Energy Innovation Program

Insider Tip

EIP is an umbrella of calls, not a single program — monitor the main page and subscribe to NRCan notifications to catch new calls early. EOI deadlines are strict with no extensions. The biggest mistake applicants make is treating EIP as a generic 'innovation grant' — each call has very specific technology focus areas and TRL requirements. Tailor your proposal precisely to the call's priority areas. Projects with strong industry co-funding ($2.50+ leverage) and clear GHG reduction quantification fare best. If you have a project that spans multiple calls, choose the best-fit call and reference how the work complements other NRCan priorities. For niche areas like methane, success rates are much higher (~25%) than for popular areas like renewables (~5%).

Rejection Pitfalls 10

• Project does not align with the specific call's technology focus areas or TRL requirements
• EOI submitted after the deadline — strict cutoffs with no exceptions
• Insufficient co-funding commitment from industry/partners (most calls require 25-50%+ cost share)

Success Profile

Canadian-incorporated organization (for-profit, non-profit, university, or utility) with demonstrated clean energy technology expertise at TRL 4-8. Strong industry partnerships providing 1:1+ co-funding. Clear GHG reduction quantification. Projects aligned precisely with a specific call's priority technology areas. Multi-disciplinary teams with track record in energy RD&D. Projects that advance technologies toward commercialization with defined market pathways. Indigenous-led projects have dedicated streams with enhanced funding rates.

Application Steps

Required Documents 15

Eligible Expenses 9

• Salaries and benefits for employees working directly on the project
• Materials consumed in R&D, prototyping, and pilot operations
• Equipment purchases essential to the project
• Subcontracting and professional services
• Travel costs related to project execution
• Overhead expenditures (capped at 15% of eligible expenditures)
• Intellectual property costs (patents, licensing related to the project)
• Environmental assessment and permitting costs
• Data acquisition and computing infrastructure for the project

Ineligible Expenses 7

• Costs incurred before the contribution agreement is signed
• General corporate overhead beyond the 15% cap
• Land acquisition or building construction (unless part of demonstration)
• Routine operational or maintenance expenses
• Entertainment, hospitality, or promotional costs
• Lobbying or government relations expenses
• Costs already covered by another federal funding source

Deadline Notes

EIP operates through targeted calls for proposals, each with its own EOI deadline. Recent calls: Clean Fuels EOI closed April 8, 2025; AI for Energy closed December 11, 2025. New calls are announced on the EIP main page and through NRCan mailing lists. There is NO open/rolling intake. The database record says 'Ongoing' which is misleading — while the umbrella program is ongoing, applicants must wait for and respond to specific calls within defined windows.

Compatible Programs

Clawback Risk

Medium Risk

Moderate. EIP contributions can be recovered if: project not completed as proposed, milestones not met, costs found ineligible upon audit, funding from other sources not disclosed, or IP not exploited in Canada. NRCan retains audit rights for 7 years post-project.