Ignite

Turning early-stage research into a market-ready solution can be a major hurdle for B.C. businesses, especially when it requires close collaboration with academic researchers. Innovate BC’s Ignite program is designed to bridge that gap by supporting joint research and development projects that tackle real-world industry challenges and move promising technologies closer to commercialization. It focuses on innovation in natural resources, applied sciences, and engineering, where strong research foundations often need additional support to reach the market.

Ignite brings together industry partners and academic teams based in British Columbia to develop new technologies with clear commercial potential. Successful projects typically involve applied R&D that builds on validated concepts and advances them toward practical, revenue-generating applications within a few years. Funding can reach up to around $300,000 in non-repayable support, helping offset significant R&D costs such as technical staff, prototyping, validation, and commercialization planning. The program is well suited to startups, growing companies, and established enterprises that are ready to co-invest and align on intellectual property and long-term outcomes.

While Ignite is not always open for applications, it runs on a periodic intake basis and is highly competitive. For B.C. businesses exploring collaborative R&D as a path to commercialization, understanding how Ignite works, what makes a strong project, and when the next intake may open is an important next step.