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 SME collaborators looking to advance sustainability in agri-food production

Through the Canadian Agri-Food Automation and Intelligence Network’s open call in Automation, Digital Technologies, and Demonstration in Agri-Food Production, $5 million in funding will be dedicated to projects that advance environmental sustainability in agri-food production, with up to $1 million available per project. The competition is divided into four areas: agricultural production and efficiency, food safety, and quality; technology that utilizes data to measure and increase carbon capture; technology that reduces GHG emissions; and technology that impacts land, soil health, water, and air quality.  

EOIs to CAAIN’s Automation, Digital Technologies, and Demonstration in Agri-Food Production are due by June 5, 2023. Contact NorthBridge by May 19 to receive assistance with your application.

For: SMEs looking to advance food innovation and research outcomes related to nutrition and human health

Canada Food Innovation Network (CFIN)’s Innovation Booster supports SMEs in addressing innovation challenges faced by the agri-food sector. Through the program’s latest intake, SMEs can receive grants of up to 50% of eligible costs for Personalized Nutrition and Improving Human Health Through Food. Projects must correspond to at least one of CFIN’s priorities (Smart Product and Process Development, Food Ecosystem Sustainability, and/or Agile and Safe Supply Chains.)

The next call for applications to the Innovation Booster will open on May 29, and close on June 26, 2023. Contact NorthBridge by June 1 to receive assistance with your application.

For: Canadian SMEs looking to develop marine vessel inspection solutions

Innovative Solutions Canada offers funding to innovators capable of solving specific challenges, with the aim of supporting technologies to market. The Canada Border Services Agency is currently seeking a collision-tolerant inspection solution to enter confined spaces within marine vessels.SMEs can receive up to $150,000 to develop a proof of concept, with the potential to receive further funding for prototyping upon successful project completion.  

Applications to Shipboard confined space examinationare due by June 21, 2023. Contact NorthBridge by May 21 to receive assistance with your application.

For: BC-based collaborations looking to develop a solution to an industry problem in natural resources, engineering, or applied sciences

Delivered by Innovate BC, Ignite BC funds collaborative projects working to develop innovative technologies which solve industry problems in natural resources, engineering, or applied sciences. The program aims to strengthen academic-industry partnerships, talent development, and market-driven research and development, while enhancing British Columbia’s economic development. Projects must involve at least two collaborators, working on an innovation at a TRL of 3 or higher.

Initial applications for Ignite BC are due by July 3, 2023. 

For: BC-based companies hiring for a tech-related role

The Innovator Skills Initiative offers up to $10,000 in funding to both tech and non-tech companies in hiring technology-based employees from underrepresented groups. Eligible placements are a minimum of four months in duration, with a start date after April 1. Prioritized sectors include agritech, AI, AR/VR, biotech, cleantech, digital media, hydrogen, ICT, manufacturing, shipbuilding, and quantum computing.  

Applications are due by October 20, 2023. Read the ISI Program Guidelines for more information on how to apply.  

For: Canadian distribution or production companies looking to market their feature-length films

Telefilm Canada’s Marketing Program supports Canadian production companies in the marketing, promotion, and distribution of feature films. Eligible companies may receive costs for the creation of promotional materials, test screenings, audience research, online marketing activities, and more.

The application deadline for Telefilm Canada’s Marketing Program is on February 23, 2024, subject to availability.

For: Quebec-based companies looking to complete infrastructure projects related to waste heat recovery

Applications are now open for component 2 of Quebec’s Waste Heat Recovery program. The Support for the Implementation of Infrastructure for the Capture and Distribution of Waste Heat program provides financial assistance to Quebec-based companies for the design, construction, and commission of infrastructure related to waste heat capture.

Applications to Programme valorisation des rejets thermiques will be accepted on an ongoing basis until April 26, 2026.