Innovate BC — Ignite Program

Turning promising research into a commercial-ready solution is a common challenge for B.C. companies working in natural resources, engineering, and applied sciences. The Innovate BC — Ignite Program is designed for businesses that have identified a real industry problem and want to solve it through a structured research and development project, alongside academic expertise. By encouraging collaboration between industry and post-secondary institutions, Ignite helps bridge the gap between early-stage innovation and market-ready technology.

Through this program, eligible B.C.-based businesses can access non-repayable funding of up to around $300,000 to support applied research and development activities. Funding is structured to match a portion of the total project investment, meaning companies bring their own cash or in-kind contributions and may leverage other funding sources as well. Projects typically focus on advancing a technology beyond the proof-of-concept stage, with a clear commercialization pathway and the potential to generate economic or environmental benefits in British Columbia within a few years.

Ignite is particularly well suited for companies that already have a defined technical challenge and a willing academic partner, such as a university or research institute, to help advance the work. While the program is not always open to applications, it reopens periodically for new project intakes. Business owners considering collaborative R&D may want to explore the full program details to see how Ignite could support their next innovation milestone.