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Source verified July 11, 2026
INVEST North Program — Innovation Stream
Supports innovative technology projects in Northern Ontario
Funding available
$ 2,000,000
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
INVEST North – Innovation provides conditional contributions of up to 50% for private-sector businesses, including public-private partnerships with public sector academic or research institutions, developing innovative technologies in Northern Ontario. Eligible costs include prototyping, product testing, intellectual property protection, commercialization-related renovation, prototype demonstration, material, certification, and marketing.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop a new product or service
- Conduct research and development activities
- Access new markets
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 2,000,000 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Rural or Northern Residents
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Applied research and development projects
- Demonstration and commercialization of new and innovative technologies
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Private-sector businesses
- Private-sector businesses partnering with public sector academic or research institutions
Eligible expenses
- Direct internal technical labour costs
- Prototyping costs, including engineering and design services and component purchase, fabrication and installation costs
- Product testing costs, intellectual property protection costs, and 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, material costs, and product certification costs
- Marketing costs, including in-person or virtual trade show assistance and marketing material design costs, limited to 20% of total eligible project costs
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Projects intended for internal efficiency purposes only
- Land, working capital, and administrative or other indirect operating costs
- Labour costs for any person that owns 10% or more of the applicant business, in-kind contributions, business plans, and travel, accommodation and meeting costs
- Office equipment and furnishings, and vehicles
- Commercial and industrial land or building development, including building infrastructure to lease or sell, developing commercial or industrial land, and projects that only cover site servicing or site development costs
Selection criteria
- Innovation meets NOHFC’s definition of innovation.
- Strength of the project’s detailed business plan, demonstrated market need and demand, and level of risk.
- Net economic benefits for Northern Ontario.
- Management capacity and the business’s financial position.
- Supply chain impacts.
How to apply
- Check whether the project location falls within NOHFC’s eligible region by entering the first three digits of the postal code.
- Submit your application.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed to confirm the project meets the program guidelines.
- Additional information on the project may be requested during the detailed review.
- The final decision is made by the board of directors.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the INVEST North Program — Innovation Stream Program
What is the INVEST North Program — Innovation Stream?
INVEST North – Innovation provides conditional contributions of up to 50% for private-sector businesses, including public-private partnerships with public sector academic or research institutions, developing innovative technologies in Northern Ontario. Eligible costs include prototyping, product testing, intellectual property protection, commercialization-related renovation, prototype demonstration, material, certification, and marketing.
How much funding can be received?
INVEST North Program — Innovation Stream Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $2,000,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the INVEST North Program — Innovation Stream program?
To be eligible for the INVEST North Program — Innovation Stream program, you must:
Private-sector businesses may apply alone or with a public sector academic or research institution, and the partner must have the expertise and resources needed to complete the project
For public-private partnership projects, the private-sector business must be the lead applicant and funding recipient
For combined applied research and development and demonstration and commercialization projects, the applicant must have rights to the associated intellectual property and the technology must be tested and fully validated
What expenses are eligible under INVEST North Program — Innovation Stream?
Applied research and development projects
Demonstration and commercialization of new and innovative technologies
Who can I contact for more information about the INVEST North Program — Innovation Stream?
You can contact Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) by email at asknohfc@ontario.ca.
Where is the INVEST North Program — Innovation Stream available?
The INVEST North Program — Innovation Stream program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the INVEST North Program — Innovation Stream a grant, loan, or tax credit?
INVEST North Program — Innovation Stream is a Grant and Funding