NBIF Innovation Voucher Fund
Eligibility & Details
What this program funds and who can apply
Program Description
Up to $80,000 (80% of project costs for projects between $10K-$100K) for New Brunswick SMEs partnering with research organizations on innovation projects. Supports R&D, product development, and technology adoption through collaborative research partnerships.
Eligibility Requirements
- New Brunswick-incorporated SME
- Fewer than 500 employees
- Operating for 24+ months
- Must partner with a recognized research organization
- Project costs between $10,000 and $100,000
Quick Assessment
Funding Details
- Amount
- Up to $80,000 (80% of costs; projects $10K-$100K)
- Type
- Grant
- Level
- Provincial
- Co-Funding
- Up to 80% of eligible costs
- Deadline
- Ongoing
Program Scorecard
Competition, effort, and approval at a glance
See how this program compares on approval odds, difficulty, and competition — so you know if it’s worth your time. Unlock with Premium →
How to Win
Insider tips, common pitfalls, and what successful applicants look like
Insider TipNBIF has strong relationships with UNB, UdeM, and other NB research institutions. Contact NBIF before applying — they can help match you with the right research partner if you don't already have one. The 80% funding rate is among the most generous innovation voucher programs in Canada.
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Success Profile
NB SMEs with a specific technical challenge that a research partner can help solve — new product testing, prototype development, process optimization, or technology feasibility studies. Companies that have identified a clear research question and a willing research partner before applying.
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Evaluation Criteria
Strength of the innovation (genuine R&D vs. routine development); credibility and capability of the research partner; clarity of the business case and market opportunity; expected economic impact in New Brunswick; feasibility of the project plan and timeline.
See exactly what reviewers score on — so you know where to focus. Unlock with Premium →
Application Playbook
Step-by-step process, required documents, and expenses
Application Steps
Required Documents 6
Eligible Expenses 5
- Applied research and proof-of-concept studies
- Prototyping and product testing
- Technology demonstrations and feasibility evaluations
- Certifications and third-party evaluations
- Engineering and technical advisory services from recognized research organizations
Ineligible Expenses 7
- Administrative and overhead fees
- In-house personnel time (company staff salaries)
- Sales and marketing activities
- Training courses and professional development
- Software and equipment purchases
- Routine professional services (accounting, legal, tax preparation)
- Routine maintenance and operational activities
Intake Periods
Ongoing — applications accepted on a continuous rolling basis via the NBIF portal.
Deadline Notes
Applications accepted on a continuous basis. Processing times may vary based on volume.
Open Application Portal →Ineligible Organizations
- Companies incorporated outside New Brunswick
- Companies operating fewer than 24 months
- Companies with 500 or more employees
- Companies without a genuine research partner (consultant-only arrangements do not qualify)
- Organizations already holding 2 concurrent active vouchers
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Funding Stack Strategy
Compatible programs, clawback risk, and combined funding potential
Compatible Programs
Clawback Risk
Low RiskSee which programs combine with this one — and how much more you could get. Unlock with Premium →
How NBIF Innovation Voucher Fund Compares
Side-by-side with similar programs
| Program | Amount | Difficulty | Payment | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NBIF Innovation Voucher Fund | Up to $80,000 | Easy | Reimbursement | Ongoing |
| Mitacs Accelerate | $15,000 per internship unit | Easy | Advance Payment | Ongoing |
| Strategic Response Fund (formerly Str... | Up to $50 million | Hard | Mixed (Advance + Reimb.) | Ongoing — continuous... |
| CanExport SMEs | Up to $50,000 | Moderate | Mixed (Advance + Reimb.) | Annual intake window.... |
| Innovative Solutions Canada | up to $150,000 | Hard | Milestone-Based | Challenge-specific — new... |
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