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Innovative Solutions Canada Program
Funding for Canadian SMEs to develop and test innovations
Last Update: April 13, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Canada
Overview
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.
/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.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Innovative Solutions Canada Program Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Innovative Solutions Canada Program. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Innovative Solutions Canada Program?
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.
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), Government of Canada