Getting funding for new medical technology using artificial intelligence is not easy. The INOVAIT Pilot Fund helps by supporting early-stage projects in image-guided therapy (IGT). For the Winter 2026 intake, the program is looking for Canadian-led groups that are ready to test and move their ideas toward the market.
This guide covers what the INOVAIT Pilot Fund is, who can apply, what activities are supported, and how to build a strong application.
The INOVAIT Pilot Fund Winter 2026 is a federal program managed by INOVAIT. It supports research and development projects in image-guided therapy using artificial intelligence or advanced data tools.
The main goals are:
All project work must happen in Canada.
The INOVAIT Pilot Fund offers $100,000 to $150,000 per project. This covers up to one-third of the total eligible project costs.
Key points to remember:
INOVAIT funding is considered government help. This can affect your SR&ED claims or taxable income. Talk to your accountant before you apply.
To apply for the INOVAIT Pilot Fund, your project must be led by a Canadian group.
Companies already hired as service providers for the project cannot be Ultimate Recipients.
Projects funded by the INOVAIT Pilot Fund must be about collaborative research and development in image-guided therapy. Supported activities include:
Your project should show how it helps Canada’s IGT sector and improves chances for future market use.
INOVAIT sets the intake timelines, but most applications follow these steps:
Build your consortium
Choose your partners, set roles, plan budgets, and decide on IP ownership early.
Define your project
Explain your technical goals, how your project will move through TRL stages, and your plan to reach the market.
Prepare your budget and cost-sharing plan
Show how INOVAIT funding will cover up to one-third of your total costs.
Submit your application
INOVAIT reviews applications for technical quality, strong partnerships, and impact on the sector.
If you want to see other programs that fit your needs, GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you filter by province and industry. This is useful if you are considering combining INOVAIT with other funding.
Forgetting the SME requirement
Every group must have at least one Canadian SME as an Ultimate Recipient.
No clear plan for commercialization
Projects focused only on research, without a market plan, are unlikely to be chosen.
Wrong TRL stage
If you are not clear about your technology’s readiness, your application may be weaker.
Unclear partner roles
Each partner should have a clear technical or business role.
Q: Do projects need to include a Canadian SME?
Yes. At least one Canadian SME must be an Ultimate Recipient in the group.
Q: How much funding can a project receive?
Projects usually get $100,000 to $150,000, covering up to one-third of total eligible costs.
Q: What technology readiness levels are eligible?
Projects at TRL 1–7 are eligible, as well as projects that add TRL 1–7 technologies into TRL 8–9 systems.
Q: Can INOVAIT funding be combined with other grants?
Yes. You may stack with other programs, but total public funding limits must be followed.
Q: Are INOVAIT Pilot Fund grants taxable?
They are usually treated as government help and may affect taxable income or SR&ED claims.
GrantHub lists hundreds of active grant programs in Canada — you can check which ones fit your business.
If you want to apply to the INOVAIT Pilot Fund Winter 2026, start by checking your group’s structure and technology readiness. Strong applications connect technical progress to real commercial plans. GrantHub lets you track INOVAIT and similar programs, so you can plan your funding approach for long-term success.
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