Open
INVEST North Program — Innovation – Industrial Research Chair
Money to establish and enhance research capacity
Last Update: March 3, 2026
Funding available
$ 1,000,000
Timeline
- Open Date : August 26, 2022
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
Receive up to $1 million in funding to cover up to 50% of eligible costs to establish and enhance research capacity focused on business problem solving and/or is working towards the commercialization of a product or process at Northern Ontario universitie
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop a new product or service
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 1,000,000 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : August 26, 2022
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Educational services
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Rural or Northern Residents
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Higher Education
- Research
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Business Associations
Target groups
- Indigenous peoples
- Rural / Remote communities
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Academia / students
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Regional
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
This grant supports research initiatives aligned with the hosting institution’s strategic priorities, aiming to solve business problems or commercialize solutions. The eligible activities directly contribute to research development and dissemination.
- Salary and mandatory benefits of the chair holder over the duration of the project.
- Construction or renovation of laboratories or supporting facilities directly used for research.
- Acquiring, operating, and maintaining research equipment directly used for research.
- Materials used directly in carrying out the research.
- Costs associated with publishing research findings.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
Northern Ontario universities, colleges, and research institutions that are not-for-profit organizations and are formally affiliated with a Northern Ontario post-secondary institution are eligible to apply. These organizations must focus on scientific research.Who is not eligible
This grant excludes certain companies and industries due to their status or main activity. The restrictions aim to ensure that funds are directed toward strategic sectors aligned with the grant's objectives.
- For-profit organizations that do not have a primary activity in scientific research.
- Companies that do not engage in collaborations or partnerships with academic or research institutions, Indigenous communities, or municipal and government agencies.
- Organizations not contributing to the economic transformation of Northern Ontario's key sectors.
- Entities not aligned with a recognized Northern Ontario post-secondary institution for formal affiliation.
- Businesses unable to provide financial support or active involvement in IRC projects.
Eligible expenses
The Industrial Research Chair initiative funds projects that are aligned with strategic research plans and foster collaborations in Northern Ontario. Eligible activities focus on the establishment of research capacity and the commercialization of innovation.
- Salary and mandatory benefits for the chair holder over the project's duration.
- Construction or renovation of laboratories or supporting facilities essential to the research.
- Acquisition, operation, and maintenance of research equipment used in research.
- Procurement of materials required for conducting research.
- Costs associated with publishing research findings.
Eligible geographic areas
This grant is available exclusively to institutions located in Northern Ontario. The aim is to bolster research capacity in this specific region.
- Universities, colleges, and research institutions located in Northern Ontario.
Additional information
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- Projects require collaboration, preferably with other institutions or communities such as Indigenous groups and municipalities, to strengthen applications.
- There is a requirement for an international leader to be the chair holder, emphasizing the need for recognized expertise and a strong track record in research.
- The involvement of an industrial partner is not just for funding; they must also be actively engaged in the research project, highlighting the importance of practical, real-world applications of the research.
- Strong alignment with the institution's strategic research plan is crucial, indicating that proposals should be carefully crafted to fit with broader institutional goals.
Documents and links
Frequently Asked Questions about the INVEST North Program — Innovation – Industrial Research Chair Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the INVEST North Program — Innovation – Industrial Research Chair. 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 INVEST North Program — Innovation – Industrial Research Chair?
Receive up to $1 million in funding to cover up to 50% of eligible costs to establish and enhance research capacity focused on business problem solving and/or is working towards the commercialization of a product or process at Northern Ontario universitie
How much funding can be received?
INVEST North Program — Innovation – Industrial Research Chair Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $1,000,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the INVEST North Program — Innovation – Industrial Research Chair program?
To be eligible for the INVEST North Program — Innovation – Industrial Research Chair program, you must:
Eligible applicants are Northern Ontario universities, colleges, and research institutions affiliated with a Northern Ontario post-secondary institution.
What expenses are eligible under INVEST North Program — Innovation – Industrial Research Chair?
This grant supports research initiatives aligned with the hosting institution’s strategic priorities, aiming to solve business problems or commercialize solutions. The eligible activities directly contribute to research development and dissemination. Salary and mandatory benefits of the chair holder over the duration of the project.
Construction or renovation of laboratories or supporting facilities directly used for research.
Acquiring, operating, and maintaining research equipment directly used for research.
Materials used directly in carrying out the research.
Costs associated with publishing research findings.
Where is the INVEST North Program — Innovation – Industrial Research Chair available?
The INVEST North Program — Innovation – Industrial Research Chair program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the INVEST North Program — Innovation – Industrial Research Chair a grant, loan, or tax credit?
INVEST North Program — Innovation – Industrial Research Chair is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the INVEST North Program — Innovation – Industrial Research Chair?
INVEST North Program — Innovation – Industrial Research Chair is funded by Government of Ontario, Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC)