SIF — Business Innovation and Growth projects
Canada
Funding for business innovation and growth projects
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateMarch 13, 2023
- grant_single|closingDateJune 18, 2024
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Manufacturing
- Professional, scientific and technical services
grant_single|grantors
- Innovation Canada
- Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)
- Government of Canada
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
Receive contributions for activities related to the research and development (R&D) and commercialization of innovative products, the expansion or material improvement of existing industrial or technological facilities, and for new investments in R&D manda
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant is available to companies that are incorporated or propose to carry out business within Canada. Eligible geographical areas are not restricted to specific regions within Canada, as long as the business meets the incorporation or operational criteria.
- Companies incorporated in Canada.
- Partnerships proposing to carry out business in Canada.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$1,500,000
Expansion of green energy production facilities
$800,000
Development of biodegradable packaging to reduce environmental footprint
$1,500,000
Creation of an AI-driven medical diagnostic tool
$900,000
Development of an automated textile manufacturing system
$300,000
Improvement of organic farming processes with new irrigation technology
$3,000,000
Establishment of a new nanotechnology research facility
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for the Strategic Innovation Fund's Business Innovation and Growth category is determined by specific requirements related to the business structure and project focus.
- The applicant must be a for-profit business or cooperative incorporated in Canada.
- The applicant can also be a partnership proposing to carry out business in Canada.
- The applicant must own or hold sufficient background intellectual property (IP) rights to allow the project's activities to be carried out.
- The project must fall under one of the designated types: R&D and commercialization, firm expansion and growth, or investment attraction and reinvestment.
- Projects must adhere to Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) specified for each project type, ranging from TRL 1 to 9.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
To apply under the Business Innovation and Growth category of the Strategic Innovation Fund, your company must be either a for-profit business or cooperative incorporated in Canada, or a partnership proposing to carry out business in Canada. Applicants must manage the project, fulfill the terms of the Contribution Agreement, submit project claims, handle IP rights appropriately, and demonstrate Canadian benefits, among other conditions.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
This grant supports business innovation and growth projects in Canada, aiming to enhance research and development, expand firms, and attract investments. Eligible activities focus on the commercialization of innovative products and processes, expansion of facilities, and fostering new investments in R&D.
- Research and development to test the commercial potential of early-stage innovative concepts.
- Adaptation of research findings for commercial applications that have market-disruptive potential.
- Development and improvement of current products by implementing new technology for competitive enhancement.
- Process improvements to reduce the environmental footprint of current production using new technologies.
- Increasing manufacturing capacity to meet demonstrated market demand.
- Improvement of production efficiency through plant and equipment enhancements.
- Establishing new R&D mandates and hiring full-time-equivalent employees in Canada.
- Creating new production facilities or acquiring production mandates for products not previously made in Canada.
- Acquiring R&D mandates previously controlled outside Canada or establishing them for the first time in the country.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The grant covers specific expenses directly related to the implementation and success of the project under the Business Innovation and Growth category of the Strategic Innovation Fund.
- Personnel salaries and benefits directly related to research, development, and commercialization activities.
- Costs of materials necessary for the execution of eligible R&D and commercialization projects.
- Equipment purchase or lease essential for expanding technological facilities or improving production efficiency.
- Contractors or consultants fees for technical and expert services required to advance the project.
- Travel costs directly linked to project execution for research and development purposes.
- Licensing and IP-related expenses required for utilizing background intellectual property.
- Project-related training and skills development costs for staff directly involved in the project.
- Facility rental or lease expenses for establishing new R&D, production, or technological operations.
grant_single_labels|criteria
Yes, there are evaluation and selection criteria for the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF). The assessment focuses on project outcomes and benefits for Canadians based on specific priorities and funding requirements.
- Alignment with SIF project requirements and priority areas
- Potential for commercialization and economic benefits for Canada
- Degree of innovation and technological advancement
- Level of collaboration and partnership with key stakeholders
- Project costs and funding conditions
- Benefits for Canada, including job creation and environmental impact
- Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) of the activities involved
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for the Strategic Innovation Fund under the Business Innovation and Growth category:
- Step 1: Preliminary Assessment
- Ensure your business is eligible, i.e., for-profit business or cooperative incorporated in Canada or a partnership proposing to carry out business in Canada.
- Review the types of projects eligible under the R&D and commercialization, firm expansion and growth, or investment attraction and reinvestment categories.
- Step 2: Gather Required Information
- Prepare a detailed project proposal outlining objectives, activities, and expected outcomes.
- Collect necessary documentation, such as proof of incorporation, project budgets, and timelines.
- Clarify the benefits your project will bring to Canada, including job creation and economic impact.
- Step 3: Develop Intellectual Property Strategy
- Ensure you own or hold sufficient background IP rights to carry out the project.
- Plan how you will manage and utilize any IP resulting from the project.
- Step 4: Application Submission
- Visit the Strategic Innovation Fund's official application portal.
- Complete the online application form, following the provided guidelines and instructions.
- Upload all required documents and check for completeness and accuracy.
- Submit the application before the deadline to ensure consideration.
- Step 5: Receive Confirmation
- Receive an acknowledgment email confirming the receipt of your application.
- Save this confirmation as it will contain your application number and important details for tracking.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
The Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) supports transformative and collaborative projects across all sectors of the Canadian economy. Focus areas for Budget 2023 include clean technologies, critical minerals, biomanufacturing, and life sciences.
- Net Zero Accelerator: Decarbonize large emitters, transform industry for the net-zero economy, develop a Canadian battery ecosystem.
- Critical minerals: Align investments with clean technologies, expand production capacity, enhance mineral circularity, support global supply chains.
- Biomanufacturing and Life Sciences: Build resilience, improve pandemic preparedness, support innovative firms in the life sciences sector.
- Other areas of interest: Promote innovation in aerospace, semiconductors, agri-food, automotive, and natural resources.
Apply to this program
Unlock Innovation and Growth with the Strategic Innovation Fund
The Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) under the Business Innovation and Growth category offers Canadian businesses the necessary support to invest in innovation, expand operations, and create jobs, ultimately benefiting Canada's economy. Provided by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, this fund targets for-profit entities, facilitating their development and fostering technological advancement.
Detailed Insights into the Strategic Innovation Fund's Business Innovation and Growth Support
The Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF), administered by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, is specifically tailored to enhance business innovation and foster economic growth across Canada. This program, aimed at supporting for-profit enterprises, encourages them to undertake ambitious projects that push the boundaries of technological development and industrial expansion. Through its Business Innovation and Growth category, the fund seeks to empower companies to carry out transformative projects that align with defined technological readiness levels (TRLs), ultimately aiming to catalyze broader economic benefits.
With a focus on stimulating research and development (R&D) alongside commercialization efforts, the SIF supports projects that are dedicated to advancing innovative products, services, and processes across various industries. These projects must exhibit a clear path from concept to commercialization, starting from early inception at TRL 1, through to market readiness at TRL 9. By doing so, the fund not only facilitates the initial phases of development but also supports the seamless transition of these innovations into viable market solutions.
Moreover, the Business Innovation and Growth category incentivizes projects that explore the potential escalation of industrial or technological facilities. These projects are critical as they prepare companies to scale operations, meet evolving market demands, and achieve operational excellence. By leveraging technology that has been thoroughly qualified and demonstrated, businesses can augment their manufacturing capabilities, enhance production efficiencies, and ultimately secure their competitive position within the global marketplace.
The fund also prioritizes investment attraction and reinvestment projects, promoting new R&D mandates and job creation within Canada. These initiatives are fundamental in establishing new ventures or expanding existing ones within Canadian borders, thereby strengthening the national innovation landscape. Projects under this umbrella may entail setting up new production facilities, bringing R&D mandates from abroad into Canada, or launching innovative ventures previously unexplored in the Canadian context.
Recipients of the Strategic Innovation Fund's support are required to adhere to specific responsibilities, ensuring the meticulous management of funded projects in accordance with agreed terms and achieving defined benefits for Canada. This includes submitting claims for reimbursement, managing governmental contributions, and reporting on project outcomes. Additionally, beneficiaries must possess or secure intellectual property rights sufficient to carry out and fully capitalize on their project initiatives, ensuring that ensuing innovations are optimized for broader commercial application.
This comprehensive approach underscores the Strategic Innovation Fund's commitment to not only fund innovation but also ensure its effective incorporation into the economic framework of Canada. By aligning project activities with national priorities, the fund reinforces the overarching goal of establishing Canada as a leader in technological innovation and sustainable economic development.
