At NorthBridge, we keep up to date on all the most recent government funding updates, intake announcements and upcoming deadlines so you don’t have to. Each month, we will be providing a summary of the most important news in government funding. Get in touch today to learn more about each program and assess your eligibility.
For: Canadian agri-food SMEs looking to develop technology related to livestock production
Livestock Innovation Program
The Canadian Agri-Food Automation and Intelligence Network (CAAIN), a non-profit launched in July 2019 through Stream 4 of the Strategic Innovation Fund, aims to support new technological solutions for challenges facing Canada’s agri-food sector. CAAIN’s latest competition, the Livestock Innovation Program, provides funding to SMEs for technological advancement in animal production and efficiency, animal food safety and quality, or sustainable production. Successful applicants may receive up to $3 million in non-repayable funding to cover project-related costs.
Project application forms for the Livestock Innovation Program are due by January 3, 2023.
For: Ontario-based companies looking to strengthen Ontario’s critical minerals sector
Critical Minerals Innovation Fund
The Critical Minerals Innovation Fund provides funding to projects that aim to strengthen Ontario’s critical minerals sector. Eligible projects will support the research, development, and commercialization of innovative technologies in critical minerals, increase exploration, production, and processing, stimulate investment in the critical minerals supply chain, and enhance collaboration. Through the fund, Ontario-based private sector businesses can receive up to $500,000 in non-repayable funding for the development of technologies related to the battery supply chain, deep exploration and mining, or mineral recovery.
The deadline to apply for the Critical Minerals Innovation Fund is January 27, 2022.
For: Canadian SMEs and public research institutions looking to advance drug discovery research
Quantum Leap
CQDM’s Quantum Leap program provides support for drug discovery research to assist Canadian SMEs and universities in innovative biopharmaceutical research projects which have the potential to improve the drug discovery process. Successful applicants can receive up to $1.2 million in non-repayable funding to cover costs related to the development of technologies for use by CQDM pharmaceutical members.
The deadline for the next selection round of Quantum Leap is February 16, 2023.
For: Canadian individuals, companies, or academics looking to develop new technologies
Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS)
Through the Department of National Defence’s Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS), Canadians have the opportunity to develop innovations in response to specific challenges faced by the Canadian Armed Forces. Currently open challenges include Arctic eco-safe transit of personnel and cargo, naval radio communications in complex electromagnetic environments, human autonomy teaming for effective decision making, and medical resupply in austere environments. Applicants can receive up to $1.2 million in total funding over an 18-month period for solutions that have not yet been tested or demonstrated.
The deadline to apply for the latest Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) challenges is December 20, 2022.
For: Small companies looking to provide skills development and work opportunities for youth
Canada Summer Jobs
Canada Summer Jobs is an initiative under the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy that provides funding to help employers create summer job opportunities which allow Canadian youth between the ages of 15-30 to transition into the labour market. Private, public, and not-for-profit companies with fewer than 50 FTE employees can receive between 50-100% of eligible wages from the program, for placements with a duration of 6-16 weeks. Placements may start between April 24, 2023 and July 24, 2023, and go no later than September 2, 2023.
The deadline to apply for Canada Summer Jobs for summer 2023 is January 12, 2023.
For: Ontario-based digital media companies looking to launch interactive content projects
Ontario Creates-Canada Media Fund Pilot IDM Futures Forward Program
Ontario Creates and the Canada Media Fund (CMF) have launched a pilot partnership program to fund early-stage, interactive digital media development projects from emerging and equity-deserving companies. Grants are available for Ontario-based companies which either meet the criteria for Ontario Creates Interactive Digital Media Fund, or have completed the Ontario Creates’ Future Forward training in fall 2022. Successful applicants will be able to use funding for project conceptualization, trailer production, prototyping, pre-production document preparation, business planning, and mentorship support.
The deadline to apply for the Ontario Creates-CMF Pilot IDM Futures Forward Program is January 23, 2023.