Invest Nova Scotia — Incubation
Last Update: July 22, 2025
NS, Canada
Incubation facilities for Nova Scotia innovators
At a glance
Eligible Funding
- No Condition
Timeline
- Unspecified
Financing Type
Researchers And Facilities
Eligible Industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Health care and social assistance
- Other services (except public administration)
Funds Providers
Program status
Open
Overview
Facilities focused on technology innovation and commercialization, especially in the life sciences, ocean technology and clean technology sectors.
Activities funded
Invest Nova Scotia's Incubation grant supports projects aimed at helping emerging technology companies grow more robustly and swiftly. Eligible activities primarily involve leveraging specialized facilities and support to foster technological and commercial advancement.
- Utilization of incubation facilities tailored for emerging technology companies.
- Participation in specialized scientific infrastructure projects for life sciences industries.
- Engagement in commercializing ocean technologies at early stages.
- Access to enterprise-grade network and server hosting facilities to support business operations.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 250,000
Development of ocean habitat monitoring technology partnered with the University of Victoria
$ 600,000
Establishment of a green energy facility focusing on tidal power generation
$ 450,000
Establishment of a clean technology incubation center for startups
$ 300,000
Development of a new AI tool for predictive modeling in the life sciences sector
$ 350,000
Renovation of a research facility for marine biotechnology to study aquaculture in St John's
$ 400,000
Creation of a biotech startup focused on genetic research and development
Eligibility
Eligibility for this grant requires companies to meet specific criteria related to their industry focus and location.
- Companies must be emerging technology companies.
- The company should be focused on clean technology, knowledge-based sectors, life sciences, or ocean technologies.
- Location-specific requirements include being housed in The Bays in Dartmouth, The Labs in Halifax, or the Start-Up Yard at COVE.
Who is eligible?
This incubation program is designed for emerging technology companies, particularly those in clean technology, life sciences, and ocean technologies, seeking a supportive environment to foster growth and success. Candidates include entrepreneurs and startups aiming to partake in a community-driven incubation setting with robust infrastructure support.Eligible expenses
This grant supports incubation initiatives for emerging technology companies, mainly focusing on clean technology, knowledge-based sectors, life sciences, and ocean technology commercialization. Eligible activities aim to provide infrastructure, support services, and community development for startups to thrive.
- Provision of enterprise-grade voice and data networks.
- Access to redundant high-speed internet services.
- Availability of dependable server hosting facilities.
- Provision of specialized scientific infrastructure for life sciences.
- Support for commercialization of ocean technologies.
- Offering flexible leasing options in incubator spaces.
- Facilitation of community and on-site support for startups.
Eligible geographic areas
This program supports companies situated in areas where the incubation facilities are located, aiming to foster growth in specific sectors. The eligible areas reflect the locations of these specialized facilities.
- Companies operating within The Bays area in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.
- Organizations situated in The Labs vicinity in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
- Businesses based at the Start-Up Yard at COVE, Halifax, Nova Scotia.
How to apply
1
Assess Eligibility
- Review the sectors targeted by the incubation facilities (clean technology, life sciences, ocean technologies).
- Ensure your company fits within the sector focus of the relevant facility (The Bays, The Labs, or Start-Up Yard).
2
Prepare Application Materials
- Draft a business plan highlighting how your company can benefit from the incubator.
- Include detailed information on your technology and growth strategy.
- Compile any required supporting documents such as financial statements and proof of concept.
3
Contact the Incubator
- Reach out to info@investnovascotia.ca for guidelines and submission requirements.
- Inquire about any specific application form or portal you need to use.
4
Submit Application
- Complete the application per the guidelines received.
- Send your application materials to the contact provided or upload them via an indicated portal.
5
Confirmation and Follow Up
- Await confirmation of receipt from the incubation facility.
- Follow up within the timeframe specified to ensure your application is being processed.
Contacts
902-424-8670
NS, Canada
Apply to this program
Frequently Asked Questions about the Invest Nova Scotia — Incubation Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Invest Nova Scotia — Incubation. 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 Nova Scotia — Incubation?
How much funding can be received?
What expenses are eligible under Invest Nova Scotia — Incubation?
What is the deadline to apply?
Is the Invest Nova Scotia — Incubation a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Who are the financial supporters of the Invest Nova Scotia — Incubation?
Who is eligible for the Invest Nova Scotia — Incubation program?
Who can I contact for more information about the Invest Nova Scotia — Incubation?
Where is the Invest Nova Scotia — Incubation available?
Are startups eligible for the Invest Nova Scotia — Incubation program?
Apply to this program