)
- Government of Canada
- Innovation Canada
Program status
Open
Overview of the Global Innovation Clusters program
The Global Innovation Clusters program by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada offers funding up to $750 million over five years, aiming to grow innovation ecosystems, promote investment in innovation and commercialization, and support skills development. Eligible activities include collaboration between companies, academic institutions, Indigenous groups, and non-profits to develop projects, generate IP assets, and stimulate job creation and economic benefits.
Financing terms and conditions
- Federal government funding totalling nearly $2 billion over ten years, distributed across five clusters.
- Funding is provided through non-repayable contributions, with each cluster receiving a specific maximum amount (e.g., up to $427M for Advanced Manufacturing, up to $323M for Protein Industries).
- Each project funded through clusters requires dollar-for-dollar matching investment from industry partners.
Eligible projects & activities
- Collaborative innovation projects involving companies, academic institutions, and non-profit organizations in key sectors such as digital technologies, plant proteins, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence in supply chains, and oceans.
- Development and commercialization of new products, processes, or services aimed at increasing competitiveness in global markets.
- Initiatives that foster talent development, training, and inclusion of under-represented groups within sector ecosystems.
- Projects that emphasize the creation, management, and commercialization of Canadian-owned intellectual property (IP).
- Industry-driven efforts to strengthen supply chains, stimulate economic growth, and create new jobs within Canada.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 150,000
Establishing a digital literacy program for seniors
$ 250,000
Implementing renewable energy solutions in remote Indigenous communities
$ 300,000
Developing a blockchain-based supply chain management system
$ 300,000
Developing an AI-powered diagnostic tool for early cancer detection
$ 400,000
Developing a wearable medical device for real-time health monitoring
$ 300,000
Creating a sustainable food production system using vertical farming
How to apply to the Global Innovation Clusters program
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.
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.
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.
Contact Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)
1-800-328-6189
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