Clean tech supports offered by federal, provincial and territorial governments. Includes funding, loans, wage subsidies, collaboration opportunities, tax credits and more.
On this page
Related tools
Resources to help you understand and navigate federal clean tech funding.
- Applying for federal clean tech funding: A toolkit
A guide for finding and applying for federal grants and contributions.
- Technology readiness level (TRL) tool
Assess your technology's maturity.
Clean tech funding options and benefits
Federal funding and benefits
Program | Benefits | Eligibility | Who can apply | Status | Filter |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Federal funding and support for Canadian SMES looking to export. |
Through CanExport SMEs, small and medium sized companies may access up to $50,000 in funding to assist with international market development activities. The program covers up to 50% of costs for export marketing of your products and services in international markets where you have little or no sales. |
Eligible Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises must:
|
CanExport SMEs program has initiated an administrative pause as of October 18, 2022. The program will not be accepting applications for fiscal year 2022-23 after this date and are not yet open for fiscal year 2023-24. Please visit their web page for details on when the programs will resume. Please visit the Trade Commissioner Service website for additional information. |
For-profit organizations, Exporting, Grant/contribution, Growing a clean tech business, |
|
CanExport Innovation
Federal funding and support for Canadian companies entering and/or operating in international markets. |
Through CanExport Innovation, Innovators from Canadian organizations may access up to $75,000 in funding to help establish research and development (R&D) partnerships, for the purpose of co-developing, validating or adapting a technology. The program covers up to 75% of costs to pursue and sign collaborative R&D agreements with international partners and investors. |
To be eligible, your organization must:
|
|
CanExport Innovation program has initiated an administrative pause as of October 18, 2022. The program will not be accepting applications for fiscal year 2022-23 after this date and are not yet open for fiscal year 2023-24. Please visit their web page for details on when the programs will resume. Please visit the Trade Commissioner Service website for additional information. |
Grant/contribution, Research and development, Exporting, For-profit organizations, Academic institutions, |
Clean Fuels Fund – Establishing Biomass Supply Chains Federal funding for domestic biomass feedstock infrastructure. |
By supporting domestic biomass feedstock infrastructure projects, we can:
|
Eligible projects: Capital biomass supply chain projects that use technologies in advanced stages of technological readiness (TRL-9) and that are designed for commercial deployment. Feasibility studies, basic engineering studies and detailed front-end engineering studies to assess the new build or expansion of low carbon fuel production facilities. In addition, feasibility studies to assess the feasibility of establishing a regional biomass supply chain risk rating. |
Legal entities validly incorporated or registered in Canada including not-for-profit and for-profit organizations such as:
|
The program is no longer accepting applications from non-Indigenous applicants. Indigenous applications will be received on a continuous intake basis until funding is no longer available. |
Not-for-profit organizations, For-profit organizations, Indigenous peoples, Academic institutions, Provincial and territorial governments, Municipal governments, Grant/contribution, Growing a clean tech business, Pilot and feasibility studies, |
Accelerated Capital Cost Allowance for Clean Energy Equipment Federal tax deduction for clean energy equipment and equipment for manufacturing and processing goods. |
Enhanced CCA allowance permitting full (100%) expensing of the capital costs of specified clean energy generation and conservation equipment in the year they become available for use (reduces taxable income). |
Clean energy equipment (classes 43.1 and 43.2) acquired after November 20, 2018. |
Canadian taxpayers. |
The enhanced CCA rate will progressively decrease after 2023 until it is phased out in 2028. |
Tax benefit, For-profit organizations, Not-for-profit organizations |
Agricultural Clean Technology Program: Research and Innovation Stream Federal funding to develop or improve agricultural technology. |
The maximum amount payable to a recipient will generally not exceed $2 million per project. The maximum amount payable to a recipient with multiple projects will generally not exceed $5 million. |
Applied research and development of clean technologies:
|
For-profit organizations, including agri-food processors. Not-for-profit organizations, including co-operatives. Indigenous groups. |
Accepting applications. |
Grant/contribution, Research and development, For-profit organizations, Indigenous peoples, Not-for-profit organizations, Research and development, Pilot and feasibility studies, Adopting market-ready clean tech |
Environmental Employability Pathways Employment readiness program seeking to provide youth with sustained employment in the Canadian Environmental sector. |
Employers can receive up to $15,000 in wage funding. Youth participants will develop skills and gain experience with leadership and teambuilding in the Canadian Environmental sector. |
The program supports 12 week long meaningful work experiences in the Canadian Environmental sector, including resource sectors, environmental assessment-post secondary institutions, and Indigenous scientific, environmental and technology associations. |
All Canadian youth aged 15 to 30 with a focus on youth facing barriers related to being part of one or more of the following groups: young women, visible minority youth, Indigenous youth, youth living with a disability and official language minority communities and populations. Businesses of all sizes. |
Accepting applications. |
Hiring interns and employees, Other racialized persons, Indigenous peoples, Women, Youth (less than 39 years old), For-profit organizations, Academic institutions, |
Atlantic investment tax credit Tax credit for investment in specified energy generation and conservation property in the Atlantic Region. |
Tax credit of 10% of the capital cost of prescribed energy generation and conservation properties. |
Specified energy generation and conservation properties (Classes 43.1 and 43.2) to be used in the Atlantic Region primarily for any of the following:
Eligible energy generation and conservation property must meet either of the following:
|
Accepting applications. | Tax benefit, For-profit organizations, Not-for-profit organizations | |
Business Development Bank of Canada Clean Tech Practice New equity and commercial loans for high-potential clean tech companies. |
Equity and commercial loans. |
Explore BDC's portfolio of companies who have become business success stories. |
A commercially validated IP-protected technology demonstrating a positive environmental impact. Proven market traction with significant potential for revenue growth and commercial contracts. The ambition to scale beyond $100 million in annual revenue. A clear pathway to profitability. |
Ongoing. | Loans, For-profit organizations, Growing a clean tech business, Investment |
Business Development Bank of Canada Industrial, Clean and Energy (ICE) Technology Fund Venture fund for entrepreneurs with bold ideas building global companies. |
Focus:
|
Explore BDC's portfolio of companies supported by the ICE Technology Fund. |
Entrepreneurs bringing novel solutions to where industry and enterprise applications intersect, including, but not limited to:
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Ongoing. | For-profit organizations, Investment, Growing a clean tech business |
Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program (CASPP) Federal funding for agriculture and agri-food industry support organizations. |
The maximum AAFC contribution for a project will normally not exceed $1 million. You can apply for and receive funding for more than one project, but generally speaking, funding will not be more than $5 million over five years for each applicant. |
Priority areas:
|
Non-profit organizations and associations. Co-operatives. Marketing boards. Indigenous groups. |
Accepting applications. |
Adopting market-ready clean tech, Not-for-profit organizations, Indigenous peoples, Grant/contribution |
Canadian Commercial Corporation Federal funding for government-to-government procurement. |
Services:
|
The CCC's services can help whether your company is large or small, if you have products or services suitable for foreign government buyers or government-owned enterprises. |
Contact: Pursuing a foreign government contract? Call 1-800-748-8191 or contact CCC by email to find out how. |
Selling to government, Exporting
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|
Canadian Renewable and Conservation Expense (CRCE) Federal tax deductions related to start-up costs of eligible clean energy generation and energy conservation projects. |
Tax measure. Expenses can be:
|
Eligible expenditures:
Budget 2021
|
Canadian taxpayers |
Ongoing. |
Tax benefits, For-profit organizations |
Canadian Technology Accelerators International acceleration support for small technology firms. |
While CTAs vary in length and in format (virtual or in-market), all participating companies benefit from:
|
Project eligibility varies with each CTA and its target sector. |
Have a differentiated minimum viable product. Can prove the high potential of your business through its revenues, investments, or numbers of users. Have a go-to-market plan to scale your business, including key performance indicators. Has proven traction in the domestic marketplace. Have a committed management team with at least one C-level member who can participate in the program. Have the financial resources to cover in-market costs. |
Application deadlines: |
Exporting, Partnering and collaboration, For-profit organizations, Growing a clean tech business |
Canada Digital Adoption Program: Boost Your Business Technology Federal funding for Canadian-owned small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) who want to adopt new digital technologies. |
Eligible businesses can receive:
|
Your business must meet all of the following eligibility criteria:
|
Accepting applications. |
For-profit, Growing a clean tech business, Grant/contribution, Loans, Wage subsidy, Hiring interns and employees, |
|
Canada Digital Adoption Program: Grow Your Business Online Federal funding for small businesses looking to take advantage of e-commerce opportunities. |
Eligible businesses can receive a micro-grant of up to $2,400 to help with the costs related to adopting digital technologies. |
The adoption of digital technologies that enable businesses to serve existing customers more effectively and to attract new customers in the digital marketplace. |
Small business that meets all of the following criteria:
|
Accepting applications. |
For-profit, Grant/contribution, Growing a clean tech business, |
Emissions Reduction Fund (ERF): Offshore Deployment Program Federal funding for transitioning to a low-carbon future in offshore oil and gas. |
Interest-free repayable contributions. The minimum contribution payable under any single contribution agreement is $100,000 dollars. The maximum amount, per eligible recipient, is the full funding amount available under the Program. |
Projects that result in the reduction or elimination of greenhouse gas and other pollution emissions. Projects that result in measurable environmental performance improvements, particularly in relation to monitoring of spills or unintended release, detection, and response. |
Companies and organizations who operate in, or directly support, upstream oil and gas in the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador offshore area. |
Accepting applications on a continuous basis. |
Grant/contribution, For-profit organizations |
Support and funding for Canadian businesses looking to export. |
EDC supports Canadian businesses through investments, credit insurance, buyer financing, information, networking, and more. |
Eligibility varies by program. |
EDC offers trade expertise to businesses specializing in clean tech in addition to specialized trade expertise to women, Black Canadian and Indigenous-owned businesses. |
Accepting applications. |
For-profit organizations, Exporting, Black Canadians, Indigenous Peoples, Women, Investment |
Green and Inclusive Community Building Program Federal funding for community builds and retrofits. |
Total eligible cost from $100,000 to $3 million. |
Retrofits, repairs and upgrades to existing community buildings. Construction of new community buildings. |
Municipal and regional governments, public sector bodies, not-for-profit organizations, provincial and territorial governments, and Indigenous applicants. |
Accepting applications for small and medium retrofit projects. |
Municipal governments, Provincial and territorial governments, Not-for-profit organizations, Indigenous peoples |
Indigenous Forestry Initiative Federal funding for Indigenous-led projects in the forestry sector. |
Speak with a representative about your project ideas and to determine if your project matches our eligibility criteria, funding limitations and/or get tips for writing your application. |
Three general categories:
|
Indigenous communities and governments. Indigenous (50% or greater ownership by Indigenous people) for-profit and not-for-profit corporations, businesses, joint ventures, partnerships, associations, co-operatives and institutions. Non-Indigenous not-for-profit entities who are working with one or more endorsing Indigenous partner organization(s) to facilitate Indigenous economic development. Provincial, territorial, municipal and regional governments working with an Indigenous partner organization. Academic institutions and research associations working with an Indigenous partner organization. |
Accepting applications. |
Indigenous peoples, For-profit organizations, Municipal governments, Provincial and territorial governments, Not-for-profit organizations, Academic institutions |
Industrial Research Assistance Program Federal funding for technology innovations and expert business and technical advice. |
Maximum: $10 million. |
Contact NRC IRAP to find out if your business is eligible for NRC IRAP support. |
Incorporated, profit-oriented small or medium-sized business in Canada with 500 or fewer full-time equivalent employees. Plan to pursue growth and profit by developing and commercializing innovative, technology-driven new or improved products, services or processes in Canada. |
Accepting applications. |
Grant/contribution, Growing a clean tech business, For-profit organizations |
Incentives for Medium- and Heavy-Duty Zero-Emission Vehicles (iMHZEV) Program Federal incentive for Canadian organizations (for profit and non-profit), provinces, territories and municipalities to purchase/lease MHZEVs. |
Incentives up to $200,000 per vehicle. There is a limit to how many eligible ZEVs Canadian businesses can purchase or lease under the iMHZEV Program. Businesses and provincial/territorial and municipal governments operating fleets are eligible for up to 10 incentives (or a maximum of $1,000,000) under this Program in a calendar year. |
Consult the List of eligible vehicles under the iMHZEV Program. |
To be eligible under the iMHZEV Program, an eligible recipient organization must:
|
Accepting applications. | Grant/contribution, For-profit organizations, Not-for-profit organizations, Provincial and territorial governments, Municipal governments,Adopting market-ready clean tech |
Federal funding to help create jobs and position local economies for long-term growth. |
Businesses: interest-free repayable contributions for up to 50% of eligible costs Not-for-profit organizations: non-repayable contributions for up to 90% of eligible costs. Indigenous-led business and organizations: non-repayable contributions for up to 100% of eligible costs. |
Include, among others, activities that support the transition to a clean economy, such as:
|
Incorporated businesses Not-for-profit organizations Municipalities Post-secondary institutions Provinces and territories Indigenous organizations |
Accepting applications. |
Wage subsidy, Indigenous peoples, For-profit organizations, Municipal governments, Provincial and territorial governments, Not-for-profit organizations, Academic institutions |
Output-Based Pricing System Proceeds Fund: Decarbonization Incentive Program Federal funding for industrial initiatives that reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. |
Applicants can request between $500,000 and $10M in funding for their project. |
To be considered for funding under the program, the project must occur at an eligible facility and result in GHG emissions reductions. |
Applicants must be legal entities incorporated or registered in Canada, operate or have a controlling ownership stake in an eligible facility covered under the federal OBPS, be located in one of the eligible provinces (MB, ON, SK, NB), and/or demonstrate they have the authority over the facility or asset to undertake the project. |
Accepting applications. |
For-profit organizations, Grant/contribution, Adopting market-ready clean tech, |
Federal funding for more sustainable Northern communities. |
Eligible projects will focus on proven technologies such as:
|
|
Accepting applications. |
Indigenous peoples, For-profit organizations, Municipal governments, Provincial and territorial governments, Not-for-profit organizations, Adopting market-ready clean tech | |
Federal funding for natural science and engineering R&D projects. |
Grants of $20,000 to $1 million per year. |
Alliance grants support projects of varying scale and complexity, from short-term smaller projects to one-on-one collaborations with one partner organization to projects involving many partner organizations across multiple sectors. |
University researchers collaborating with private-sector, public-sector or not-for-profit organizations. |
Accepting applications. |
Grant/contribution, Academic institutions, Not-for-profit organizations, Research and development, Partnering and collaboration |
Science and Technology Internship Program – Green Jobs Federal wage subsidy for youth internships in the natural resources sector. |
Eligible businesses:
Eligible interns:
Internships are for full-time employment and require participants to be available 30 hours per week. |
Accepting applications. |
Hiring interns and employees, Wage subsidy, Youth, Indigenous peoples, For-profit organizations, Municipal governments, Provincial and territorial governments, Not-for-profit organizations | ||
Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) Tax Incentive Program Federal income tax deduction and investment tax credit for R&D activities. |
Tax measures: Income tax deductions: SR&ED expenditures can be deducted against your current-year income taxes carried forward. Investment tax credits (ITC): receive a tax credit on certain expenditures in the form of a cash refund or reduction of taxable income, or both. Unused ITCs can be carried back 3 years or forward 20 years. |
What you can claim: Expenditures incurred for SR&ED work performed in the year, which may include:
Work must further SR&ED, which can include:
The work must be, for the most part, carried out in Canada. |
Who can benefit:
|
SR&ED reporting deadlines: 12 months after the tax return filing due date. |
Tax benefits, Research and development, For-profit organizations, Partnering and collaboration |
Strategic Innovation Fund: Business and Innovation (Streams 1 to 3) Federal funding for large innovation projects across industrial and technology sectors. |
Contribution funding of a minimum of $10 million to cover up a maximum of 50% of eligible project costs. Contributions may be:
Stacking limits: Combined funding from all governments may not normally exceed 75% of eligible costs. |
Stream 1:
Stream 2:
Stream 3:
|
For-profit Canadian corporations of any size and operating in any industrial or technology sector. |
Accepting applications. |
Grant/contribution, Research and development, Growing a clean tech business, For-profit organizations |
Strategic Innovation Fund: Collaborations and Networks (Stream 5) Federal funding to advance commercialization. |
Non-repayable contributions for up to a maximum of 50% of eligible project costs. Recipients that are academic institutions could receive contributions that may cover up to 100% of eligible project costs. Stacking limits: Usually, funding from all levels of government must not surpass 75% of eligible costs. Academic institution recipients may receive a maximum combined level of assistance of up to 100%. |
Industrial research projects Technology demonstration projects. Each Ecosystem proposal may support multiple projects. |
Lead Applicant must be either:
Project must be carried out in collaboration with Canadian universities, colleges, research institutes, for-profit corporations (including SMEs) and/or not-for-profit entities. |
Accepting applications. |
Grant/contribution, Research and development, Pilot and feasibility, For-profit organizations, Not-for-profit organizations, Academic institutions, Partnering and collaboration |
Strategic Innovation Fund: Net Zero Accelerator Federal funding for projects reducing GHG emissions. |
Minimum $10M contribution; $20M total project costs. |
All levels of innovation (TRL 1-9) are considered. |
The Net Zero Accelerator initiative is tailored to for-profit companies incorporated in Canada or networks of academic institutions, non-profit organizations and the private sector. |
If you are interested, please send an email to sifadmission-fsiadmission@ised-isde.gc.ca and the Statement of Interest package will automatically be emailed to you. |
Grant/contribution, Research and development, Adopting market-ready tech, For-profit organizations, Partnering and collaboration |
Zero Emission Buses Initiative Loans from the Canada Infrastructure Bank for zero-emission buses. |
There are two Zero Emission Transit Fund components under which projects are eligible for funding: Planning and Design Projects: Eligible projects include studies, modelling and feasibility analysis that will support the development of future larger scale capital projects. Capital Projects: Eligible capital projects include buses, charging and refueling infrastructure, and other ancillary infrastructure needs. |
Provinces and territories. Municipal or regional governments. Transit agencies. Public bodies (e.g., school boards). Private-sector school bus operator. Private accessible transit transportation providers (e.g., paratransit services). |
Accepting application through the Zero Emission Transit Fund. Contact: investments@cib-bic.ca for more information. |
Loans, For-profit organizations, Municipal governments, Provincial and territorial governments, Not-for-profit organizations, Research and development, Pilot and feasibility studies, Adopting market-ready clean tech | |
Federal funding for the electrification of bus fleets. |
Planning and Design Projects: Contribution funding to cover up to 80% of total eligible costs. Capital Projects: Contribution funding to cover up to 50% of total eligible costs. Projects may also be eligible for financing through the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) Zero Emission Buses Initiative. |
Planning and Design Projects: studies, modelling and feasibility analyses that will support the development of future large scale capital projects. Capital Projects: buses, charging and refueling infrastructure, and other ancillary infrastructure needs. |
Provinces and territories. Municipal and regional governments. Transit agencies. Public bodies (e.g. school boards). Private-sector school bus operators. Private accessible transit transportation providers (e.g. paratransit services). |
Accepting applications. |
Grant/contribution, Provincial and territorial governments, Municipal governments, Not-for-profit organizations, Research and development, Pilot and feasibility studies, Adopting market-ready clean tech |
Zero Emission Vehicle Awareness Initiative - Medium- and heavy-duty Federal funding for projects that aim to increase knowledge, awareness, and confidence in medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission or low-emission vehicles among fleet owners, drivers and the general public. |
The program will provide cost-shared, non-repayable contributions. Financial support for projects is based on the total amount of funds available for ZEVAI. |
NRCan will provide funding for new and innovative awareness and education activities that are to take place in Canada and that will facilitate the uptake of zero-emission or low-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, including battery electric, hydrogen fuel cell, alternative fuel, or retrofits and repowers for internal combustion engines. |
Eligible applicants:
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Accepting applications until March 13, 2023. |
Grant/contribution For-profit organizations, Not-for-profit organizations, Indigenous peoples, Provincial and territorial governments, Municipal governments |
SDTC Start-Up and Scale-Up Funding Federal funding for the development and demonstration of clean technologies and for early commercialization. |
Funding is a non-repayable contribution.
|
Eligible Canadian companies must demonstrate strong Canadian benefits with a defined project and have:
|
Canadian SMEs |
Accepting applications. |
Research and development, Grant/contribution, Growing a clean tech business, Pilot and feasibility studies, For-profit organizations |
Federal funding for promising early-stage cleantech entrepreneurs for innovative technological projects with environmental and sustainability benefits. |
Non dilutive contributions of $50,000 to $100,000. |
The applicant must:
Applicant should not:
|
The applicant must be Canadian owned and incorporated in Canada prior to applying. |
Accepting applications |
Grant/contribution, Growing a clean tech business, For-profit organizations, Research and development |
Provincial, territorial and regional opportunities
Support for your clean tech project may also be available through Canada's regional development agencies and provincial and territorial governments. Visit their websites to find out more.
Provinces and territories
- Alberta
- British Columbia
- Manitoba
- Ontario
- New Brunswick
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Nunavut
- Prince Edward Island
- Saskatchewan
- Quebec (in French only)
- Yukon
Regional Development Agencies
- Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
- Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)
- Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor)
- Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario)
- Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor)
- Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan)
- Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan)
- Regional business support
Industry funding opportunities
Funding and other opportunities may also be available through the following clean tech organizations:
Écotech Québec
Écotech Québec brings together key decision makers in Quebec's clean tech sector. It mobilizes participants in the green economy to create the most favourable conditions for business growth and development. It also encourages end users to adopt more clean technologies.
Learn more about Écotech Québec and its members.
Foresight Canada
Foresight is one of Canada's foremost clean tech innovation accelerators. The organization brings the industry together to accelerate the growth and adoption of competitive clean tech solutions that address the world's most pressing environmental challenges. Foresight offers regional support and resources to businesses across Canada.
Learn more about Foresight and its accelerator programs.
MaRS Cleantech
MaRS Cleantech supports startups and other organizations that push the boundaries of clean technology. It also helps entrepreneurs bring their products to market quickly, while making organizations and businesses more sustainable and cost effective. MaRS provides expert advice and connections to talent, capital and global markets.
Learn more about MaRS Cleantech.
Ontario Clean Technology Industry Association (OCTIA)
The Ontario Clean Technology Industry Association (OCTIA) exists to promote, foster and grow Ontario's clean technology sector.
Learn more about OCTIA and its members.
Innovation Superclusters
Canada's Innovation Superclusters encourage industry leaders, small and medium-sized companies, not-for-profit organizations and post-secondary institutions to collaborate on large-scale projects and speed up growth in five of Canada's most promising industries:
- Digital technologies
- Plant proteins
- Advanced manufacturing
- Artificial intelligence in supply chains
- Oceans
The Innovation Superclusters Initiative is led by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, but each Supercluster is an independent, not-for-profit entity with its own industry-led board of directors. Funding flows into Canada's Superclusters through co-investment by government and industry, with dollar-for-dollar matching.
Organizations of all sizes and sectors of the economy are welcome to join Superclusters, including individuals, like researchers and entrepreneurs. Each Supercluster has a different model for membership, including different fee and benefit structures. Members may propose and participate in Supercluster projects. Organizations can be members of more than one Supercluster.
Learn more about Canada's Innovation Superclusters Initiative and how to apply.
More help finding funding and opportunities
- Business Benefits Finder
A tool to help you find benefits and services you may be eligible to receive.
- Canada Business App
A one-stop shop for finding government programs and services relevant to businesses, including federal clean tech funding (available for iOS and Android mobile devices).
- Federal ecosystem of support for clean technology
An infographic that describes the stages of clean tech innovation and categories of federal funding and services available to clean tech developers and adopters.
- Managing your business during COVID-19
Resources for businesses, their employees and self-employed individuals including financial support, loans and access to credit.