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Industrial Research Chair Program - Ontario - Canada
Closed
Source verified July 6, 2026

Industrial Research Chair Program

Funding for industrial research chairs in Northern Ontario
Funding available
$ 1,000,000
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Ontario, Canada
Who can apply

Northern Ontario universities

See full eligibility

Overview

This program supports Industrial Research Chairs in Northern Ontario with up to $1 million in conditional funding. It helps universities, colleges, and research institutions carry out research focused on business problem solving and commercialization.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals
  • Develop strategic partnerships
  • Attract or retain talent
  • Develop a new product or service
Eligible Funding
  • Maximum amount : 1,000,000 $
  • Up to 50% of project cost

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries
  • All industries
Location
  • Ontario
Legal structures
  • Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
  • All revenue ranges
Organisation size
  • All organization sizes
Audience
  • Rural or Northern Residents

Next Steps

1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility

Activities funded

  • Industrial research chair projects of up to five years in duration
  • Projects focused on business problem solving
  • Projects working toward the commercialization of a product or process in Northern Ontario

Documents Needed

  • Program guidelines
  • Document checklist

Official resources

Official page

Program Success Story

Program guide

Invest North (2024)

INVEST North Program (2025)

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • Northern Ontario universities
  • Northern Ontario colleges
  • Northern Ontario research institutions

Eligible expenses

  • Chair holder salary and mandatory benefits
  • Laboratory construction or renovation
  • Research equipment purchase, operation, and maintenance
  • Research materials
  • Publishing research findings

Ineligible Costs and Activities

  • Compensation for other research team members
  • Indirect operating or administrative costs
  • Professional and technical service fees
  • Travel, accommodation, and meeting costs
  • Office equipment and furnishings

Eligible geographic areas

  • Northern Ontario

Selection criteria

  • Net economic benefits for Northern Ontario
  • Alignment with the host organization’s strategic research plan
  • Strength of collaboration and partner needs addressed in the proposal
  • Strength of the project’s detailed business plan

How to apply

  • Submit your application for initial review.
  • Provide any additional information requested during the evaluation stage.
  • The review is shared with the board of directors for the final decision.

Processing and Agreement

  • Applications are first reviewed to confirm they meet the program guidelines.
  • Additional information may be requested during the evaluation stage.
  • The review is then shared with the board of directors for the final decision.

Additional information

  • Industrial partner(s) must provide financial support and be actively involved in the project.
  • Chair holders must be recognized international leaders in their field.
  • The program gives preference to projects with collaboration from other academic, research, Indigenous, municipal, or government partners.

Contacts

Frequently Asked Questions about the Industrial Research Chair Program Program

What is the Industrial Research Chair Program?

This program supports Industrial Research Chairs in Northern Ontario with up to $1 million in conditional funding. It helps universities, colleges, and research institutions carry out research focused on business problem solving and commercialization.

How much funding can be received?

Industrial Research Chair Program Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $1,000,000 per project.

Who is eligible for the Industrial Research Chair Program program?

To be eligible for the Industrial Research Chair Program program, you must: Northern Ontario universities, colleges, and research institutions Not-for-profit scientific research organizations Projects with private sector partners

What expenses are eligible under Industrial Research Chair Program?

Industrial research chair projects of up to five years in duration Projects focused on business problem solving Projects working toward the commercialization of a product or process in Northern Ontario

Who can I contact for more information about the Industrial Research Chair Program?

You can contact Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) by email at asknohfc@ontario.ca or by phone at none.

Where is the Industrial Research Chair Program available?

The Industrial Research Chair Program program is available the province of Ontario.

Is the Industrial Research Chair Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Industrial Research Chair Program is a Researchers And Facilities