Innovate BC — Early-Stage Demonstration Call
Eligibility & Details
What this program funds and who can apply
Program Description
Grants up to $500,000 covering 40% of eligible project costs for BC-based SMEs piloting innovative technologies at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 or higher. Part of Innovate BC's Integrated Marketplace program supporting technology commercialization through real-world demonstration projects.
Eligibility Requirements
- BC-based small or medium-sized enterprise
- Technology at TRL 6+ (validated in relevant environment)
- Project must demonstrate technology in real-world conditions
- Must have co-funding for remaining 60% of project costs
- Technology must have clear commercialization pathway
Quick Assessment
Funding Details
- Amount
- Up to $500,000 (40% of eligible project costs)
- Type
- Grant
- Level
- Provincial
- Co-Funding
- Up to 40% of eligible costs
- Deadline
- Between intakes — rolling intake closed March 2026; future calls TBD
Program Scorecard
Competition, effort, and approval at a glance
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How to Win
Insider tips, common pitfalls, and what successful applicants look like
Insider TipThe TRL 6+ requirement is strictly enforced — you need evidence of technology validation in a relevant environment, not just lab results. Having a committed demonstration partner (customer, facility owner, or industry collaborator) willing to host the pilot dramatically strengthens your application. Projects with clear paths from demonstration to commercial deployment (named potential customers, LOIs, or pre-orders) score highest. Innovate BC also operates Ignite and Venture Acceleration programs for earlier-stage companies.
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Success Profile
BC tech companies with proven technology ready for real-world demonstration — clean tech, advanced manufacturing, digital health, agriculture technology, and resource technology sectors. Companies with identified demonstration partners, clear commercialization timelines, and market validation (LOIs, pilot customer agreements). Teams with both technical and business development expertise.
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Evaluation Criteria
Panel review evaluating: technology readiness (must be TRL 6+ with validation evidence), quality and commitment of early adopter/demonstration partner, clarity of commercialization pathway (named customers, LOIs, investment interest), measurable outcomes (TRL advancement, performance validation, customer adoption metrics), alignment with BC economic priorities (decarbonization, health, safety, productivity), and team capacity to execute.
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Application Playbook
Step-by-step process, required documents, and expenses
Application Steps
Required Documents 7
Eligible Expenses 6
- Labour and contractor fees directly tied to pilot implementation
- Materials and equipment required for the demonstration (not general business inventory)
- Testing services and performance validation activities
- Data collection and analysis for performance validation
- Travel directly required for pilot execution at demonstration site
- Overhead and administrative costs up to allowable ceiling per contribution agreement
Ineligible Expenses 6
- Routine operational expenses and general overhead not tied to approved project
- Debt servicing and financing costs
- Pre-contract execution costs incurred before contribution agreement is signed
- Activities unrelated to the approved pilot project scope
- Land acquisition
- General marketing or sales activities not tied to demonstration outcomes
Intake Periods
Annual — 2025-26 intake opened October 22, 2025 and closed December 21, 2025. Next intake expected mid-2026. Subscribe to Innovate BC Insider newsletter for exact dates.
Deadline Notes
Rolling intake through March 2026 has ended. Check Innovate BC website for future intake periods. Program page may have been taken down post-intake.
Open Application Portal →Ineligible Organizations
- Organizations not based in British Columbia
- Large enterprises (not SMEs)
- Organizations with technology below TRL 6 (no relevant-environment validation)
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Funding Stack Strategy
Compatible programs, clawback risk, and combined funding potential
Compatible Programs
Clawback Risk
Medium RiskSee which programs combine with this one — and how much more you could get. Unlock with Premium →
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