The 2025 competition launches June 4, 2024. See Innovation Fund | CFI

Program Overview

The Innovation Fund supports a broad range of research programs including those in natural sciences and engineering, health, social sciences, humanities and the arts, as well as interdisciplinary research. Projects funded through the Innovation Fund will help Canada remain at the forefront of exploration and knowledge generation while making meaningful contributions to generating social, health, environmental and economic benefits and addressing global challenges.

An eligible infrastructure project involves acquiring or developing research infrastructure to increase research capacity and support world-class research.

The 2025 competition is divided into three streams: Stream 1: Leading edge of exploration and knowledge generation (open to all disciplines); Stream 2: Leading edge of exploration and knowledge generation in the social sciences, humanities and arts; Stream 3: Renewal and upgrade of core facilities.

For more information, see Innovation Fund | CFI

Every institution is provided an envelope which is the upper limit of funding it can apply for.  Envelope size is based on the share of tri-agency funding the institution received over the past three years. The 2025 U of G envelope is $17M. 

For each project, the CFI funds 40% of total project costs. The Ontario Research Fund (ORF) funds 40%. The remaining 20% must be found in vendor discounts and/or other contributions. The ORF requires a separate application to the ORF Research Infrastructure Large Infrastructure Fund (ORF RI LIF).

Aligned with CFI objectives and criteria, the University will allocate CFI allocation competitively based on:

  • internationally competitive research or technology development;
  • composition and expertise of the team;
  • necessary and appropriate infrastructure that enhances existing capacity
  • well-defined plan to transfer the results of the research or technology development program(s) that will lead to benefits for Canadians.

The following institutional considerations will also be taken into account:

  • alignment with institutional priority and prior investments;
  • potential partnerships with other institutions (with access to other institutional envelopes);
  • financial risk (especially where construction and renovation budgets are significant)    

The Office of Research will:

  1. Lead a transparent and timely allocation process.
  2. Partner with colleges to invest in the grant development process.
  3. Work with Research Financial Services and external reviewers to provide grant-development resources and advice on applications in development.
  4. Facilitate connections with other administrative units at University of Guelph (e.g., Physical Resources) and other universities.
  • Review the 2023 call for proposals for an overview of the competition at Innovation Fund | CFI.
  • Contact your Associate Dean Research and/or College Research Manager to discuss your ideas and explore department and/or college-level support for the project.
  • Connect with colleagues at and beyond the University of Guelph to identify research projects with potential to be internationally competitive.
  • Connect with sector partners to identify collaborations and pathways to broader impact.
  • Contact the Manager, Strategic Research Programs at the Office of Research Services for a preliminary consultation.
  • If you do not require access to the University’s CFI Innovation Fund allocation, simply notify Manager, Strategic Research Programs at the Office of Research Services
  • If you would like to request allocation, submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for Co-Applicants by the internal deadline.

Detailed Timeline and Requirements

Mar 6, 2023

Launch internal competition.
Mar 27, 2023

NOIs due to (Applicants to the last competition do not need to complete this step). See NOI Requirements for details.

NOIs are for planning purposes only, and to initiate consultation and collaboration between applicant, Research Services Office (RSO), the College, and Physical Resources (PR), as needed.
June 1, 2023

CFI delivers decisions on 2023 competition. Eligibility date for costs/contributions to CFI IF 2025.
June 5, 2023

EOIs from new applicants due to Strategic Programs. See EOI requirements for details.

Applicants to the last competition are asked to inform Manager, Strategic Research Programs if they are interested in resubmitting and are invited to provide any updates since last submission. 
June 28, 2023

CFI IF Committee reviews EOIs, selects proposals to advance, and allocates envelope.   

Resubmissions from the last competition will be considered where the proposal received a favourable review from the Multidisciplinary Assessment Committee.

For more information, see Committee Guidelines and EOI evaluation rubric.
Oct 15, 2023

Equipment list with Needs Assessment Form (NAF) due to Strategic Programs for PR review to initiate capital planning process, for Cycle 3 reporting.
 

Monthly meetings with PR, RSO, RSF, College finance directors, PI(s), and ADR or delegate will be scheduled for projects involving major reno and construction.
Apr 2024

CFI issues draft call for proposals
June 4, 2024

CFI launches program
Aug 1, 2024

DRAFT 1 application due for scientific review (external), RSO, RFS, and CFI IF committee review. Draft 1 comprises:

  • Complete Proposal (Assessment Criteria)
  • Equipment budget (in RFS spreadsheet) and quotes (including renovation budget)

Scientific review will be provided to the CFI IF Committee.
Sept 2024

Physical Resources submits project materials and capital planning project report to University Secretariat

  • Physical and Digital Infrastructure Committee (PDIC) reviews applications
  • Board of Governors approval required for renovations >$2M
Sept 2024

CFI IF Review Committee Meeting

At Committee review, allocation may be redistributed and/or projects eliminated in cases where an application is deemed by the Committee to be incomplete or unsatisfactory.

RFS review of the budget will proceed after the committee confirms allocation
Sept 25, 2024

Draft NOI due (to ailsakay@uoguelph.ca)
Oct 2, 2024

NOI due to CFI. Institutional partners should be confirmed at this stage.
Dec 1, 2024

Draft 2 CFI IF Application due for RSO and RFS review:

  • Complete Proposal (Assessment Criteria)
  • Final budget and quotes, including construction and renovation estimates,  and account # for institutional contributions.
  • Project modules complete in CAMS.
  • CV modules complete in CAMS.
  • Research Security requirements complete (as needed)
Jan 28, 2025

Final draft due to Manager, Strategic Research Programs and research.services@uoguelph.ca
Feb 4, 2025

CFI Deadline
Feb 2025 (ANTICIPATED)

Draft 1 ORF-RI LIF due for RSO review:

  • Complete application form
  • Strategic value attachment
  • Mitigating economic and geopolitical risk checklist
  • Letters of support from partners and end-users (signed)
Mar 2025 (ANTICIPATED)

ORF-RI LIF external deadline
Jan 31, 2024

EOIs due to Manager, Strategic Research Programs. See EOI Requirements for Co-Applicants. If construction and renovation required, submit NAF.
Feb 21, 2024

Allocation decisions communicated.
Oct 15, 2024

Needs Assessment Form due (if equipment will be installed at the University of Guelph). Submit to ailsakay@uoguelph.ca)
Jan 7, 2025

Draft application and U of G institutional budget, including construction and renovation as relevant, along with authorization and account # for institutional contributions.
Jan 21, 2025

Copy of complete application and OR-5 submitted to Manager, Strategic Research Programs and research.services@uoguelph.ca.
Nov 2025

Decision by the CFI Board of Directors
Jun 2025

ORF decisions are expected. Connect with RFS to commence Award Finalization Process

Internal Resources

External Resources

Additional Resources

Contacts

Ailsa Kay, Manager, Strategic Programs
Research Services Office, UC 437
519-824-4120 x58321
ailsakay@uoguelph.ca