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Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence

Q: How much funding can be received?

Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence Funds up to 33% of admissible expenses, capped at $2,000,000 per project.

Q: Who is eligible for the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program?

To be eligible for the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program, you must: Research institutions in Ontario conducting strategic projects.

Q: Where is the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence available?

The Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program is available the province of Ontario.

Q: Is the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence is a Grant and Funding

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence?

Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence is funded by Government of Ontario

Last Update: February 4, 2026

ON, Canada

Funding for strategic scientific research in Ontario

Grant and Funding

Government of Ontario

Processing And Agreement

Other info

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals

Integrate new technologies

Develop strategic partnerships

Develop a new product

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

Research institutions, universities, colleges, hospitals, and non-profit research organizations in Ontario

Projects with strategic value supporting innovative research and development

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

Ontario

Selection 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?

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.