NOHFC INVEST North Innovation Stream
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 R&D-only projects or up to $2,000,000 for combined R&D and commercialization projects. 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
- Retail, hotel/motel, beverage alcohol manufacturing businesses are excluded
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
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How to Win
Insider tips, common pitfalls, and what successful applicants look like
Insider TipCall a NOHFC advisor (1-800-461-8329 or AskNOHFC@ontario. ca) before applying — they'll assess fit and give candid feedback. The $2M maximum requires a combined R&D + commercialization project, not just R&D alone ($500K cap). Lead with Northern Ontario job creation and supply chain impact, not just the technology. Academic partnerships with Northern Ontario universities (Lakehead, Laurentian, Nipissing) significantly strengthen applications. The 75% government stacking cap is unusually generous — combine with FedNor or IRAP to cover most project costs.
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Rejection Pitfalls 9
- Project is for internal efficiency only (e.g., automating existing processes without new product/technology output)
- Retail, hotel/motel, or beverage alcohol manufacturing business
- Business located outside eligible Northern Ontario region
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Success Profile
Northern Ontario technology or manufacturing company (2+ years operating) with a novel product or process ready for applied R&D or commercialization. Has academic or research institution partnership for technical credibility. Can demonstrate clear market need and path to commercialization. Strong IP position (patents filed or pending). Matching financing confirmed. Quantifiable Northern Ontario economic benefits: job creation (5+ FTEs), supply chain integration, and technology spillover.
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Evaluation Criteria
Board of Directors makes all final decisions. Evaluation factors: (1) Innovation — must meet NOHFC's definition ('development or implementation of ideas to produce new or improved strategies, capabilities, products, services, or processes with a strong focus on satisfying a market need'); (2) Strength of the detailed business plan; (3) Net economic benefits for Northern Ontario (job creation, supply chain impacts); (4) Demonstrated market need and demand; (5) Management capacity; (6) Business financial position; (7) Supply chain impacts; (8) Level of risk. Combined federal and provincial funding may not exceed 75% of eligible costs.
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Application Playbook
Step-by-step process, required documents, and expenses
Application Steps
Required Documents 11
Eligible Expenses 10
- Direct internal technical labour costs (excluding labour of anyone owning 10%+ of the business)
- Prototyping costs: engineering and design services, component purchases, fabrication, and installation
- Product testing and certification costs
- Intellectual property protection costs (patent filing, IP legal fees)
- R&D services from public sector academic or research partners
- Building and renovation costs specifically related to commercializing the new technology
- Prototype demonstration costs: engineering/design services, equipment purchases, fabrication, installation
- Material costs for R&D and commercialization activities
- Product certification costs
- Marketing costs: in-person or virtual trade show assistance and marketing material design (capped at 20% of total eligible project costs)
Ineligible Expenses 12
- Projects for internal efficiency purposes only (no ineligible efficiency-only projects)
- Land acquisition
- Working capital
- Administrative or indirect operating costs
- Labour costs for anyone owning 10% or more of the applicant business
- In-kind contributions
- Business plan costs
- Travel, accommodation, and meeting expenses
- Office equipment and furnishings
- Vehicles
- Commercial or industrial land or building development for resale or lease
- Marketing costs exceeding 20% of total eligible project costs
Intake Periods
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Deadline Notes
Rolling intake with no fixed deadlines. Applications accepted continuously and reviewed by the NOHFC Board of Directors. Board meets periodically — submit well in advance. Not all eligible projects receive funding due to limited budget.
Open Application Portal →Ineligible Organizations
- Retail businesses
- Hotel, motel, and lodging businesses
- Beverage alcohol manufacturing businesses
- Businesses located outside eligible Northern Ontario region
- Public sector organizations as lead applicants (may be partners only)
- Businesses with projects intended solely for internal efficiency
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Funding Stack Strategy
Compatible programs, clawback risk, and combined funding potential
Compatible Programs
Clawback Risk
High RiskSee which programs combine with this one — and how much more you could get. Unlock with Premium →
How NOHFC INVEST North Innovati... 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) |
| 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 |
| Strategic Response Fund (formerly Str... | Up to $50 million | Hard | Mixed (Advance + Reimb.) | Ongoing — continuous... |
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