Open
Global Innovation Clusters
Financial assistance to work in collaboration on innovation projects
Last Update: June 8, 2026
Funding available
Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : July 17, 2023
Location
Canada
Overview
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.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Increase social or community impact
Eligible Funding
- Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : July 17, 2023
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
- Canadians
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Higher Education
- Research
- Employment and Training
- Business Associations
- Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
- Indigenous peoples
- Women & girls
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Nonprofits / charities
- Academia / students
- Minority groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- National
- International
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- 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.
Official resources
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.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Global Innovation Clusters Program
What is the Global Innovation Clusters?
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.
How much funding can be received?
Global Innovation Clusters Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Global Innovation Clusters program?
To be eligible for the Global Innovation Clusters program, you must:
Applicants must be part of industry leaders, small and medium-sized companies, or post-secondary institutions.
Projects should aim for accelerated growth in one of the targeted sectors: Digital Technologies, Plant Proteins, Advanced Manufacturing, Artificial Intelligence, or Oceans.
Applicants must collaborate on large-scale projects to speed up industry growth.
What expenses are eligible under Global Innovation Clusters?
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.
Who can I contact for more information about the Global Innovation Clusters?
You can contact Innovation Canada or by phone at 1-800-328-6189.
Where is the Global Innovation Clusters available?
The Global Innovation Clusters program is available across Canada.
Is the Global Innovation Clusters a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Global Innovation Clusters is a Researchers And Facilities