An independent registry of Northern Ontario funding Data updated Aug 17, 2026 · CC-BY-4.0
Northern Ontario Grants
Closing soon

Critical Minerals Innovation Fund

by Ontario Ministry of Mines

Also known as: CMIF

Ontario's Critical Minerals Innovation Fund covers up to 50% of eligible costs to a maximum $500,000 per project for R&D and commercialization of critical-minerals technologies, battery supply chain, deep exploration/mining techniques, and mineral recovery. The 2026 intake runs June 30 to 5 p.m. ET August 25, 2026 via Transfer Payment Ontario. Private-sector businesses apply, alone or leading academic/non-profit collaborations. Combined government funding is capped at 75% of costs.

Amount
Up to $500,000

ontario.ca · Last verified Aug 17, 2026 · Auto-checked against official source

Instrument
Grant (non-repayable)
Status
Closing soon closes Aug 25, 2026 (17:00) (8 days left)
Your share
See terms

ontario.ca · Last verified Aug 17, 2026 · Auto-checked against official source

Who qualifies
Private sector businesses, business led collaborations with academic/research institutions or not for profits
  • Project must occur in Ontario
  • Must involve research, development and/or commercialization of innovative critical-minerals technologies
  • Streams: battery supply chain; innovative techniques for deep exploration and mining; recovery of minerals; other innovative critical minerals projects
  • Cannot receive concurrent funding from other Ontario government programs (limited exceptions)
  • Lead applicant is the funding recipient in collaborative projects

ontario.ca · Last verified Aug 17, 2026 · Auto-checked against official source

Intake windows

CycleOpensClosesStatusVerified
2026 intake Jun 30, 2026 Aug 25, 2026 17:00 Closing soon

ontario.ca · Last verified Aug 17, 2026 · Reported, verification pending

Application process

  1. Create Ontario.ca login on Transfer Payment Ontario (TPON)
  2. Register your organization in TPON
  3. Locate the CMIF funding opportunity
  4. Download, complete and submit the application form with attachments before the deadline

ontario.ca · Last verified Aug 17, 2026 · Auto-checked against official source

Stacking

  • NOHFC Invest North, Investment: Grow, CMIF projects cannot receive concurrent funding from other Ontario government programs (limited exceptions), so pairing with NOHFC on the same project costs is generally not permitted; combined federal + provincial support is capped at 75% of eligible costs.

Common questions

Is the Critical Minerals Innovation Fund still running?

Yes. Earlier uncertainty about renewal is resolved: Ontario funded 18 projects (~$8M) in the 2025-26 round and opened a 2026 intake running June 30 to August 25, 2026.

How much can I get from CMIF?

Up to 50% of eligible project costs to a maximum of $500,000 per project, paid in three installments (40% on signing, 30% at interim report, the rest at final report). One project per intake round.

Can I stack CMIF with NOHFC or federal funding?

Federal funding can be combined so long as total government support stays under 75% of eligible costs, but concurrent funding from other Ontario government programs is generally not permitted (limited exceptions apply).

Who is eligible for CMIF?

Private-sector businesses with a project occurring in Ontario. Businesses can partner with academic or research institutions or non-profits, but the business lead is the funding recipient.

Apply

Apply on the funder’s site and confirm current terms there:

www.ontario.ca