How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $1000000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

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)

What are INVEST North Program — Innovation – Industrial Research Chair's eligibility criterias?

Eligible applicants are Northern Ontario universities, colleges, and research institutions affiliated with a Northern Ontario post-secondary institution.

INVEST North Program — Innovation – Industrial Research Chair

Last Update: July 22, 2025

ON, Canada

Money to establish and enhance research capacity

INVEST North Program — Innovation – Industrial Research Chair at a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $1,000,000
Up to 50% of project cost

Timeline

Open Date : August 26, 2022

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Professional, scientific and technical services
Educational services

Grant Providers

Government of Ontario
Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC)

Program status

Open

Overview of the INVEST North Program — Innovation – Industrial Research Chair program

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

Financing terms and conditions

This grant provides a structured financial assistance approach aimed at supporting eligible research projects while ensuring fiscal responsibility. The funding terms are predetermined and focused on maximizing impact and accountability.

Financial assistance covers up to 50% of eligible costs.
Maximum contribution is capped at $1 million for the duration of the project.
Funding decisions are made by the NOHFC Board of Directors, considering limited budget availability.

Eligible projects & activities

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.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 500,000

Establishing a biotechnology commercialization lab at Algoma University

$ 500,000

Construction of high-tech labs for agricultural research at Northern College

$ 400,000

Constructing an innovative materials science lab at Nipissing University

$ 400,000

Developing an advanced AI lab at Laurentian University for mining process optimization

$ 500,000

Creating a nanotechnology research facility at the University of Hearst

$ 300,000

Renewable energy research facility enhancement at Lakehead University

Eligibility criteria of the INVEST North Program — Innovation – Industrial Research Chair program

Eligibility for this grant is designated for specific institutions and collaborative projects that meet distinct criteria.

The applicant must be a Northern Ontario university, college, or research institution.
The applicant must be a not-for-profit organization primarily engaged in scientific research.
The organization must be formally affiliated with a Northern Ontario post-secondary institution.

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.

Eligibility criteria of the INVEST North Program — Innovation – Industrial Research Chair program

The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria to ensure alignment with the grant’s objectives and the strategic goals of the participating institutions.

Net economic benefits for Northern Ontario.
Alignment with the host organization’s strategic research plan.
Strength of collaboration and addressing the needs of partners in the proposal.
Strength of the project’s detailed business plan.

How to apply to the INVEST North Program — Innovation – Industrial Research Chair program

Preliminary Assessment

Ensure your institution is eligible by confirming its status as a Northern Ontario university, college, or research institution with a formal affiliation to a post-secondary institution.
Verify that your proposed project aligns with your institution's strategic research plan and has a private sector partner.

Secure Partnerships

Identify and partner with private sector organizations that will provide financial support and active involvement in the project.
Form collaborations with other academic institutions, Indigenous communities, municipalities, or government agencies to strengthen the proposal.

Prepare Proposal

Develop a detailed business plan outlining the objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes of the research.
Prepare a budget showcasing the eligible costs, including salaries, lab renovations, and equipment acquisition.
Gather supporting documents such as the credentials of the proposed chair holder and proof of private sector partnership.

Complete Application Form

Access the official application form from the relevant funding body's website.
Fill in all necessary details as per the application guidelines.

Submit Application

Compile the completed application form and all supporting documents.
Submit electronically via the funding body's online portal, ensuring all sections are complete and error-free.
Meet the submission deadline, as late applications may not be considered.

Acknowledge Receipt

Receive confirmation of submission from the funding body, typically through email.
Keep the confirmation email for your records.

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

INVEST North Program — Innovation – Industrial Research Chair

Apply to this program

Supporting organizational growth through innovation and sustainable development