INVEST North, Innovation Stream
by Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation
Also known as: NOHFC Innovation Stream
NOHFC's Innovation Stream funds development and commercialization of new technologies by Northern Ontario private-sector businesses: up to 50% of eligible costs, capped at $500,000 for applied R&D-only projects, or $2 million for combined or demonstration/commercialization projects, as a conditional contribution. Combined government funding cannot exceed 75%. Eligible costs include prototyping (up to three prototypes), testing/certification, IP protection, and commercialization-tied building work. Assets sold within three years may trigger reimbursement.
Key facts
- Amount
- Up to $2,000,000
myportal.nohfc.ca · Last verified Aug 17, 2026 · Auto-checked against official source
- Instrument
- Conditional contribution
- Status
- Open, continuous intake no fixed deadline; approvals on the funder's cycle
- Your share
- See terms
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- Who qualifies
- Private sector businesses (solo or in partnership), public private partnerships where the private sector leads and receives the funding
- Academic/research institution partners must possess relevant expertise
- Technology must be tested and validated before the commercialization phase
- Labour costs for owners with a 10%+ stake are ineligible
- Direct internal technical labour must be Northern Ontario-based
myportal.nohfc.ca · Last verified Aug 17, 2026 · Auto-checked against official source
Stacking
- NRC IRAP, Innovation Funding, Federal innovation funding such as NRC IRAP may be stacked, but combined federal and provincial funding may not exceed 75% of eligible project costs.
Common questions
How much does the Innovation Stream cover?
Up to 50% of total eligible costs: maximum $500,000 for applied R&D-only projects, or $2 million for projects that combine R&D with demonstration/commercialization (or are demonstration/commercialization only).
Can I stack it with NRC IRAP or other federal programs?
Yes, but combined federal and provincial funding may not exceed 75% of eligible project costs.
What costs are ineligible?
Land, working capital, administrative costs, in-kind contributions, business plans, travel, office equipment, vehicles, and labour costs for owners holding 10% or more of the business.
Are there conditions after the project?
Yes, if assets funded by NOHFC are sold within three years of project completion, reimbursement may be required. Up to three prototypes are funded per project (exceptions case-by-case).
Apply
Apply on the funder’s site and confirm current terms there: