If you build ocean technology in Canada, working with others and getting the right funding can help your company grow. Canada’s Ocean Supercluster (OSC) and federal programs under the Ecosystems and Oceans Science Contribution Framework provide support for research, pilot projects, and early commercialization for ocean-focused businesses. This funding is available now and meant for real companies.
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is a group supported by the federal government that helps Canada’s ocean businesses grow. Its main funding program for companies is the CORE Technology Leadership Program.
The CORE Program helps companies work together to create and sell new ocean technology.
What the program funds:
Funding amount:
Who is eligible:
Startups can join as partners, even if they are not the lead. This setup encourages bigger companies to work with smaller tech businesses.
Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you filter OSC and federal programs by province, technology type, and project stage in seconds.
The Ecosystems and Oceans Science Contribution Framework, managed by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), is behind many ocean innovation projects.
This framework supports science, research, and partnership projects that help keep oceans and marine ecosystems healthy.
What it supports:
Who can apply:
Companies do not always apply directly, but this program helps pay for projects where companies, the OSC, and other groups work together.
Depending on your technology and partners, other federal programs might fit your project.
The federal government often offers special funding for:
You can sometimes combine these programs with OSC funding, but there are limits to how much you can get in total.
For stacking rules, see How to stack grants and loans without violating funding rules.
Assuming startups must apply alone:
Most OSC funding requires collaboration. Solo applications are rarely competitive.
Waiting for a deadline that does not exist:
The CORE Program accepts applications any time. Waiting can slow your progress.
Ignoring membership requirements:
OSC membership is required for lead applicants and at least one partner. Membership takes time to arrange.
Overlooking eligible expenses:
Not all costs are covered. If you misclassify expenses, your funding may be reduced. See What expenses are covered by fisheries science and innovation grants in Canada?.
Q: How much funding can ocean tech companies get from the Ocean Supercluster?
Projects can receive up to 40% of eligible costs through the CORE Technology Leadership Program. Funding is non-repayable and tied to project milestones.
Q: Do all partners need to be Ocean Supercluster members?
No. The Lead Partner and at least one Project Partner must qualify and become OSC members. Other collaborators may join without membership.
Q: Is Ocean Supercluster funding taxable?
Yes. OSC funding counts as government help and can affect your taxes. Ask your accountant before you claim tax credits.
Q: Can federal ocean funding be combined with provincial grants?
Often yes. You can usually combine federal and provincial funding, as long as total government support stays within program limits and costs are not double-counted.
Q: Are there deadlines for federal ocean funding programs?
It depends. The OSC CORE Program has continuous intake, but some DFO-funded programs have set deadlines.
GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant programs across Canada — check which ocean and innovation programs match your business profile.
Ocean Supercluster and federal funding help companies work together, test new ideas, and grow. If your technology helps the ocean, these programs can cover some of your costs. GrantHub helps you find federal and cluster-based programs that fit your technology, partners, and stage — so you can focus on building your business.
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