
Closed
Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence
Last Update: February 4, 2026
ON, Canada
Funding for strategic scientific research in Ontario
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
Integrate new technologies
Research and experimental development
Conduct research
See more
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 2,000,000 $
- Minimum amount : 300,000 $
- Up to 33% of project cost
Timeline
- Closing date : September 27, 2023
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Research
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- All dimensions
Overview
Investment in Ontario's Research and Innovation
The Ontario Research Fund – Research Excellence aims to propel Ontario's leadership in science and technology by financing high-impact research projects within the province. It assists organizations in covering a significant portion of their operational costs for projects with strategic importance, fostering an environment of innovation and collaboration.
Activities funded
- Developing innovative technologies with commercialization potential
- Conducting foundational and applied research in strategic sectors
- Collaborating with industry partners to advance research outcomes
Examples of admissible projects:
Implementing solar energy solutions for community benefits
Documents Needed
Project proposal, financial plan, and institutional support documents.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Universities in Ontario
- Colleges and research hospitals in Ontario
- Non-profit research organizations in Ontario
Who is not eligible
- Organizations not based in Ontario
- Commercial for-profit companies without research collaborations
- Organizations involved in non-research activities
Eligible expenses
Personnel costs, research materials, equipment, and collaboration expenses.Ineligible Costs and Activities
Eligible geographic areas
OntarioSelection criteria
- Innovation and technological advancement
- Potential for commercialization and societal impact
- Feasibility and project management capacity
- Alignment with provincial economic priorities
How to apply
Create an online account on the funding portalPrepare and submit project proposal and supporting documentsReview and update submission for accuracyConfirm submission before the deadlineAwait funding decision and follow any further instructions
Processing and Agreement
Additional information
Applicants should consider aligning their projects with current economic priorities such as artificial intelligence, automotive, critical minerals, genomics, life sciences, medical devices, and quantum technology.
Apply to this program
Frequently Asked Questions about the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence. 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 Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence?
How much funding can be received?
What expenses are eligible under Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence?
What is the deadline to apply?
Is the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Who are the financial supporters of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence?
Who is eligible for the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program?
Who can I contact for more information about the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence?
Where is the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence available?
Apply to this program
More programs like this

Grant and FundingExpert AdviceOpen
Expanded Energy Management Program
Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO)Funding to strengthen facility energy management and efficiency initiatives

Grant and FundingOpen
XLerate Program
Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO)Pay-for-performance funding for large-scale Ontario energy-efficiency projects

Grant and FundingTax CreditsOpen
Economic Development & Growth in Employment (EDGE) Incentive Program
City of TorontoSupports tax-based incentives for new or redeveloped employment properties

Grant and FundingOpen
Regional Defence Investment Initiative – Northern Ontario
Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor)Supports Northern Ontario SMEs entering defence supply chains

Grant and FundingOpen
Court Challenges Program (CCP)
University of OttawaSupports legal actions advancing constitutional and language rights

Grant and FundingClosed
Indigenous Economic Development Fund — Regional Partnership Grants Program
Government of OntarioFinancial support for regional Indigenous projects in Ontario

Grant and FundingClosed
EnAbling Change Program
Government of OntarioMoney for accessibility awareness and support projects

Grant and FundingLoans and Capital investmentsClosed
Regional Defence Investment Initiative in Southern Ontario
Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev)Funding initiative supporting southern Ontario defence sector growth

Grant and FundingClosed
Tourism Growth Program in Northern Ontario
Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor)Tourism Growth Program supports tourism industry development in Canada

Grant and FundingOpen
FedDev Ontario — Economic Development Initiative (Southern Ontario) — Not-For-Profit
Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev)Assistance for Francophone projects in southern Ontario
Sign up to our platform to access the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence information sheet for free
Get access to 4,000+ programs, practical guides, personalized alerts, and an AI assistant to support your grant applications.