Impact Canada Challenge Hub

Q: How much funding can be received?

There is no informations about how much funding can be received.

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Q: Is the Impact Canada Challenge Hub a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Impact Canada Challenge Hub is a Grant and Funding

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the Impact Canada Challenge Hub?

Impact Canada Challenge Hub is funded by Impact Canada, Government of Canada

Q: Who is eligible for the Impact Canada Challenge Hub program?

To be eligible for the Impact Canada Challenge Hub program, you must: • Open to small and medium-sized enterprises • Innovators able to deliver measurable solutions to defined challenges • Applicants must address problems aligned with Government priorities

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the Impact Canada Challenge Hub?

You can contact Impact Canada by email at iiu-uii@pco-bcp.gc.ca.

Q: Where is the Impact Canada Challenge Hub available?

The Impact Canada Challenge Hub program is available across Canada.

Q: Are startups eligible for the Impact Canada Challenge Hub program?

Yes, startups are eligible to apply for the Impact Canada Challenge Hub program.

Q: Are women eligible for the Impact Canada Challenge Hub program?

Yes, women are eligible to apply for the Impact Canada Challenge Hub program.

Last Update: July 25, 2025

Canada

Financing to solve economic, environmental, and social problems

At a glance

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Timeline

Unspecified

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Information and cultural industries
Health care and social assistance
Public administration

Funds Providers

Unspecified

Program status

Open

Overview

Get a grant or contribution to cover some or all of the costs related to developing an innovative solution for a specific government challenge.

Financing terms and conditions

This grant employs a performance-based funding structure designed to incentivize participants to achieve measurable outcomes. Innovators are awarded based on the results achieved during the Challenge, with the structure reflecting various types of competitions.

Outcome-based awards are granted to those who first or most effectively meet a defined challenge according to specific criteria.
Financial incentives serve as prizes for achieving successful solutions in response to various challenges.
Grand Challenges offer funding on a prospective basis, evaluating a broad range of potential innovations for effectiveness.
Support is available through Accelerators, which provide time-limited business support to early-stage enterprises.

Activities funded

Launching innovation competitions to develop solutions for key societal, economic, or environmental challenges.
Supporting early-stage enterprises through competitive accelerators combined with outcomes-based funding.
Creating initiatives that utilize performance-based funding models, including Challenge Prizes and Pay for Success approaches.
Developing projects that promote Indigenous innovation inspired by Traditional Knowledge for community benefit.
Fostering collaborations aimed at measurable impact in areas such as mental health, environmental sustainability, housing, and healthcare.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 160,000

Supporting women cleantech entrepreneurs to expand their businesses

$ 120,000

Developing a cost-effective opioid detection device for safe drug checking

$ 240,000

Creating a pipeline of green innovations through business incubators

$ 400,000

Implementing smart city solutions to improve urban living

$ 160,000

Partnering with Indigenous communities to implement sustainable energy solutions

$ 120,000

Running outcome-based funding awards for mental health services

Eligibility

The applicant must present an innovative solution addressing a specific challenge or problem identified as a priority.
The project must demonstrate measurable outcomes or impact as defined by the challenge criteria.
Applicants can include small and medium-sized enterprises, start-ups, and other organizations able to deliver real-world results.
The initiative or solution must be relevant to Canadian societal, economic, or environmental needs.

Who is eligible?

Small and medium-sized enterprises
Start-ups and early-stage enterprises
Innovators in sectors such as agriculture, agri-food, health, space, and clean energy
Organizations proposing Indigenous innovation initiatives

Who is not eligible

There are specific types of companies that are not eligible for this grant:

Foreign companies not registered in Canada
Non-profit organizations without a Canadian presence

Selection criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria with allocated point scores to ensure alignment with the grant’s objectives.

Innovation and originality of the project proposal.
Feasibility and clarity of the implementation plan.
Alignment with the grant’s strategic goals.
Potential impact on the targeted community or sector.
Cost-effectiveness and efficient use of resources.

How to apply

Understand the Challenge

Identify the specific problem the challenge will address.
Select a relevant policy priority related to the challenge.
Conduct discovery research to gather necessary information.
Identify and engage with stakeholders related to the challenge.

Design Your Proposal

Select the appropriate challenge type for your proposal.
Draft a clear and concise challenge statement.
Structure your challenge proposal effectively.
Set a timeline for your solution, including various stages of development.
Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria.
Prepare to meet the assessment criteria.

Prepare Supporting Documents

Compile evidence to support your solution approach and methodology.
Gather any required supplementary documentation such as budgets or partnerships.

Submit Your Application

Prepare the application form based on the guidelines provided.
Complete all sections of the application form accurately.
Review your application to ensure compliance with all requirements.
Submit the application ahead of any stipulated deadlines through the specified platform or email.

Engagement and Notification

Participate in any subsequent engagement activities if required.
Await notification regarding the shortlisting process or further stages.
Respond to any follow-up request for additional information or clarification.

Additional information

Outcomes-based financing shifts funding from upfront payments for activities to rewards for measurable outcomes.
Challenges attract a significant number of first-time government funding applicants, broadening access to innovators.
A five-phase approach is used to support and maximize the impact of initiatives.
Initiatives raise public awareness and increase transparency in government decision-making.

Contacts

iiu-uii@pco-bcp.gc.ca

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Impact Canada Challenge Hub Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Impact Canada Challenge Hub. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.