Innovative Solutions Canada - Challenge Stream for innovators

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.

• Step 1: Review Supporting Documents and Eligibility
  • Consult the official supporting documents for the Challenge Stream.
  • Ensure your organization meets all the eligibility requirements.
• Step 2: Identify Relevant Challenge
  • Browse current funding opportunities to find a challenge that matches your expertise.
  • Read all challenge content carefully to note specific timelines and funding parameters.
• Step 3: Self-Assessment and Technology Readiness Level (TRL) Evaluation
  • Complete a self-assessment against the Technology Readiness Scale (TRL) to determine the appropriate application phase (Phase 1 or Phase 2).
• Step 4: Prepare Application Package
  • Draft a comprehensive proposal addressing the specific challenge.
  • Include all required materials and supporting documentation as outlined in the chosen challenge.
• Step 5: Submit Application
  • Submit your complete application through the official Challenge Stream application portal as specified in the challenge instructions.
• Step 6: Screening and Evaluation
  • Your application will undergo screening and evaluation based on program criteria.
• Step 7: Contract and Funding Agreement
  • If selected, sign a contract and receive details on funding disbursement and reporting requirements for your respective phase (Proof of Feasibility or Prototype Development).

• 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.