Closed
Indigenous Innovation Initiative
Get funding to empower First Nation, Inuit and Metis innovators
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
$ 100,000 - $ 250,000
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Location
Canada
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.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Conduct research and development activities
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 250,000 $
- Minimum amount : 100,000 $
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Eligible candidates
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
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
- Sole proprietorship
- Social economy enterprise
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Culture and Arts
- Other Education
- Research
- Other Health Services
- Law and Legal Services
- Social Services
- Environment
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Business Associations
- Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
- Indigenous peoples
- Women & girls
- Rural / Remote communities
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Artists / creatives
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- National
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
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.
Eligibility
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.
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
Contacts
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.
What is the Indigenous Innovation Initiative?
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.
How much funding can be received?
Indigenous Innovation Initiative Funds up to $250,000 of admissible expenses.
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
What expenses are eligible under Indigenous Innovation Initiative?
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.
Who can I contact for more information about the Indigenous Innovation Initiative?
You can contact Grand Challenges Canada (GCC) by email at info@indigenousinnovate.org.
Where is the Indigenous Innovation Initiative available?
The Indigenous Innovation Initiative program is available across Canada.
Is the Indigenous Innovation Initiative a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Indigenous Innovation Initiative is a Grant and Funding