INVEST North Program — Innovation Stream
ON, Canada
Innovation Stream supports new technology development in Northern Ontario
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Manufacturing
- Information and cultural industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
grant_single|grantors
- Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
The INVEST North Program - Innovation Stream, offered by the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC), is designed to boost the development and commercialization of new technologies in Northern Ontario. It provides financial support to private-sector businesses, either operating independently or in collaboration with public sector academic or research institutions. The program focuses on applied research and development, as well as the demonstration and commercialization of innovative technologies. Funding can cover up to 50% of eligible costs, with a maximum of $2 million depending on the project scope. Eligibility and funding details are specific to enhancing technological innovation and meeting market needs in the region.
grant_single_labels|projects
The Innovation Stream grant is designed to support projects focused on research, development, demonstration, and commercialization of new and innovative technologies in Northern Ontario. Eligible activities include both applied research and development, as well as demonstration and commercialization efforts.
- Direct internal technical labour costs
- Prototyping costs, including engineering and design services, and component purchase, fabrication, and installation
- Product testing
- Intellectual property protection costs
- Research and development services provided by public sector partners
- Building or renovation costs specifically related to commercialization
- Prototype demonstration costs, including equipment purchases, fabrication, and installation
- Material costs
- Product certification costs
- Marketing costs, including trade show assistance and marketing material design, limited to 20% of total eligible project costs
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$550,000
Sault Ste. Marie
Development of an AI-based predictive maintenance system for manufacturing equipment
$575,000
Timmins
Implementation of an advanced drone system for forest health monitoring
$600,000
North Bay
Commercialization of a smart waste management system for urban areas
$425,000
Thunder Bay
Commercialization of a new eco-friendly packaging material using recycled content
$400,000
Sudbury
Development of a real-time water quality monitoring system for environmental applications
$450,000
Kenora
Development of a mobile health app for remote patient monitoring
grant_single_labels|admissibility
The eligibility criteria for companies applying for this grant are as follows:
- Private-sector businesses alone, or in partnership with a public sector academic or research institution.
- For public-private partnership projects, the private-sector business is the lead applicant and the funding recipient.
- For public-private partnership projects, the partnering academic or research institution must have the relevant expertise and resources required by the private-sector partner to complete the proposed project.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The Innovation Stream grant supports private-sector businesses, and potentially also public sector academic or research institutions when in partnership. The program aims to assist those involved in the research, development, and commercialization of new and innovative technologies in Northern Ontario.
- Private-sector businesses
- Public sector academic or research institutions (in partnership with private-sector businesses)
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
The eligibility criteria for the Innovation Stream grant do not explicitly list any types of companies or industries that are not eligible. However, certain project types and costs are ineligible. Here are some key restrictions related to the nature of the projects:
- Projects intended for internal efficiency purposes only.
- Projects primarily for land development, commercial or industrial land and building development.
- Projects developing land for resale or lease.
- Costs associated with administrative or indirect operating costs.
- Capital infrastructure for the purpose of being leased or sold.
- Projects with standalone site servicing and/or site development costs.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
Eligible expenses for this grant include various costs associated with applied research & development activities, and demonstration & commercialization activities for innovative technologies in Northern Ontario.
- Direct internal technical labour costs
- Prototyping costs, including engineering and design services, and component purchase, fabrication, and installation costs
- Product testing
- Intellectual property protection costs
- Research and development services provided by public sector partners
- Building or renovation costs specifically related to the commercialization of the new technology
- Prototype demonstration costs, including engineering and design services, and equipment purchases, fabrication, and installation costs
- Material costs
- Product certification costs
- Marketing costs, limited to 20% of total eligible project costs
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
Eligible companies for this grant are specifically those located in Northern Ontario, as the NOHFC focuses on economic development within this region. The funding body is dedicated to supporting projects that can benefit and contribute to the Northern Ontario economy.
- Northern Ontario
grant_single_labels|criteria
Projects for this grant are evaluated and selected based on several criteria to ensure alignment with the grant's objectives and benefits to Northern Ontario.
- Innovation meets the NOHFC’s definition of Innovation
- Strength of the project’s detailed business plan
- Net economic benefits for Northern Ontario
- Demonstrated market need and demand
- Management capacity
- Business’ financial position
- Supply chain impacts
- Level of Risk
grant_single_labels|register
Step 1: Determine Eligibility
- Review the eligibility criteria for the Innovation Stream grant.
- Ensure your project aligns with the defined scope of applied research & development or demonstration & commercialization.
- Confirm that you meet the requirements for private-sector businesses or public-private partnerships.
Step 2: Develop Project Proposal
- Prepare a detailed project proposal addressing innovation, business plan strength, and market demand.
- Describe the project's net economic benefits for Northern Ontario.
- Outline management capacity and financial position.
- Provide evidence of prototype testing and validation, if applicable.
Step 3: Prepare Application
- Gather necessary documentation, including proof of intellectual property rights and innovation validation.
- Document eligible cost estimates for both applied research & development, and demonstration & commercialization.
- Ensure compliance with funding rules and ineligible cost exclusions.
Step 4: Application Submission
- Submit the completed application form, along with the proposal and documentation, to NOHFC.
- Include all required supporting materials as specified by NOHFC guidelines.
Step 5: Await Evaluation
- Wait for NOHFC to evaluate the application based on innovation, economic benefits, market demand, and risk level.
- Respond to any additional information requests from NOHFC during the evaluation process.
Step 6: Funding Agreement
- If approved, review and finalize the funding agreement with NOHFC.
- Comply with any terms and conditions included in the funding agreement.
Step 7: Project Implementation
- Begin project activities as outlined in your proposal.
- Ensure adherence to reporting and milestone requirements specified by NOHFC.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Additional considerations and requirements for grant applicants include:
- Combined Federal and Provincial government funding may not exceed 75% of eligible project costs.
- The applicant may be required to reimburse NOHFC if assets financed by NOHFC are sold within the first three years after project completion.
- Limited funding is available, and not all projects meeting the criteria will necessarily receive funding.
- NOHFC will consider up to three prototypes per project, with exceptions considered on a case-by-case basis.
- Direct internal technical labour costs will only be funded for work performed in Northern Ontario.
- Regular operating wages for employees and costs associated with certain ownership structures are ineligible.
- Sole proprietors may have limited exceptions at NOHFC’s discretion.
- Public-private partnership projects must have a private-sector business as the lead applicant and funding recipient.
- Projects for internal efficiency purposes are not eligible.
- Demonstration & commercialization projects must have tested and validated technologies before advancing to these phases.
Apply to this program
Innovation Stream Grant: Fostering Technological Advancements in Northern Ontario
The Innovation Stream Grant supports the research, development, and commercialization of new and innovative technologies intended for Northern Ontario. Eligible applicants include private-sector businesses and, in partnership with public-sector academic or research institutions, projects that emphasize applied research or the demonstration and commercialization of technology.
Detailed Overview of the Innovation Stream Grant
The Innovation Stream Grant is an extraordinary opportunity aimed at fueling technological advancements in Northern Ontario. As a vital component of regional economic development, this grant supports private-sector enterprises that are engaged in cutting-edge R&D activities. In this highly competitive funding landscape, a collaborative model where private businesses work alongside public sector academic or research institutions emerges as a lynchpin for securing grants. This unique collaboration is crucial as the private-sector takes the lead, while leveraging institutional expertise to fulfill the project's requirements. The core mandate of the Innovation Stream Grant is to nurture projects that exemplify practical application, from the initial phase of research and development to the final stages involving demonstration and commercialization. These phases are critical as they transform theoretical concepts into tangible innovations that serve a market need or desire. One fundamental requirement for securing this grant lies in proving the innovation's potential. Applicants must ensure their technology is tested, validated, and they must hold the requisite intellectual property rights. This guarantees that ventures embarking on demonstration and commercialization phases are well-prepared to succeed in the market. The eligible costs for these phases are comprehensive and include direct internal technical labor costs, prototyping expenses, intellectual property protection, building or renovation for commercialization purposes, and more. Characterized by a strategic focus on bolstering the economic terrain in Northern Ontario, the Innovation Stream Grant encourages projects that lead to substantial net economic benefits in the region. This includes job creation and enhancement of local supply chains, thereby reinforcing the wider economic framework. The evaluation process considers several factors to determine the merit of each application. These factors include the robustness of the business plan, the project’s alignment with NOHFC’s definition of innovation, market demand, applicant management capabilities, and the financial health of the business. These stringent criteria underscore the grant's commitment to fostering projects that present a low level of risk while offering maximum impact. The grant provides substantial financial support; for projects combining R&D and commercialization phases, a conditional contribution can extend up to 50% of eligible costs, with a maximum of $2 million. This cap incentivizes larger-scale, impactful projects while ensuring federal and provincial contributions don't surpass 75% of the total eligible costs. However, to maintain focus and effectiveness, there are specific restrictions on what's considered eligible for funding. Projects for internal efficiencies, land acquisition, operational costs, and business plans are not supported. This selective approach ensures resources are precisely channeled toward innovations that offer regional economic uplift. In summary, the Innovation Stream Grant represents a strategic investment in the dynamic technological landscape of Northern Ontario. This program not only fosters innovation but also anchors projects within a sustainable economic growth model for the region. By emphasizing collaborative engagements and rigorous evaluation, the grant echoes its commitment to propelling innovative, strategically beneficial projects forward.
