Innovative Solutions Canada — Challenge Stream for innovators

• The applicant must be a for-profit business incorporated in Canada, either federally or provincially.
• The company must have 499 or fewer full-time equivalent employees, including those of affiliated companies.
• At least 50% of annual wages, salaries, and fees must be allocated to employees and contractors who spend the majority of their time working in Canada.
• 50% or more of full-time employees must have Canada as their ordinary place of work.
• 50% or more of senior executives (vice-president level and above) must have Canada as their principal residence.

Who is eligible?

• Canadian small businesses
• Canadian medium-sized businesses

Who is not eligible

• Non-Canadian businesses.
• Non-incorporated entities (such as sole proprietorships and partnerships).
• Non-profit organizations.
• Businesses with more than 499 full-time equivalent employees (including affiliated businesses).

Eligible expenses

• Funding to develop a proof of feasibility report.
• Funding to build and test a prototype.

Eligible geographic areas

• Businesses incorporated in Canada, either federally or provincially.

• Self-assessment of the solution based on the Technology Maturity Level (TML) Scale to determine the eligibility stage (TML 1-4 for phase 1, TML 5-9 for phase 2).
• Development of a report demonstrating the scientific, technical, and commercial value of the solution during the feasibility proof phase.
• Evaluation of the prototype during the development and testing phase, including the ability to effectively develop and test the innovation.

• Innovators retain ownership of any intellectual property (IP) developed during the process.
• Market-ready innovations may be eligible for inclusion in a federal purchasing list for up to three years.
• Each challenge may outline distinct completion timelines and specify varying funding amounts.
• Applicants are encouraged to subscribe to updates if no relevant funding opportunity is currently available.