Open
Innovative Solutions Canada - Program
Funding for Canadian SMEs to develop and test innovations
Last Update: June 10, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Canada
Overview
Innovative Solutions Canada provides project-based funding for Canadian SMEs developing innovative solutions to government challenges. Eligible activities include proof-of-feasibility work, prototype development, testing and validation toward commercialization.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop a new product or service
- Conduct research and development activities
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- $ 10,000,000 maximum revenue
Organisation size
- 99 employees maximum
Audience
- Canadians
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Development of a proof of feasibility report for innovative solutions addressing government challenges.
- Building and testing prototypes of innovations to meet specific government-identified needs.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Canadian small businesses
- Canadian medium businesses
- For-profit corporations incorporated in Canada
Eligible expenses
- Development of a proof of feasibility report.
- Building and testing of prototype innovations.
Eligible geographic areas
- Businesses incorporated in Canada (federally or provincially).
Additional information
- The innovator retains ownership of any intellectual property developed during the grant process.
- Market-ready innovations may be eligible for the pathway to commercialization, making them available for federal procurement for a period of 3 years.
- Applicants should monitor each challenge for unique timelines and funding details.
- Affiliated businesses, including parent companies and subsidiaries both in and outside Canada, must be included in full-time employee calculations.
Other components of this program
Explore related funding streams and grants that belong to the same program.
- Innovative Solutions Canada - Advanced technologies for open-source intelligence due diligenceAI solutions for research security and open-source intelligence advancement
- Innovative Solutions Canada - Artificial intelligence (AI)Supports testing innovative AI prototypes for Canadian government needs
- Innovative Solutions Canada - Artificial Intelligence Behaviour Monitoring SolutionAI monitoring for RCMP detainee safety
- Innovative Solutions Canada - Challenge Stream for innovatorsSupports Canadian SMEs developing innovative solutions for government challenges
- Innovative Solutions Canada - Continental Defense and Security TechnologiesOperational testing for defence innovations
- Innovative Solutions Canada - Destruction of PFAS compounds in contaminated mediaProof-of-feasibility funding for PFAS destruction solutions
- Innovative Solutions Canada - Inclusive industrial protective headwearInclusive headwear solution for industrial safety
- Innovative Solutions Canada - Testing streamSell your innovation to government
- Innovative Solutions Canada - Vehicle theft preventionPromotes innovation to prevent vehicle theft in Canada
- Innovative Solutions Canada - Zero emissions technologies for industrial process heatingZero-emissions industrial process heating solutions
Frequently Asked Questions about the Innovative Solutions Canada - Program Program
What is the Innovative Solutions Canada - Program?
Innovative Solutions Canada provides project-based funding for Canadian SMEs developing innovative solutions to government challenges. Eligible activities include proof-of-feasibility work, prototype development, testing and validation toward commercialization.
Who is eligible for the Innovative Solutions Canada - Program program?
To be eligible for the Innovative Solutions Canada - Program program, you must:
Operate as a for-profit entity.
Be incorporated in Canada (federally or provincially).
Have 499 or fewer full-time equivalent (FTE) employees.
What expenses are eligible under Innovative Solutions Canada - Program?
Development of a proof of feasibility report for innovative solutions addressing government challenges.
Building and testing prototypes of innovations to meet specific government-identified needs.
Where is the Innovative Solutions Canada - Program available?
The Innovative Solutions Canada - Program program is available across Canada.
Is the Innovative Solutions Canada - Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Innovative Solutions Canada - Program is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the Innovative Solutions Canada - Program?
Innovative Solutions Canada - Program is funded by Innovation Canada, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)