Managed by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) plays a key role in providing support for innovative projects in Canada through:
- simplified application processes
- responsive, results-oriented assistance
The minimum SIF contribution amount is $10 million for projects with total costs of at least $20 million. The amount you request from SIF should be based on your project needs.
Objectives
SIF provides transformative investments in all sectors of the economy to help Canada prosper in a global, knowledge-based economy.
The program helps Canadian businesses and organizations succeed and help Canada grow good jobs for a strong economy.
Key program objectives include:
- encouraging businesses to invest in research & development (R&D) activities that lead to technology transfer and commercialization of new products, processes and services
- accelerating the growth and expansion of innovative businesses in Canada
- attracting and retaining large-scale investments to Canada
- advancing networks of collaboration between the private sector, research institutions and non-profit organizations in key emerging technology sectors and in industrial R&D and commercialization
Project types
SIF covers all sectors of the economy and is available to for-profit and not-for-profit organizations that aim to support Canadian innovation.
SIF provides funding for 2 categories of projects, each with their own set of requirements:
Business Innovation and Growth projects
Business Innovation and Growth projects led by individual companies seeking funding to support their business.
Collaborations and Networks projects
Collaborations and Networks projects led by companies or non-profit organizations seeking funding to support their innovation network.
Background
SIF was created in 2017. It incorporates several legacy programs already administered by ISED. The various programs administered by ISED are subject to specific terms and conditions. SIF continues to administer the legacy programs according to the terms agreed on with each recipient.
Automotive Innovation Fund (AIF)
With new funding agreements being signed between 2008 and 2021, the Automotive Innovation Fund (AIF) supported strategic, large-scale research and development (R&D) projects in the automotive sector. AIF encouraged innovation in the development of greener and more fuel-efficient vehicles, and helped companies maintain a strong, competitive position in the Canadian automotive industry.
Automotive Supplier Innovation Program (ASIP)
With new funding agreements having been signed between 2016 and 2021, the Automotive Supplier Innovation Program (ASIP) complemented the AIF in helping Canadian automotive suppliers gain a competitive edge through the development of new innovative products and processes.
Strategic Aerospace and Defence Initiative (SADI)
With new funding agreements having been signed between 2007 and 2017, the Strategic Aerospace and Defence Initiative (SADI) provided repayable contributions to support R&D projects in the aerospace, space, defence and security sectors.
Technology Demonstration Program (TDP)
With new funding agreements having been signed between 2013 and 2017, the Technology Demonstration Program (TDP) provided non-repayable contributions to support one or more large-scale R&D projects per year.
Technology Partnerships Canada (TPC)
With new funding agreements having been signed between 1998 and 2006, Technology Partnerships Canada (TPC) was a special operating agency of Industry Canada with a mandate to provide funding support for strategic R&D, and demonstration projects that produced economic, social and environmental benefits to Canadians.