Innovative Solutions Canada Program
Canada
Funding for innovations the government needs
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)
- Innovation Canada
- Government of Canada
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grant_card_status|open
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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|projects
Projects or activities eligible for this grant include developing novel solutions to challenges identified by the Government of Canada, focusing on early development, testing, and validation of prototypes. The program is structured in three phases: Proof of concept, Prototype development, and Pathway to commercialization.
- Develop a proof of concept for an innovative solution
- Testing and validating prototypes
- Prototype development
- Commercialization of successful prototypes
- Research and development activities within Canada
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$120,000
Toronto
Developing an AI-based traffic management system to improve urban mobility in Toronto.
$160,000
Montreal
Creating a mobile health diagnostics platform for remote communities in Montreal.
$150,000
Vancouver
Development of a solar-powered water purification system in Vancouver.
$200,000
Winnipeg
Introducing a waste-to-energy plant in Winnipeg to convert municipal waste into clean energy.
$180,000
Calgary
Developing a green building material from recycled plastics in Calgary.
$250,000
Ottawa
Creating a blockchain-based voting system to enhance electoral transparency in Ottawa.
grant_single_labels|admissibility
To be eligible for this grant, your proposal must come from a Canadian small business meeting specific criteria. Ensure your business meets the following conditions:
- For profit
- Incorporated in Canada (federally or provincially)
- 499 or fewer full-time equivalent (FTE) employees
- Research and development activities that take place in Canada
- 50% or more of its annual wages, salaries and fees are currently paid to employees and contractors who spend the majority of their time working in Canada
- 50% or more of its FTE employees have Canada as their ordinary place of work
- 50% or more of its senior executives (Vice President and above) have Canada as their principal residence
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Yes, there are specific types of companies eligible for this grant. Eligible companies must meet several criteria related to profit status, incorporation, scale, and operational focus.
- For profit
- Incorporated in Canada (federally or provincially)
- 499 or fewer full-time equivalent (FTE) employees
- Research and development activities that take place in Canada
- 50% or more of annual wages, salaries, and fees paid to employees and contractors who spend the majority of their time working in Canada
- 50% or more of FTE employees have Canada as their ordinary place of work
- 50% or more 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
There are eligible expenses for this grant:
- Development of proof of feasibility
- Prototype development
- Pathway to commercialization
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
Eligible geographic zones for this grant are areas within Canada where the company is incorporated, conducts R&D activities, and where employee and executive residency criteria are met.
- Incorporated in Canada (federally or provincially)
- Research and development activities that take place in Canada
- 50% or more of its employees and executives have Canada as their ordinary place of work and principal residence
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
- Step 1: Review eligibility criteria.
- Step 2: Subscribe to receive information on challenges.
- Step 3: Review the current challenges.
- Step 4: Create your profile and begin proposing solutions using the "Propose a Solution" button. Please note that challenges are available for applications at various times, be sure to check the deadline to ensure your application is accepted.
- Step 5: An evaluation process will be conducted and selected innovators could receive up to $150,000 to develop a proof of concept.
- Step 6: Develop a proof of concept.
- Step 7: Evaluation of the proof of concept. Successful small businesses could receive up to an additional $1 million to develop the prototype.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
The Innovative Solutions Canada program encourages Canadian small businesses to develop innovative solutions to government challenges with potential for funding and commercialization. The program has a multi-phase process, focusing on proof of concept, prototype development, and pathway to commercialization.
- Subscribing to receive information on challenges is recommended.
- Participating businesses must be incorporated in Canada and meet specific employment and operation criteria.
- Selected innovators can receive up to $150,000 to develop a proof of concept, and up to $1 million for prototype development.
- The Department of National Defence may provide additional funding beyond the set amounts for proof of concept and prototype development.
- Phase 3 commercialization can include procurement opportunities by federal departments outside initial set-aside funds.
- Affiliated businesses must be considered in eligibility calculations.
Apply to this program
Innovative Solutions Canada Program
The Innovative Solutions Canada program provides funding to Canadian small businesses to develop novel solutions to government challenges. Selected businesses can receive up to $150,000 to develop a proof of concept and up to $1 million for prototype development, with the potential for the Government of Canada to be the first customer.
Comprehensive Guide to the Innovative Solutions Canada Program
The Innovative Solutions Canada (ISC) program is a robust initiative that aims to foster innovation and support Canadian small businesses in addressing specific challenges identified by the federal government. This guide will cover various aspects of the ISC program, including eligibility criteria, application processes, phases of funding, and the pathway to commercialization, all while being optimized for SEO to help you navigate this valuable resource.
Understanding the Innovative Solutions Canada Program
Launched with the intent to drive innovation within Canada, the ISC program leverages the powerful purchasing abilities of the federal government to stimulate technological advancements and the development of novel solutions. The program is particularly focused on assisting small businesses, helping them move from ideation to commercialization. Here’s a breakdown:
Phase 1: Proof of Concept
In this initial phase, if your proposal is selected, you can receive up to $150,000 in funding (with the Department of National Defense capable of providing additional funds) to develop a proof of concept for your innovative solution. This phase spans up to six months, during which your project’s feasibility is demonstrated and validated.
Phase 2: Prototype Development
Upon a successful proof of concept, your project moves to the second phase where you can obtain up to $1 million (with potential for additional funding from the Department of National Defense) over two years to create and refine a prototype. This stage is crucial for turning theoretical solutions into practical, tangible products or services.
Phase 3: Pathway to Commercialization
If the prototype developed in Phase 2 successfully addresses the respective government challenge, there is an avenue for commercialization. Here, the federal department or agency involved in the initial phases may opt to procure your innovative solution, effectively becoming your first customer. The funds for this phase come from resources beyond those set aside for Phases 1 and 2.
Eligibility Criteria
To participate in the ISC program, businesses must meet specific criteria:
- Must be a for-profit small business.
- Incorporated in Canada either federally or provincially.
- Employ 499 or fewer full-time equivalent (FTE) employees.
- Conduct research and development within Canada.
- At least 50% of annual wages, salaries, and fees must be paid to employees and contractors who predominantly work in Canada.
- At least 50% of FTE employees must have Canada as their ordinary place of work.
- At least 50% of senior executives (Vice President and above) must reside principally in Canada.
How to Apply
Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying for the ISC program:
- Review Eligibility Criteria: Ensure your business meets all the outlined criteria.
- Subscribe to Updates: Sign up to receive information and updates on challenges.
- Review Current Challenges: Look through the list of available challenges to find one that your innovative solution can address.
- Create Your Profile: Set up a profile on the ISC platform and start proposing your solutions by clicking the "Propose a Solution" button.
- Submit Your Proposal: Ensure your proposal is submitted before the deadline.
Evaluation Process
After submitting your proposal, it undergoes a rigorous evaluation process where selected businesses may receive up to $150,000 to develop a proof of concept. This funding helps in the initial development, testing, and validation of your innovative solution.
Once the proof of concept is developed, it undergoes a subsequent evaluation where successful solutions can receive up to $1 million for prototype development. This phase is critical in turning your ideas into practical applications.
Pathway to Commercialization
Completing the prototype paves the way for commercialization. The federal department or agency that supported the early stages of your research and development may procure the novel technology or service from your business. This procurement can be a significant milestone, showcasing the practical application of your innovation and potentially opening doors for further market opportunities.
The pathway to commercialization allows your business to scale, providing a platform where your innovations can have a real-world impact. The ISC program ensures that if your solution effectively addresses the challenge, it not only has the government's endorsement but potentially a first buyer as well.
Benefits of the Innovative Solutions Canada Program
Participating in the ISC program offers numerous benefits:
- Access to Funding: Secure crucial funding at different stages of development, from proof of concept to prototype.
- Support for Research and Development: Get the needed resources and support for R&D, ensuring your innovative ideas can be effectively developed and tested.
- Pathway to Market: Opportunities to commercialize your solution with the government potentially becoming your first customer.
- Visibility and Credibility: Being selected and supported by the ISC program adds credibility and visibility to your business and innovative solutions.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with government stakeholders, industry experts, and other innovators, fostering potential collaborations and partnerships.
Conclusion
For Canadian innovators and small businesses, the Innovative Solutions Canada program offers an invaluable opportunity to develop, test, and commercialize novel solutions to government-identified challenges. By participating in this program, businesses can secure essential funding, support their R&D activities, and have a clear pathway to bringing their innovations to the market. With a strong commitment from the Government of Canada and a structured process that aids in every step of development, the ISC program stands as a pivotal initiative to drive innovation and economic growth within Canada.
Whether your business is just starting or looking to expand its innovative solutions, understanding and leveraging the ISC program can be a game-changer, opening new avenues for growth, collaboration, and market success. Make sure to follow the outlined steps, adhere to the eligibility criteria, and take the bold step forward to propose your solution and contribute to Canada’s thriving innovation ecosystem.
