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
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- 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)
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grant_card_status|open
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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
This grant is available to businesses that operate within Northern Ontario as it focuses on supporting innovation in that specific region. The eligible geographical areas are aligned with regional economic development goals for Northern Ontario.
- Northern Ontario
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$600,000
Commercialization of a smart waste management system for urban areas
$575,000
Implementation of an advanced drone system for forest health monitoring
$425,000
Commercialization of a new eco-friendly packaging material using recycled content
$550,000
Development of an AI-based predictive maintenance system for manufacturing equipment
$400,000
Development of a real-time water quality monitoring system for environmental applications
$450,000
Development of a mobile health app for remote patient monitoring
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and proposed activities.
- Applicants must be private-sector businesses.
- Private-sector businesses may partner with a public sector academic or research institution.
- In public-private partnerships, the private-sector business should be the lead applicant and recipient.
- 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
Private-sector businesses either independently or in partnership with public sector academic or research institutions are eligible to apply. The grant supports projects led by private-sector businesses that engage in innovative technology development, provided they have the expertise or collaboration with a public sector partner when applicable.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant opportunity is specific and restricts eligibility to ensure alignment with the program's objectives. However, the provided information does not specifically mention any industries or status-based restrictions apart from those related to eligible project types and activities.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The Innovation Stream grant supports projects that enhance technological advancement and commercialization in Northern Ontario, focusing on market-driven innovations. Eligible activities include a wide range of applied research and development as well as demonstration and commercialization efforts.
- Direct internal technical labour costs associated with the development and commercialization of new technology.
- Prototyping costs, including engineering and design services and fabrication and installation relevant to the technology development.
- Product testing to ensure the effectiveness and viability of a new technology.
- Intellectual property protection costs to secure ownership of innovations.
- Research and development services provided by academic or research partners.
- Building or renovation costs that are directly related to the commercialization phase.
- Prototype demonstration costs for showcasing the technology.
- Material costs necessary for prototype or product development.
- Product certification costs to meet market or industry standards.
- Marketing costs, capped at 20% of total eligible project costs, for trade show assistance and marketing material design.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The Innovation Stream grant supports various eligible expenses related to research, development, demonstration, and commercialization of innovative technologies.
- Direct internal technical labour costs.
- Prototyping costs, including engineering and design services, component purchase, fabrication, and installation costs.
- Product testing expenses.
- Intellectual property protection costs.
- Research and development services provided by public sector partners.
- Building or renovation costs specifically for commercialization of the new technology.
- Prototype demonstration costs, including engineering and design services, equipment purchases, fabrication, and installation costs.
- Material costs.
- Product certification costs.
- Marketing costs limited to 20% of total eligible project costs, including in-person or virtual trade show assistance and marketing material design costs.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant focus on several key criteria to determine the project's potential impact and feasibility.
- 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
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Review Eligibility and Prepare Documentation
- Ensure your project meets the eligibility criteria for innovation and type of applicant.
- Gather necessary supporting documents such as business plans and detailed project proposals.
- Prepare financial statements and evidence of intellectual property rights if applicable.
- Step 2: Register and Access Application Portal
- Register your business on the NOHFC online portal if you haven’t already done so.
- Log in to access the grant application forms and guidelines.
- Step 3: Complete Application Form
- Fill out the application form with accurate information about your project and organization.
- Address all evaluation criteria such as innovation, economic benefits, and market needs.
- Include detailed budgets, timelines, and roles of public sector partners if relevant.
- Step 4: Upload and Review Supporting Documents
- Upload all required supporting documents to the application portal.
- Review the entire application package for completeness and accuracy.
- Step 5: Submit Application
- Submit the completed application through the NOHFC portal before the deadline.
- Ensure you receive a confirmation email from NOHFC guaranteeing receipt of your application.
- Step 6: Await Feedback and Possible Further Information Requests
- Monitor your email for any requests for further information or clarification from NOHFC.
- Follow up promptly if additional details are required to support your application.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- Applications including demonstration & commercialization costs must show proof of IP rights and technology validation.
- The applicant may need to reimburse NOHFC if any funded assets are sold within three years of project completion.
- The grant allows for stacking with other government funding, up to 75% of eligible project costs.
- For prototype demonstration projects, up to three prototypes are eligible, with case-by-case exceptions possible.
- Direct internal technical labour funded is restricted to efforts in Northern Ontario.
- No funding for labour costs for shareholders with a significant ownership stake, except potentially for sole proprietors.
Apply to this program
Supporting Innovation in Northern Ontario’s Tech Sector
The Innovation Stream grant aims to drive technological advancement in Northern Ontario, catering to businesses that are pursuing cutting-edge research and commercialization of novel technologies. The program is an essential tool in fostering economic growth by supporting projects that create new solutions and meet evolving market demands.
In-depth Overview of the Innovation Stream Grant
The Innovation Stream grant is an initiative designed to support the development, validation, and commercialization of innovative technologies in Northern Ontario. This grant seeks to empower businesses, particularly those in the private sector, by providing financial support that facilitates the transformation of novel ideas into tangible market-ready products or processes. Eligible projects can range from applied research and development projects to those that focus on demonstrating and commercializing new technologies.
Private-sector companies in Northern Ontario, either individually or in collaboration with public-sector academic institutions, stand as the primary candidates for this funding. The program is structured to encourage partnerships where businesses take the lead in project execution while leveraging the expertise of academic institutions. Such collaborations ensure that the projects are well-rounded, with a strong foundation in both industry needs and academic research, thus driving the innovation ecosystem forward.
Funding from the Innovation Stream is substantial, aiding businesses in covering up to 50% of eligible project costs, with maximum contributions varying based on the project type. Projects focusing solely on applied research and development can receive up to $500,000. However, if a project encompasses both research and development as well as demonstration and commercialization, the potential funding increases significantly, reaching up to $2 million. This tiered funding approach underscores the program's commitment to supporting comprehensive innovation strategies that span from ideation to market entry.
The eligibility for costs covers a wide array of essential activities, including internal technical labor, prototyping, product testing, intellectual property protections, as well as market-oriented expenses like product certification and promotional endeavors. However, it's noteworthy that costs related to internal efficiencies or costs incurred from asset sales within three years post-completion are not eligible. This ensures that the funding is channeled towards genuinely innovative initiatives with market impact potential.
Moreover, the program emphasizes rigorous evaluation criteria where potential projects are assessed on innovation alignment, economic impact, market need, and management capacity. This comprehensive evaluation ensures that funded projects not only drive technological advancement but also contribute to local economic development, job creation, and community growth in Northern Ontario.
The grant permits the combination of financial support from other governmental programs, allowing a total funding support that can reach up to 75% of the project costs. This flexibility aids businesses in leveraging different funding avenues, which is crucial for large-scale tech projects that necessitate substantial investments.
Overall, the Innovation Stream grant plays a pivotal role in the technological landscape of Northern Ontario, empowering businesses to innovate while fostering economic resilience and competitiveness. By aligning funding support with strategic economic and innovation objectives, the program not only supports individual businesses but also contributes to the broader goal of regional development and technological leadership in Canada.
