Innovative Solutions Canada Program
Canada
Funding for innovations the government needs
grant_single|update March 13, 2025
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|noCondition
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- grant_single|allIndustries
grant_single|grantors
- Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)
- Government of Canada
- Innovation Canada
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
Your small business could get funding to come up with an innovative solution to a government challenge, with access to early-stage development, testing and validation of a prototype, and a pathway to commercialization.
grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions
The Innovative Solutions Canada Program provides structured funding support to assist with the development and commercialization of innovative solutions. Funding is provided through distinct phases, with details outlined for each phase.
- Phase 1 offers funding of up to $150,000 over six months to develop a proof of feasibility report, potentially increasing to $300,000 under certain conditions.
- Phase 2 provides up to $1M in funding for the development and testing of prototypes over a maximum period of two years, with the possibility of reaching $2M in specific cases.
- Funding is structured in phases to support both the feasibility assessment and prototype development stages.
- Ownership of intellectual property created remains with the innovator, providing potential for commercialization post-funding.
- Opportunities to apply for additional commercialization pathways upon project completion if the innovation is market-ready.
grant_single_labels|projects
The Innovative Solutions Canada Program's Challenge Stream is designed to fund Canadian SMEs in developing innovative solutions that solve specific governmental challenges. Eligible projects include creating feasibility reports and prototype development to validate and enhance innovative ideas.
- Development of proof of feasibility reports for scientific, technical, and commercial solutions.
- Creation and testing of prototypes for new innovations that meet governmental organizational needs.
- Commercialization of market-ready solutions with potential government procurement through the Pathway to Commercialization program.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$ 150,000
Development of a solar-powered water purification system
$ 120,000
Developing an AI-based traffic management system to improve urban mobility
$ 250,000
Creating a blockchain-based voting system to enhance electoral transparency
$ 180,000
Developing a green building material from recycled plastics
$ 160,000
Creating a mobile health diagnostics platform for remote communities
$ 200,000
Introducing a waste-to-energy plant to convert municipal waste into clean energy
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's business operations, employee distribution, and executive residency.
- The business must operate as a for-profit entity.
- The business must be incorporated in Canada, either federally or provincially.
- The business must have 499 or fewer full-time equivalent (FTE) employees.
- The business must conduct research and development activities within Canada.
- At least 50% of the business's 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 the business's FTE employees must have Canada as their ordinary place of work.
- 50% or more of the business's senior executives (vice-president and above) must have Canada as their principal residence.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
This stream is tailored for Canadian small and medium businesses that are both innovative and active within Canada. It seeks to support the development of early-stage and late-stage innovations aimed at addressing challenges facing government organizations.
- For-profit small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with 499 or fewer full-time equivalent employees.
- Businesses incorporated either federally or provincially in Canada.
- Entities conducting research and development activities entirely in Canada.
- Companies where at least 50% of annual wages, salaries, and fees are paid to employees and contractors who primarily work in Canada.
- Organizations with 50% or more of their full-time equivalent employees working mainly in Canada.
- Businesses where at least 50% of senior executives (vice-president and above) have Canada as their principal residence.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
There are certain eligibility criteria that companies must meet to be eligible for this grant, and companies that do not meet these criteria are not eligible.
- Non-profit organizations
- Companies not incorporated in Canada
- Companies with more than 499 full-time equivalent employees
- Companies whose research and development activities do not take place in Canada
- Companies with less than 50% of their annual wages, salaries, and fees paid to employees and contractors working mostly in Canada
- Companies with less than 50% of their FTE employees having Canada as their ordinary place of work
- Companies with less than 50% of their senior executives (Vice President and above) having Canada as their principal residence
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
This grant provides funding opportunities for Canadian small and medium businesses to develop and test innovative solutions that address challenges faced by government organizations. Eligible projects range from proving the feasibility of a concept to developing and testing a market-ready prototype.
- Proof of feasibility reports to demonstrate the scientific, technical, and commercial merit of an innovation.
- Prototype development and testing to transform early-stage innovations into market-ready solutions.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
This grant is designed for Canadian small and medium businesses that are incorporated either federally or provincially. Eligible applicants must conduct their research and development activities within Canada to qualify.
- Businesses incorporated federally in Canada.
- Businesses incorporated provincially in Canada.
grant_single_labels|criteria
There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The eligibility and evaluation criteria include:
- Relevance to the challenge
- Technical innovation
- Financial viability
- Potential for commercialization
- Capability and resources to deliver
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Self-Assessment Evaluate your project against the Technology Readiness Scale (TRL) to determine eligibility for Phase 1 or Phase 2.
- Step 2: Eligibility Verification Ensure your business meets all eligibility criteria outlined in the program.
- Step 3: Review Fund Opportunities Check current funding opportunities and relevant details like funding amounts and timelines.
- Step 4: Proposal Development Develop a detailed proposal for your innovation, including objectives, feasibility, and potential impact.
- Step 5: Application Submission Compile and submit your application, ensuring all required documents and forms are complete.
- Step 6: Confirmation of Submission Receive confirmation of your application submission from the granting body.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- The grant process includes a self-assessment using the Technology Readiness Scale (TRL) to determine eligibility for different phases.
- Applicants retain ownership of intellectual property developed during the project.
- There may be an opportunity for commercialization through a Pathway to Commercialization program, which can include selling to federal organizations.
- Funding amounts and timelines can vary, with specifics provided for each funding opportunity.
- The program occasionally limits applications to only either Phase 1 or Phase 2.
