Sponsor
Canada Foundation for Innovation
Program
Innovation Fund
Description
The objectives of the Innovation Fund competition are to:
- Enable internationally competitive research or technology development through the equitable participation of expert team members.
- Enhance and optimize the capacity of institutions and research communities to conduct the proposed research or technology development program(s) over the useful life of the infrastructure.
- Generate benefits for Canadians.
The 2027 competition is expected to launch as early as January 2026.
Eligibility
An eligible infrastructure project involves acquiring or developing research infrastructure to increase research capacity and support world–class research.
Total project costs must be greater than $1 million for proposals to be considered for this competition. It is expected that projects will be finalized promptly and completed within a reasonable time frame.
The 2027 competition is anticipated to be divided into three streams: Stream 1: Leading edge of exploration and knowledge generation (open to all disciplines); Stream 2: Leading edge of exploration and knowledge generation in the social sciences, humanities and arts; Stream 3: Renewal and upgrade of core facilities.
Special Notes
This is an institutional program. Every institution is provided an envelope which is the upper limit of funding it can apply for. The 2027 U of G envelope is expected to be $12.5M.
Aligned with CFI objectives and criteria, the University will allocate its CFI envelope competitively based on:
- Internationally competitive research or technology development;
- Composition and expertise of the team; and,
- Benefits for Canadians.
The following institutional considerations will also be taken into account:
- Alignment with institutional priority and prior investments
- Sustainability
- Financial risk (especially where construction and renovation budgets are significant)
Deadlines
If College-level review is required, your College will communicate its earlier internal deadlines.
| Type | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Internal Deadline | Notify Ailsa Kay, Manager, Strategic Research Programs (ailsakay@uoguelph.ca) of your intent to apply. | |
Internal Deadline | EOIs are due to Ailsa Kay, Manager, Strategic Research Programs (ailsakay@uoguelph.ca).
|
How to Apply
1. Notify the Manager, Strategic Research Programs of your intent to apply by September 15, 2025.
2. Submit an Expression of Interest by January 6, 2026. EOIs will be evaluated and selected by the University's CFI IF Committee. See attached EOI Requirements.
For more details on requirements and process, please see the Innovation Fund webpage on the Office of Research website.
Information For Co-applicants
Please see the Innovation Fund webpage on the Office of Research website for full details on the timeline and requirements for co-applicants.
Attachment(s)
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
 CFI-IF 2027 EOI Requirements_FINAL.pdf | 208.87 KB |