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Innovate BC — BC Fast Pilot program
Support for B.C. SMEs piloting new technology
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Funding available
$ 200,000
Location
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Overview
Support up to $200,000 for B.C.-based SMEs to pilot and demonstrate new technologies in real-world conditions. The program helps companies design, build and operate pilot-scale projects to prove value and encourage customer adoption.
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At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop a new product or service
- Reduce environmental footprint
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 200,000 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Vancouver
- British Columbia
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- 500 employees maximum
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Rural or Northern Residents
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 1
Activities funded
- Design, build, and operate pilot-scale technology demonstrations
- Test and validate technology in real-world conditions with an early adopter
- Generate data and reports to support commercial deployment
- Train end users on the technology
Sources and recorded changes
- Source change captured
- Change recorded
- Record updated
A captured source change or record update does not confirm eligibility. Check the funder’s current rules before applying.
BC Fast Pilot program updated
The BC Fast Pilot program now includes detailed 2025 guidelines with clearer eligibility, timelines, funding terms, and application review criteria.
The BC Fast Pilot program has been expanded with a full 2025 guideline document that adds more specific company and project requirements, including TRL 7+ expectations and evidence of an early adopter’s support. It also clarifies the application timeline, full proposal deadline, funding cap, cost-share structure, and evaluation criteria used to review projects. The program still focuses on B.C.-based SMEs and pilot-scale demonstrations, but the new guidance gives applicants a clearer picture of the type of projects, costs, and commercial outcomes that will be prioritized.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- B.C.-based incorporated SMEs
- For-profit companies
- Businesses with a prototype ready for pilot demonstration
Who is not eligible
- Non-profit organizations
- Businesses not registered and operating in B.C.
- Companies with 500 or more employees
- Projects that are solely software-based
Eligible expenses
This grant supports projects that involve the design, testing, and validation of innovative technologies at a pilot scale in real-world conditions. The activities focus on enabling small to medium-sized enterprises in B.C. to commercialize their prototypes through practical demonstration and testing.
- Design and construction of a pilot rig.
- Preparation of the site for the pilot installation.
- Commissioning and testing of mechanical systems in the pilot plant.
- Operation and management of the pilot plant.
- Testing for stability, reliability, durability, and monitoring component degradation.
- Validation of product features and assessing product performance.
- Generating data for the design of a large scale or commercial installation.
- Preparing detailed reports and documentation throughout the project.
- Training end users on the new technology to ensure effective adoption.
- Collection and recording of data from pilot tests to inform future developments.
Eligible geographic areas
- British Columbia
Selection criteria
- Meets company and project eligibility requirements
- Financial and operational capacity to deliver the pilot and commercialize the technology
- Strength of market opportunity
- Technology innovation and differentiation
- Quality of the pilot partner and project structure
How to apply
- Step 1: Connect with NRC IRAP
- If needed, get assigned an Industrial Technology Advisor
- Allow time for the ITA assignment process
- Step 2: Request the Expression of Interest form
- Obtain the form from your ITA
- Complete it with your ITA to ensure requirements are met
- Step 3: Submit for review
- Your ITA submits the completed form to the Joint Review Committee
- Applications are screened, evaluated, and selected for the next step
- Step 4: Submit a full proposal if invited
- Successful applicants are invited to submit a full project proposal
- Work with your ITA to develop the proposal
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed for completeness, eligibility, and program fit
- A Joint Review Committee screens and evaluates submissions
- Selected applicants are invited to submit a full proposal
- Funding decisions depend on committee recommendations, the full proposal, and available funds
Additional information
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- Up to $200,000 in joint funding is available, but the exact amount depends on the availability of funds.
- Technological Readiness Level (TRL) of 7 or higher is required for the project to be considered.
- The program is designed to help B.C. SMEs achieve sales by proving the impact and value of their technology in real-world conditions.
- The application process includes submitting baseline data and reporting on critical metrics and KPIs after the pilot-scale demonstration.
- The review and decision process involves a Joint Review Committee and the potential involvement of internal and external evaluators.
- Funding decisions are influenced by the recommendations of the Joint Review Committee, the quality of the full proposal, and available funding levels.
- This competitive program emphasizes the need for strong project proposals, regardless of alignment with priority areas.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Innovate BC — BC Fast Pilot program Program
What is the Innovate BC — BC Fast Pilot program?
Support up to $200,000 for B.C.-based SMEs to pilot and demonstrate new technologies in real-world conditions. The program helps companies design, build and operate pilot-scale projects to prove value and encourage customer adoption.
How much funding can be received?
Innovate BC — BC Fast Pilot program Funds up to $200,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Innovate BC — BC Fast Pilot program program?
To be eligible for the Innovate BC — BC Fast Pilot program program, you must:
B.C.-based incorporated business
Under 500 employees
Prototype ready for demonstration
What expenses are eligible under Innovate BC — BC Fast Pilot program?
This grant supports projects that involve the design, testing, and validation of innovative technologies at a pilot scale in real-world conditions. The activities focus on enabling small to medium-sized enterprises in B.C. to commercialize their prototypes through practical demonstration and testing.
Design and construction of a pilot rig.
Preparation of the site for the pilot installation.
Commissioning and testing of mechanical systems in the pilot plant.
Operation and management of the pilot plant.
Testing for stability, reliability, durability, and monitoring component degradation.
Validation of product features and assessing product performance.
Generating data for the design of a large scale or commercial installation.
Preparing detailed reports and documentation throughout the project.
Training end users on the new technology to ensure effective adoption.
Collection and recording of data from pilot tests to inform future developments.
Who can I contact for more information about the Innovate BC — BC Fast Pilot program?
You can contact Government of British Columbia (BC) by email at info@innovatebc.ca or by phone at 604.335.2495.
Where is the Innovate BC — BC Fast Pilot program available?
The Innovate BC — BC Fast Pilot program program is available the province of British Columbia.
Is the Innovate BC — BC Fast Pilot program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Innovate BC — BC Fast Pilot program is a Grant and Funding