NOHFC INVEST North Innovation Stream
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Eligibility & Details
What this program funds and who can apply
Program Description
Funds applied research, development, and commercialization of new and innovative technologies in Northern Ontario. Provides conditional contributions (non-repayable) of up to 50% of eligible costs, with a maximum of $500,000 for applied R&D-only projects, or up to $2,000,000 for projects that include demonstration and commercialization — whether combined with R&D or commercialization-only. Private-sector businesses can apply alone or in partnership with academic/research institutions. Uniquely allows stacking with other government funding up to 75% of eligible costs.
Eligibility Requirements
- Private-sector businesses in Northern Ontario
- Public-private partnerships with academic or research institutions (private sector must be lead applicant)
- Partner institutions must have relevant expertise and resources for the proposed project
- Projects must involve applied R&D, demonstration, or commercialization of new/innovative technologies
- For combined-phase projects, applicant must own or have registered patent/exploitation rights before commercialization phase
- Projects intended solely for internal efficiency purposes are ineligible
- If the project includes demonstration and commercialization costs, NOHFC will not accept a subsequent application for the same technology
Quick Assessment
Funding Details
- Amount
- Up to $2,000,000
- Type
- Grant
- Level
- Provincial
- Co-Funding
- Up to 50% of eligible costs
- Deadline
- Ongoing (rolling intake)
Program Scorecard
Competition, effort, and approval at a glance
Everything you need to win NOHFC INVEST North Innovation Stream
Not a marketing summary. The actual checklist, intel, and stack strategy reviewers look for.
- 9 rejection pitfalls reviewers flag — so you catch them first
- 11-document checklist with what each reviewer is actually checking
- 7-step application timeline with prep hours per step
- Insider tip from program officers on what separates winners
- 5-program stacking strategy to combine with compatible funding
- Success profile + evaluation criteria — exactly what reviewers score on
How to Win
Insider tips, common pitfalls, and what successful applicants look like
Insider TipCall a NOHFC advisor (1-800-461-8329 or [email protected]) before applying — they'll assess fit and give candid feedback.
Rejection Pitfalls 9
- Project is for internal efficiency only (e.g., automating existing processes without new product/technology output)
Success Profile
Evaluation Criteria
Application Playbook
Step-by-step process, required documents, and expenses
Application Steps
Required Documents 11
Eligible Expenses 10
Ineligible Expenses 12
Intake Periods
Deadline Notes
Ineligible Organizations
Applying for NOHFC INVEST North Innovation Stream? Our Financial Projections Model ($29) covers the cost-share, matching-fund, and cash-flow math reviewers want to see. Or get all 4 templates in the Founder Pack ($59 · saves $27) →
Funding Stack Strategy
Compatible programs, clawback risk, and combined funding potential
Compatible Programs
Clawback Risk
High RiskHow NOHFC INVEST North Innovation Stream Compares
Side-by-side with similar programs
| Program | Amount | Difficulty | Payment | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NOHFC INVEST North Innovation Stream | Up to $2,000,000 | Hard | Reimbursement | Ongoing (rolling intake) |
| Northern Ontario Development Program ... | Rates vary by component. Business... | Moderate | Mixed (Advance + Reimb.) | Ongoing |
| NRC IRAP Clean Technology Program | $100,000–$500,000 | Hard | Mixed (Advance + Reimb.) | Ongoing |
| Ontario Innovation Tax Credit | Up to 8% tax credit | Moderate | Tax Credit Offset | Ongoing |
| Mitacs Accelerate | $15,000 per internship unit | Easy | Advance Payment | Ongoing |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the questions founders most often ask about NOHFC INVEST North Innovation Stream