Indigenous Innovation Initiative

Q: How much funding can be received?

Indigenous Innovation Initiative Funds up to 250000% of admissible expenses.

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Q: Is the Indigenous Innovation Initiative a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Indigenous Innovation Initiative is a Grant and Funding

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the Indigenous Innovation Initiative?

Indigenous Innovation Initiative is funded by Grand Challenges Canada

Q: Who is eligible for the Indigenous Innovation Initiative program?

To be eligible for the Indigenous Innovation Initiative program, you must: • Must be an Indigenous-led business or organization developing innovative products, programs, or services • Must demonstrate connection to Indigenous identity and community • Project must have potential for sustainable impact in Indigenous communities

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the Indigenous Innovation Initiative?

You can contact Grand Challenges Canada by email at info@indigenousinnovate.org.

Q: Where is the Indigenous Innovation Initiative available?

The Indigenous Innovation Initiative program is available across Canada.

Q: Are Indigenous Peoples eligible for the Indigenous Innovation Initiative program?

Yes, Indigenous Peoples are eligible to apply for the Indigenous Innovation Initiative program.

Last Update: July 29, 2025

Canada

Get funding to empower First Nation, Inuit and Metis innovators

At a glance

Eligible Funding

From $100,000 to $250,000

Timeline

Receipt of requests is now closed

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Information and cultural industries
Professional, scientific and technical services
Educational services
Health care and social assistance
Arts, entertainment and recreation
Accommodation and food services

Funds Providers

Unspecified

Program status

Closed

Overview

Apply to the challenges and get funding to support innovative and scalable Indigenous-led ideas, to develop and test bold ideas from all sectors and industries.

Financing terms and conditions

Seed funding available from $100,000 to $250,000 per project to support development and testing of innovative ideas.

Activities funded

Development and testing of innovative products, programs, or services led by Indigenous businesses, organizations, or groups.
Implementation of sustainable solutions to address social, economic, or environmental challenges within Indigenous communities.
Projects supporting impact in areas such as health, social development, arts and fashion, technology, science, business, industry, food security, hospitality and tourism, education, justice, environment, or clean energy.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 180,000

Establishing a renewable energy project for Indigenous communities

$ 175,000

Implementing a digital health record system for Indigenous clinics

$ 150,000

Developing a mobile app to support Indigenous language learning

$ 110,000

Launching a social enterprise focused on traditional crafts

$ 140,000

Launching an employment training program for Indigenous youth

$ 120,000

Creating a sustainable community garden to address food insecurity

Eligibility

The applicant must be an Indigenous business, organization, social enterprise, or group developing innovative products, programs, or services.
The project must be Indigenous-led or created by and/or for Indigenous Peoples (First Nations, Inuit, or Métis), including status and non-status individuals, registered and unregistered Métis, and Inuit beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries.
The project must be culturally safe, cost-effective, and demonstrate potential for long-term, sustainable impact in Indigenous communities.
The project should have the potential to be scalable or adaptable to other Indigenous community settings.
Applicants must be open to monitoring, measuring, and evaluating their innovation projects, and provide evidence of connection to Indigenous identity and community.

Who is eligible?

Health sector businesses and organizations
Social sector entities
Arts and fashion sector groups
Technology and science initiatives
Businesses and organizations in hospitality, tourism, education, justice, environment, food security, business, and clean energy

Eligible expenses

This grant supports Indigenous innovators in developing and testing bold ideas across diverse sectors. The eligible projects seek to address community challenges through innovative solutions.

Innovative products, programs, or services across sectors such as health, technology, and arts.
Projects focused on food security, hospitality, and tourism.
Initiatives in education, justice, environment, and clean energy.
Business and industry solutions with potential community impact.
Social enterprises offering sustainable community solutions.

Eligible geographic areas

Urban, rural, remote and Northern First Nation, Inuit, and Métis communities in Canada.

Selection criteria

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

Cultural safety and ability to inspire ongoing use within Indigenous communities.
Cost-effectiveness of the proposed innovation.
Potential for achieving a long-term and sustainable impact in First Nation, Inuit and/or Métis communities.
Scalability or adaptability of the project to other Indigenous community settings.
Willingness to engage in monitoring, measuring, and evaluating the innovation project for shared learning and application within the Indigenous innovation ecosystem.

How to apply

Preliminary Preparation

Ensure your project aligns with the Indigenous Innovation Initiative objectives.
Assess and establish your Indigenous identity or community connection.

Prepare Application

Prepare a detailed proposal outlining your innovative idea, objectives, and potential impact.
Address how your innovation is culturally safe, cost-effective, scalable, and sustainable.
Include plans for monitoring and evaluation of your project.
Compile supporting documentation, such as letters of support or registration evidence.

Application Submission

Submit your completed application through the designated application portal or via email, as directed by the Indigenous Innovation Initiative.
Ensure all required documents and forms are uploaded and complete before submission.

Confirmation of Submission

Receive a confirmation email acknowledging the receipt of your application.
Keep this confirmation for future reference and follow-ups.

Additional information

The Initiative aligns its objectives with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.
Successful applicants may be required to provide evidence of their connection to Indigenous identity and community, such as letters of support or registration documents.
The program celebrates and shares the successes of funded projects to inspire broader Indigenous innovation.
The Initiative emphasizes inclusivity for all Indigenous Peoples, including those not registered with governance organizations.

Documents and links

Indigenous Innovation Initiative

Contacts

info@indigenousinnovate.org

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Indigenous Innovation Initiative Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Indigenous Innovation Initiative. 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.