Closed
Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence
Funding for strategic Ontario research projects
Last Update: May 15, 2026
Funding available
$ 300,000 - $ 2,000,000
Timeline
- Closing date : September 27, 2023
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
Supports strategic research projects in Ontario through two funding streams. Provides up to $2,000,000 for basic/applied research or experimental research with commercialization potential.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop a new product or service
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
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Basic and applied research projects
- Experimental research projects with commercialization potential
- Projects focused on priority Ontario research areas
- Research collaborations with Ontario-based companies for Stream 2
Documents Needed
- Completed electronic application form
- Mitigating Economic and Geopolitical Risk Checklist
- Single PDF package with all attachments
- Signature page signed by an authorized institutional officer, if needed
- Letters of support from the lead and collaborating institutions, and from required partners where applicable
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Publicly assisted universities
- Colleges of applied arts and technology
- Hospital research institutes
- Ontario not-for-profit research institutes
- Consortia of eligible institutions
Who is not eligible
- For-profit organizations
- Agencies of for-profit entities
- Federal departments and Crown corporations
- Provincial or territorial departments, agencies, and Crown corporations
- Non-profit corporations established by the above entities
Eligible expenses
- Salaries and benefits for project staff
- Research equipment, software, supplies, and related operating costs
- Fieldwork, travel, workshops, dissemination, and open-access costs
- Technology transfer, IP protection, commercialization, and market validation costs
- Project management and administration costs
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Clinical trials
- Contract research or fee-for-service research
- Endowed research chairs and other endowments
- Proposal development costs and litigation costs
- Alcohol, opportunity costs, and unrelated items or services
Eligible geographic areas
- Ontario
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed through peer review panels, research security review, and advisory board review.
- Final funding decisions are made by the Minister.
- Successful applicants receive a grant agreement with required terms, reporting, and governance conditions.
- The Ministry may request site visits and scientific reviews during the project.
- Decisions are sent by letter to the institution’s research lead contact.
Additional information
- A member of the research team must complete a foundational IP course during the project.
- The Ministry may conduct site visits and scientific reviews after approval.
- Applications must be submitted as a single PDF package with all attachments.
- Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
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?
Supports strategic research projects in Ontario through two funding streams. Provides up to $2,000,000 for basic/applied research or experimental research with commercialization potential.
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.
Who is eligible for the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program?
To be eligible for the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program, you must:
Eligible Ontario research institution
Strategic research project
Stream 2 requires Ontario company collaboration
What expenses are eligible under Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence?
Basic and applied research projects
Experimental research projects with commercialization potential
Projects focused on priority Ontario research areas
Research collaborations with Ontario-based companies for Stream 2
Where is the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence available?
The Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence?
Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence is funded by Government of Ontario, Ministry of Colleges and Universities