Funding Snapshot

  • Non-repayable contributions
  • Focused on supporting regional networks that encourage innovation in southern Ontario
  • Continuous intake

Fund Description

The Regional Innovation Ecosystem stream of the FedDev Ontario program helps to grow regional networks to support business growth and innovation and increase competitiveness of SMEs.

Funding Details

Fund can provide non-repayable contributions from $500,000 up to $10 million per project for up to 50% of eligible and supported project costs, although exceptional groups may receive reimbursements of up to 100% of project costs.

Eligible Expenditures

Funding is available for labour, expertise, non-capital, and capital expenses for the following activities:

  • Development of commercially-relevant technology platforms, innovation assets
  • Applied research and product development
  • Support for adoption or integration into markets
  • Technology transfer and validation testing
  • Technological adoption for new industrial application or new markets
  • Business and market development
  • Commercialization services
  • Networking and mentoring opportunities
  • Financing programs and support
  • Business innovation support services for underrepresented groups
  • Improving availability of risk capital
  • Training needed to support adoption or adaptation of tehcnologies
  • Facilitating supply chain development

Eligibility Requirements

  • Must be a not-for-profit organization, such as post-secondary institutions, innovation centres, business accelerator, Indigenous organizations, co-operatives, municipalities, angel networks, or others
  • Must be located in southern Ontario
  • Must provide evidence of project funding
  • Must demonstrate the capacity to complete the project and repay the contribution
  • Must have sufficient managerial, technical and operational capacity to achieve the projects objectives
  • Must have defined and addressable market/industry demand and proven potential for market growth
  • Must demonstrate how project will be self-sustaining upon completion

Program Run

FedDev Regional Innovation Ecosystem offers continuous intake, for projects that must be completed by December 31, 2023.