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Source verified July 23, 2026
INVEST North Program — Innovation – Industrial Research Chair
Funding for Northern Ontario research capacity
Funding available
$ 1,000,000
Deadline
Open continuously
Opened August 26, 2022
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
The INVEST North Program provides conditional contributions of up to $1 million to Northern Ontario universities, colleges, and research institutions for Industrial Research Chairs. It supports projects that strengthen research capacity through business problem solving, commercialization, chair holder salaries, laboratory work, equipment, materials, and publication costs.
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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
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Rural or Northern Residents
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Research
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
- Projects focused on business problem solving
- Projects working towards the commercialization of a product or process in Northern Ontario
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Northern Ontario universities
- Northern Ontario colleges
- Northern Ontario research institutions
Eligible expenses
- Salary and mandatory benefits of the chair holder over the duration of the project
- Construction or renovation of laboratories or supporting facilities used directly in carrying out the research
- Acquiring, operating and maintaining research equipment used directly in carrying out the research
- Materials used directly in carrying out the research
- Costs associated with publishing 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
Selection criteria
- Net economic benefits for Northern Ontario
- Alignment with the host organization’s strategic research plan
- Strength of collaboration and partner needs addressed in the proposal
- Strength of the project’s detailed business plan
How to apply
- Submit your application.
Processing and Agreement
- After submission, NOHFC reviews the application to make sure the project meets the program guidelines.
- During evaluation, additional information on the project is gathered and reviewed in greater detail.
- NOHFC shares its review with the board of directors, which makes the final decision on the application.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the INVEST North Program — Innovation – Industrial Research Chair Program
What is the INVEST North Program — Innovation – Industrial Research Chair?
The INVEST North Program provides conditional contributions of up to $1 million to Northern Ontario universities, colleges, and research institutions for Industrial Research Chairs. It supports projects that strengthen research capacity through business problem solving, commercialization, chair holder salaries, laboratory work, equipment, materials, and publication costs.
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?
Projects focused on business problem solving
Projects working towards the commercialization of a product or process in Northern Ontario
Who can I contact for more information about the INVEST North Program — Innovation – Industrial Research Chair?
You can contact Government of Ontario by email at asknohfc@ontario.ca.
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