Innovation Fund

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.