Forest Sector Investment and Innovation Program — Collaboration projects

Large-scale innovation in Ontario’s forest sector often requires more than a single company acting alone. For manufacturers and processors looking to modernize operations, develop new wood-based products, or unlock new markets, collaboration can be the key to taking on ambitious, capital-intensive projects. The Forest Sector Investment and Innovation Program — Collaboration Projects is designed to support exactly this kind of joint effort, bringing together industry, research, and academic partners to strengthen Ontario’s forest economy.

Delivered by Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, this stream of the program supports collaborative projects that focus on advancing technology, improving productivity, and increasing competitiveness across the forest and wood products value chain. Projects typically involve multiple partners, such as for-profit forestry or wood products companies working alongside research organizations, industry associations, or post-secondary institutions. Funding support can reach up to approximately $3 million per project and is provided as a non-repayable contribution, helping offset a meaningful portion of eligible project costs for initiatives that deliver broader sector benefits.

Applications are accepted on an ongoing, competitive basis, with projects assessed on how well they align with provincial priorities like innovation, market access, and regional economic impact. For Ontario-based organizations considering a major collaborative investment in the forest sector, understanding the program’s structure and expectations is an important first step toward determining whether this opportunity fits their growth strategy.