Funding Snapshot

  • Repayable and non-repayable contributions
  • Focused on supporting Canadian innovation
  • Ongoing program with continuous intake and annual intake

Fund Description

The SIF’s objective is to spur Canadian innovation. The program has 5 streams, including:

  • Stream 1 (R&D)- Encourage R&D that will accelerate technology transfer and commercialization
  • Stream 2 (Expansion)- Facilitate the growth and expansion of firms in Canada
  • Stream 3 (Global Investment)- Attract and retain large scale investments to Canada
  • Stream 4 (Collaboration)- Advance R&D through collaboration between universities, non-profit organizations and the private sector.
  • Stream 5 (National Ecosystems)- Initiate high-impact collaborations to support Canadian innovation ecosystems.

Funding Details

The sharing ratio for streams 1, 2 and 3 (contribution vs costs of activities) will not exceed 50% of the costs for eligible activities and the maximum level will only be considered in exceptional circumstances. Stream 4 and 5 contributions are non-repayable and the program contribution to any recipient will not exceed 50% of its total eligible costs. Program contributions for streams 1, 2 and 3 can be repayable, non-repayable, or a combination of the two. Non-repayable contributions will only be considered for activities that demonstrate strong, economic innovation, and public benefits with clear strategic value or global significance.

Eligible Expenditures

Eligible costs are limited to non-recurring costs that are specifically related to the project, including:

  • Direct labour, subcontractors and consultants
  • Overhead (program limits apply)
  • Direct materials and equipment, land and buildings
  • Other direct costs
  • Land and buildings
  • Subcontracts and consultants

Eligibility Requirements

Eligible applicants for Streams 1, 2, and 3 must be a for-profit corporation of any size.

Applicants to stream 4 must be a consortium, with a lead applicant incorporated pursuant to the laws of Canada, that may include Canadian universities, colleges, research institutes, for-profit corporations and not-for-profit entities.

Applicants to stream 5 must be a for-profit or not-for-profit incorporated in Canada, in collaboration with other Canadian organizations such as universities, research institutes or corporations.

Program Run

SIF is a program launched in 2017 which offers continuous intake for streams 1-3 and 5, and an annual intake for stream 4.