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INVEST North Program — Innovation – Industrial Research Chair
Funding for Northern Ontario 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 support Industrial Research Chairs. The program helps Northern Ontario institutions establish research capacity through projects focused on business problem solving and commercialization.
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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
- Establishing or enhancing research capacity
- Business problem-solving research
- Commercialization-oriented research in Northern Ontario
Documents Needed
- Application form
- Full program guidelines
- Brochure or checklist of documents
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Northern Ontario universities
- Northern Ontario colleges
- Northern Ontario research institutions
Who is not eligible
- For-profit organizations
- Organizations not primarily engaged in scientific research
- Institutions without formal affiliation to a Northern Ontario post-secondary institution
Eligible expenses
- Chair holder salary and mandatory benefits
- Laboratory construction or renovation
- Research equipment purchase, operation, and maintenance
- Materials used directly in research
- Publication costs for research findings
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Compensation for other research team members
- Indirect operating or administrative costs
- Professional and technical service fees
- Travel, accommodation, and meeting costs
- Office equipment and furnishings
Eligible geographic areas
- Northern Ontario
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed to confirm the project meets the program guidelines.
- Additional information may be requested during the evaluation stage.
- The application is then shared with the board of directors for the final decision.
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 support Industrial Research Chairs. The program helps Northern Ontario institutions establish research capacity through projects focused on business problem solving and commercialization.
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:
Northern Ontario universities, colleges, and research institutions
Not-for-profit scientific research organizations
Formally affiliated with a Northern Ontario post-secondary institution
What expenses are eligible under INVEST North Program — Innovation – Industrial Research Chair?
Establishing or enhancing research capacity
Business problem-solving research
Commercialization-oriented research in Northern Ontario
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)