Digital Technology Supercluster

Insider Tip

Do not approach DIGITAL as a solo applicant seeking a grant — this is a consortium co-investment program. Your best path in is to (1) become a DIGITAL Associate for free to access the ecosystem, (2) attend DIGITAL's informational webinars and networking events to find consortium partners, (3) build relationships with existing DIGITAL Members who may invite you onto a project. Over 70% of co-investment goes to SMEs, but these are typically SMEs with strong technology, existing industry partnerships, and the financial capacity to co-invest. The proposal support team at [email protected] can guide you on which active program stream best fits your technology. Also note: DIGITAL's co-investment is cost-reimbursement, not upfront funding — budget for 3-6 months of self-funded project costs before payments flow.

Rejection Pitfalls 10

• Solo applicant without a consortium — minimum 2 industry Members required
• Technology not aligned with DIGITAL's priority sectors (health, natural resources, AI, quantum, housing, workforce)
• Insufficient industry co-investment capacity (cannot demonstrate 57%+ cost share)

Success Profile

Growth-stage technology companies (typically $1M-$50M revenue) with a proven digital technology solution in health, natural resources, AI, quantum, or housing. Successful applicants have existing relationships with potential consortium partners (other tech companies, universities, research institutions), can demonstrate clear commercial pathway and market adoption, and have financial capacity to co-invest 57%+ of project costs alongside partners. Strong presence in BC tech ecosystem is advantageous but not required — program is now national. Academic partnerships (UBC, SFU, UVic, etc.) are common and valued. Companies that have previously participated in DIGITAL projects or are active in the member community have a significant advantage.

Evaluation Criteria

Commercial impact (revenue pathway, job creation, GDP contribution), innovation depth (develop/improve/commercialize — not just apply existing tech), consortium strength (quality and commitment of industry partners), co-investment capacity (industry must cover 57%+ of total costs), and alignment with the specific program stream's thematic priorities.

Application Steps

Required Documents 9

Eligible Expenses 8

• Incremental personnel costs for project-specific roles
• Technology acquisition, licensing, and integration costs
• R&D expenditures aligned with the project's digital technology focus
• Specialized equipment required for project delivery
• Subcontractor and consulting fees for project-specific expertise
• Reasonable travel for project consortium collaboration
• Academic research partner fees and institutional overhead (where applicable)
• IP development costs directly tied to project commercialization

Ineligible Expenses 6

• In-kind contributions (equipment loans, volunteer time, donated services)
• Activities by non-Canadian organizations without registered Canadian business presence (unless pre-approved)
• Basic research without a clear commercial pathway (TRL 1-3)
• Core operating expenses unrelated to the specific project
• Existing salaries for work that would have occurred without the project (non-incremental)
• Costs incurred before project agreement execution

Intake Periods

No fixed annual cycle. Competition Cycles open on an ad-hoc basis with no specific due dates. All streams were closed as of March 2026. Contact [email protected] to confirm current availability. DIGITAL reserves the right to close intake without notice when funds are anticipated to be fully committed.

Deadline Notes

DIGITAL's Call for Proposals is open on continuous intake across multiple program streams (Technology Leadership, AI Skills & Adoption, Quantum Commercialization, Housing Growth Innovation). Horizon AI stream may be fully committed (project completion deadline was Dec 31, 2025). Renewed federal funding extends through 2028. Individual programs may close without notice when funds are allocated.

Open Application Portal →

Ineligible Organizations

• Solo applicants (minimum 2 industry Members required in every consortium)
• Non-Canadian organizations without registered Canadian business presence (unless pre-approved)
• Consortia that cannot demonstrate 57%+ industry co-investment capacity
• Projects with total eligible costs below the stream minimum (typically $3M)
• Non-profits and charities as lead applicant (program targets industry-led commercialization)

Compatible Programs

Clawback Risk

Medium Risk

Low-to-moderate. Co-investment is non-repayable if project is completed. Non-performance on milestones suspends future milestone payments. Material breach of Master Project Agreement may require return of disbursed funds. IP licensing violations can trigger clawback.