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INVEST North Program — Innovation Stream
Supports innovative technology projects in Northern Ontario
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
$ 2,000,000
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
The INVEST North Innovation Stream supports the research, development and commercialization of new and innovative technologies in Northern Ontario. It offers conditional contributions of up to 50% of eligible project costs, to a maximum of $500,000 for applied research and development only projects and $2 million for combined or demonstration and commercialization only projects.
/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
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Manufacturing
- Information and cultural industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- For-profit business
- Sole proprietorship
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
- Combined projects covering both stages
Documents Needed
- Program guidelines
- Checklist of documents
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Private-sector businesses
- Private-sector businesses partnering with public sector academic or research institutions
Who is not eligible
- Projects intended for internal efficiency purposes only
Eligible expenses
- Direct internal technical labour
- Prototyping, testing, and product certification
- IP protection and R&D services from public sector partners
- Commercialization-related renovation, materials, and prototype demonstration costs
- Marketing costs, up to 20% of total eligible project costs
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Projects intended for internal efficiency only
- Land, working capital, and indirect operating costs
- Labour costs for owners with 10% or more of the business
- In-kind contributions, business plans, and travel or meeting costs
- Office equipment, furnishings, and vehicles
Eligible geographic areas
- Northern Ontario
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed to confirm they meet program guidelines.
- Additional information may be requested during evaluation.
- The final decision is made by the NOHFC Board of Directors.
Additional information
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.
Frequently Asked Questions about the INVEST North Program — Innovation Stream Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the INVEST North Program — Innovation Stream. 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 Stream?
The INVEST North Innovation Stream supports the research, development and commercialization of new and innovative technologies in Northern Ontario. It offers conditional contributions of up to 50% of eligible project costs, to a maximum of $500,000 for applied research and development only projects and $2 million for combined or demonstration and commercialization only projects.
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
Public-private partnership projects
Partner institution with relevant expertise
What expenses are eligible under INVEST North Program — Innovation Stream?
Applied research and development projects
Demonstration and commercialization of new and innovative technologies
Combined projects covering both stages
Who can I contact for more information about the INVEST North Program — Innovation Stream?
You can contact Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC).
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