INVEST North Program — Innovation Stream

Bringing a new technology from concept to market is capital‑intensive, especially for Northern Ontario companies working to validate, scale, and commercialize innovation. The INVEST North Program — Innovation Stream is designed for businesses ready to move beyond ideas and into applied research, prototyping, and market-ready solutions. Delivered by the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation on behalf of the Government of Ontario, the program helps reduce the financial risk associated with developing and launching innovative technologies that address real market needs.

This stream supports a range of project stages, from applied research and development through to demonstration and commercialization, either as standalone initiatives or as a combined project. Businesses can access non-repayable funding covering a significant portion of eligible costs, with support reaching up to around $2 million for larger commercialization-focused projects. Eligible activities can include technical labour, prototyping, product testing, intellectual property protection, and even early marketing efforts tied directly to commercialization. Companies may also partner with academic or research institutions where specialized expertise is needed, while remaining the lead applicant.

The Innovation Stream is particularly relevant for small, medium, and larger enterprises in Northern Ontario that can demonstrate strong market demand, solid management capacity, and clear economic benefits for the region. For businesses exploring whether their technology and growth plans align with this opportunity, taking a closer look at the program details can help clarify next steps and funding potential.