Research Facilities Navigator

Finding the right research partners and facilities can be a major hurdle for businesses looking to innovate in Canada. Whether you’re developing a new product, improving a process, or validating a technology, knowing where to access specialized expertise and advanced equipment often determines how quickly you can move forward. The Research Facilities Navigator, supported by the Canada Foundation for Innovation, is designed to bridge that gap by helping businesses connect with publicly funded research infrastructure across the country.

Through this national directory, startups, small and medium-sized businesses, and larger enterprises can identify universities, colleges, hospitals, and federal research facilities that are open to collaborating with industry. The Navigator highlights where you can find researchers who understand commercial R&D challenges, as well as state-of-the-art labs and equipment suitable for testing, prototyping, and product refinement. It also opens doors to broader collaboration, including connections with experienced research leaders and access to students who may become future hires.

While the Research Facilities Navigator does not provide direct cash funding, it supports innovation by making high-value research resources more accessible and reducing the barriers to collaboration. For businesses exploring partnerships, applied research, or technical problem-solving anywhere in Canada, learning more about how to use this tool could be an important first step toward your next innovation milestone.