Open Innovation Program

Q: How much funding can be received?

Open Innovation Program Funds up to 6000000% of admissible expenses.

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Q: Is the Open Innovation Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Open Innovation Program is a Grant and Funding

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the Open Innovation Program?

Open Innovation Program is funded by Government of British Columbia, B.C. Centre for Innovation and Clean Energy (CICE)

Q: Who is eligible for the Open Innovation Program program?

To be eligible for the Open Innovation Program program, you must: • The applicant's technology must be developed, commercialized, or scaled in British Columbia. • The innovation should have a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) between 4-9.

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the Open Innovation Program?

You can contact Government of British Columbia by email at info@cice.ca.

Q: Where is the Open Innovation Program available?

The Open Innovation Program program is available the province of BC.

Q: Are startups eligible for the Open Innovation Program program?

Yes, startups are eligible to apply for the Open Innovation Program program.

Last Update: July 22, 2025

BC, Canada

Funding for BC-based innovators

At a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $6,000,000

Timeline

Open Date : January 16, 2023
Closing date : February 10, 2023

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Utilities
Manufacturing
Professional, scientific and technical services

Funds Providers

Unspecified

Program status

Closed

Overview

Get a non-repayable grant up to $6 million for an innovative project, new technology or business process that helps reduce GHG emissions and is ready to scale.

Financing terms and conditions

This grant offers financial support aimed at fostering the advancement of clean energy technologies in British Columbia. The primary aim is to provide non-dilutive funding to selected projects.

Up to $6 million available in non-dilutive funding for successful proposals.

Activities funded

The Open Innovation Program provides funding for initiatives that develop and scale clean energy technologies made in British Columbia. The activities supported under this program are focused on solutions that drive the world towards a net-zero carbon future.

Advancement and commercialization of low carbon hydrogen technologies.
Development of renewable natural gas solutions.
Innovation in battery technology and energy storage systems.
Projects focused on carbon management strategies.
Creation and scaling of bioenergy, biofuels, and synthetic fuels technologies.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 2,200,000

Building a battery technology innovation center

$ 1,300,000

Creating a small-scale bioenergy production pilot plant

$ 2,700,000

Developing synthetic fuel technology for aviation

$ 2,000,000

Developing a scalable low-carbon hydrogen production facility

$ 900,000

Launching a carbon management platform

$ 1,600,000

Establishing a renewable natural gas production plant

Eligibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the project's focus and readiness level.

The project must involve the development, commercialization, or scaling of clean energy technologies created in B.C.
The project should aim to contribute towards a net-zero carbon future.
Projects must fall within one or more of the following areas: Low carbon hydrogen, Renewable natural gas, Battery technology and energy storage, Carbon management, Bioenergy, biofuels, and synthetic fuels.
The project must be at a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) between 4-9.

Who is eligible?

This grant is aimed at supporting the development and scaling of clean energy technologies by organizations based in British Columbia.

Companies engaging in the development of low carbon hydrogen technologies.
Organizations focusing on renewable natural gas solutions.
Enterprises working on advancements in battery technology and energy storage.
Firms specializing in carbon management strategies.
Entities involved in bioenergy, biofuels, and synthetic fuels innovations.

Who is not eligible

Eligibility details for the grant do not specify any specific types of companies that are not eligible for the funding opportunity.

However, common exclusion criteria for funding opportunities typically relate to the following types of companies:

Non-Canadian companies
Non-clean energy technology companies
Companies with projects not aligned with the specified priority areas

Eligible expenses

This grant focuses on advancing clean energy technologies that are crucial for achieving a net-zero carbon future. The eligible projects are centered around key areas of innovation in the energy sector.

Development and scaling of low carbon hydrogen technologies.
Advancement of renewable natural gas solutions.
Innovation in battery technology and energy storage systems.
Initiatives for effective carbon management solutions.
Progression of bioenergy, biofuels, and synthetic fuels technologies.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is limited to companies involved with the B.C. Centre for Innovation and Clean Energy (CICE) in British Columbia, Canada. The eligible location reflects the funding body's focus on advancing clean energy technologies within this specific region.

Companies must be based in British Columbia, Canada.

Selection criteria

The evaluation and selection criteria for the B.C. Centre for Innovation and Clean Energy's 2023 Open Call for Innovation are based on the following factors:

Demonstration of technological innovation and advancement
Potential for commercialization and scalability
Impact on accelerating the transition to a net-zero carbon future
Technology Readiness Level (TRL) between 4-9

How to apply

Review Open Call Details

Read through the CICE Open Call information to understand the objectives and focus areas.
Ensure that your project aligns with the specified technology readiness levels (TRL 4-9).

Participate in Q&A Session

Watch the recorded Open Call Q&A session to gain insights into the application process.
Download and review the Q&A session slides for additional guidance.

Draft Proposal

Prepare a detailed project proposal covering project description, objectives, and impact potential.
Include information on how the project fits within the focus areas like low carbon hydrogen or bioenergy.

Compile Required Documentation

Gather necessary documents such as financial plans, project timelines, and team credentials.

Follow CICE on Social Media

Stay updated with announcements by following CICE on LinkedIn or Twitter.

Submit Proposal

Once the application is completed, send it to the appropriate CICE contact point before the deadline.
Ensure the application is filled completely and reviewed for completeness and accuracy.

Confirmation

Await notification of receipt and evaluation timeline from CICE.
Keep a record of submission details for future reference.

Additional information

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

The grant aims to accelerate the world towards a net-zero carbon future by supporting clean energy technologies.
The total funding available through this grant is up to $6 million.
Selected companies were scheduled to be notified by June 1, 2023.
The B.C. Centre for Innovation and Clean Energy remains interested in hearing about innovative projects post-deadline via email.

Contacts

info@cice.ca

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Open Innovation Program Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Open Innovation Program. 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.