Open
SIF — Collaborations and Networks projects
Supports large collaborative Canadian innovation networks and technology projects
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
No Condition
Timeline
- Open Date : March 13, 2023
Location
Canada
Overview
The Strategic Innovation Fund – Collaborations and Networks stream supports large, business-led innovation networks and collaborative R&D projects in areas where Canada has a demonstrated advantage, funding activities from early-stage industrial research through to mid- and late-stage technology demonstrations (roughly TRLs 1–9). The maximum funding amount is not specified, but eligible activities include fundamental and applied research, technology development and demonstration, and financial support for collaborative projects connecting industry, academia, and research institutes to advance pre-commercial technologies and strengthen supply chains.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop a new product or service
- Develop an online presence
Eligible Funding
- No Condition
Timeline
- Open Date : March 13, 2023
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Manufacturing
- Information and cultural industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Educational services
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Higher Education
- Research
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Business Associations
Target groups
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Nonprofits / charities
- Academia / students
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- National
Next steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Creation and growth of national innovation networks that coordinate multiple collaborative R&D and technology projects across Canada.
- Industrial research projects aimed at discovering new knowledge to develop new technology-driven products, processes or services.
- Early-stage research and development projects that advance technologies from fundamental research through initial development phases.
- Technology demonstration projects that advance and adapt new technologies into product-specific applications with a clear path to commercialization in areas where Canada has an advantage.
- Collaborative, pre-commercial technology development and demonstration projects that bring together businesses, research organizations and academia to strengthen supply chains and industry–research linkages.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Canadian not-for-profit organizations
- Canadian for-profit corporations
- Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
- Large Canadian corporations
- Canadian national and regional research institutes and academic institutions (as collaborators)
Eligible expenses
This grant supports large, collaborative business-led projects and innovation networks in Canada, focusing on areas of national advantage. These initiatives encourage technological advancement and commercialization through various strategic activities.
- Industrial research projects aimed at discovering new knowledge to develop technology-driven products.
- Processes or services development at early-stage technology readiness levels including fundamental research activities and R&D phases.
- Technology demonstrations advancing new technologies into product-specific applications at mid- and late-stage technology readiness levels, with a focus on commercialization.
- Developing technologies with clear paths to commercialization in priority funding areas.
- Creating collaboration among industry researchers, national and regional research institutes, academic institutions, and Canadian businesses.
- Providing financial support for collaborative projects within the R&D community.
- Collaborative technology development and demonstration projects focusing on industrial research and large-scale technology demonstration.
- Collaborations with SMEs, research councils, and original equipment manufacturers to develop new products using academic research findings.
Eligible geographic areas
- Organizations incorporated and operating in Canada.
Additional information
- The lead applicant is responsible for managing the overall network, including oversight of supported projects and the internal distribution of funding.
- Lead applicants must submit claims and performance reports and are accountable for demonstrating project results.
- Networks themselves are responsible for assessing, approving and managing the individual projects they choose to support.
- Certain collaborative technology development and demonstration projects are selected through a competitive intake process.
Documents and links
Frequently Asked Questions about the SIF — Collaborations and Networks projects Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the SIF — Collaborations and Networks projects. 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 SIF — Collaborations and Networks projects?
The Strategic Innovation Fund – Collaborations and Networks stream supports large, business-led innovation networks and collaborative R&D projects in areas where Canada has a demonstrated advantage, funding activities from early-stage industrial research through to mid- and late-stage technology demonstrations (roughly TRLs 1–9). The maximum funding amount is not specified, but eligible activities include fundamental and applied research, technology development and demonstration, and financial support for collaborative projects connecting industry, academia, and research institutes to advance pre-commercial technologies and strengthen supply chains.
Who is eligible for the SIF — Collaborations and Networks projects program?
To be eligible for the SIF — Collaborations and Networks projects program, you must:
Lead applicant must be a for-profit corporation incorporated in Canada.
Lead applicant can also be a not-for-profit organization incorporated in Canada.
Lead applicant must be able to manage network projects and funding on behalf of collaborators.
What expenses are eligible under SIF — Collaborations and Networks projects?
Creation and growth of national innovation networks that coordinate multiple collaborative R&D and technology projects across Canada.
Industrial research projects aimed at discovering new knowledge to develop new technology-driven products, processes or services.
Early-stage research and development projects that advance technologies from fundamental research through initial development phases.
Technology demonstration projects that advance and adapt new technologies into product-specific applications with a clear path to commercialization in areas where Canada has an advantage.
Collaborative, pre-commercial technology development and demonstration projects that bring together businesses, research organizations and academia to strengthen supply chains and industry–research linkages.
Where is the SIF — Collaborations and Networks projects available?
The SIF — Collaborations and Networks projects program is available across Canada.
Is the SIF — Collaborations and Networks projects a grant, loan, or tax credit?
SIF — Collaborations and Networks projects is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the SIF — Collaborations and Networks projects?
SIF — Collaborations and Networks projects is funded by Innovation Canada, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), Government of Canada
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