Innovative Solutions Canada Program
grant_single|update April 18, 2025
Canada
Funding for Canadian SMEs to develop and test innovations
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
- Phase 1: Funding of up to $150,000 for developing a proof of feasibility report within up to six months; in some cases, awards may reach up to $300,000 and the timeline may vary.
- Phase 2: Funding of up to $1,000,000 over a maximum period of two years for the development and testing of the prototype; in some cases, awards may reach up to $2,000,000.
grant_single_labels|projects
- 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.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$ 180,000
Developing a green building material from recycled plastics
$ 200,000
Introducing a waste-to-energy plant to convert municipal waste into clean energy
$ 150,000
Development of a solar-powered water purification system
$ 250,000
Creating a blockchain-based voting system to enhance electoral transparency
$ 160,000
Creating a mobile health diagnostics platform for remote communities
$ 120,000
Developing an AI-based traffic management system to improve urban mobility
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
- Canadian small businesses
- Canadian medium businesses
- For-profit corporations incorporated in Canada
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
- Development of a proof of feasibility report.
- Building and testing of prototype innovations.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
- Businesses incorporated in Canada (federally or provincially).
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|apply
1
Self-Assessment
Evaluate your project against the Technology Readiness Scale (TRL) to determine eligibility for Phase 1 or Phase 2.
2
Eligibility Verification
Ensure your business meets all eligibility criteria outlined in the program.
3
Review Fund Opportunities
Check current funding opportunities and relevant details like funding amounts and timelines.
4
Proposal Development
Develop a detailed proposal for your innovation, including objectives, feasibility, and potential impact.
5
Application Submission
Compile and submit your application, ensuring all required documents and forms are complete.
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.
Apply to this program
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