
SIF — Collaborations and Networks projects
Last Update: March 31, 2025
Canada
Funding for collaborative business-led projects and innovation networks
SIF — Collaborations and Networks projects at a glance
Eligible Funding
- No Condition
Timeline
- Open Date : March 13, 2023
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
- Manufacturing
- Information and cultural industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Educational services
Grant Providers
- Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)
- Government of Canada
- Innovation Canada
Status
Open
Overview of the SIF — Collaborations and Networks projects program
Receive contributions for large, collaborative business-led projects and innovation networks amongst industry researchers, national and regional research institutes, academic institutions, and Canadian small-and-medium-sized enterprises or multi-national
Eligible projects & activities
The SIF — Collaborations and Networks category supports business-led projects and innovative networks that build on Canada's existing strengths. The eligible projects are designed to enhance national capacity through industrial research, technology demonstrations, and collaboration among key stakeholders.
- Industrial research focusing on the discovery of new knowledge for developing technology-driven products.
- Early-stage technology readiness activities, including fundamental research and R&D phases.
- Technology demonstration projects advancing technologies into product-specific applications for commercialization.
- Collaborative projects that improve supply chains and strengthen ties between businesses and academia/research bodies.
- Creating collaboration among industry researchers, national and regional research institutes, academic institutions, and Canadian businesses.
- Providing financial support for collaborative projects aimed at developing pre-commercial technologies.
- Projects that involve SMEs and research councils to develop new products using academic research findings.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 600,000
Technology demonstration for smart farming solutions
$ 500,000
Collaborative development of sustainable packaging technology
$ 850,000
Demonstration of renewable energy microgrid technology
$ 900,000
Industrial research for green hydrogen production technology
$ 450,000
Development of a new AI-driven financial analytic tool
$ 750,000
Collaborative development of low-emission construction materials
Eligibility criteria of the SIF — Collaborations and Networks projects program
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific criteria related to the applicant's corporate structure and collaborative approach.
- The lead applicant must be a not-for-profit organization incorporated in Canada or a for-profit corporation incorporated in Canada.
- The applicant should have the capability to manage and lead a network project as per the Contribution Agreement terms.
- Collaboration with Canadian universities, colleges, research institutes, for-profit corporations, and/or not-for-profit entities is required.
Who is eligible?
Organizations eligible to apply as a lead applicant for the Collaborations and Networks category of the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) must be: - A not-for-profit organization incorporated in Canada.- A for-profit corporation incorporated in Canada.
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
This grant is available to organizations incorporated in Canada. As such, eligibility is nationwide within Canadian borders, ensuring support for strategic innovation across the country.
- Organizations incorporated anywhere in Canada.
Eligibility criteria of the SIF — Collaborations and Networks projects program
There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant:
- Eligibility of lead applicant and project partners
- Demonstrated need and benefits for Canada
- Alignment with funding priorities and areas of advantage
- Clarity of project objectives and outcomes
- Feasibility and sustainability of the proposed project
- Level of collaboration and engagement with key players in the Canadian R&D community
How to apply to the SIF — Collaborations and Networks projects program
1
Initial Planning and Partnerships
- Identify eligible partners from Canadian universities, research institutes, and industry stakeholders.
- Discuss and outline potential project activities and goals.
2
Eligibility Check and Requirements
- Ensure that your organization fits the eligibility criteria as a lead applicant (not-for-profit or for-profit corporation incorporated in Canada).
- Review project costs, benefits for Canada, and funding conditions as outlined by the program.
3
Project Proposal Preparation
- Develop a comprehensive project proposal that includes objectives, scope, timelines, and expected outcomes.
- Detail how the project will enhance supply chains and strengthen ties between businesses and academia.
- Include a strategy for the network’s sustainability post-funding.
4
Compile Documentation
- Gather necessary supporting documents such as letters of support, financial statements, and detailed budgets.
- Prepare documentation that evidences each collaborator’s role and contribution to the project.
5
Online Application Submission
- Access the Strategic Innovation Fund’s application portal and create an account if necessary.
- Upload all required documentation and complete the online application form thoroughly.
- Review the application to ensure all information is accurate and complete.
- Submit the completed application before the specified deadline.
6
Follow-Up and Confirmation
- Receive a confirmation email with application reference details.
- Track your application progress through the portal if such a feature is available.
Additional information
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- Projects should capitalize on areas where Canada has a proven technological or industrial advantage.
- Lead applicants must effectively manage collaboration activities and maintain strong ties between academia and industry.
- Networks must take full responsibility for the evaluation and management of the projects they choose to support.
- This program is focused on pre-commercial technology development and demonstration stages.
Apply to this program


Researchers And FacilitiesPartnering and CollaborationWage Subsidies And InternsOpen
Canada
Connect organizations with academia for research and innovation collaboration

Grant and FundingOpen
Canada
Financial assistance to work in collaboration on innovation projects

Wage Subsidies And InternsOpen
Canada
Money to hire students for an environmental co-op

Grant and FundingOpen
Canada
Intellectual property training, tools and expertise

Other SupportOpen
Canada
Access wireless spectrum to test a business idea

Other SupportClosed
Canada
Register or renew a trademark

Researchers And FacilitiesExpert AdviceOpen
Canada
Get expert advice and the use of a high-tech environment

Wage Subsidies And InternsClosed
Canada
Funding to hire co-ops in healthcare or bio-economy

Grant and FundingOpen
Canada
Financial support for technology innovations