Digital Technology Cluster (Canada): How to Apply for the Call for Projects

If your business is developing new digital technology and seeking collaboration and financial support, the Digital Technology Cluster Call for Projects is one of the largest federal innovation opportunities in Canada. This program supports collaborative projects. It helps move technology from development to real-world use. The process is competitive and structured. It is designed for companies ready to work together and create real impact.

Canada’s Digital Technology Cluster—also known as DIGITAL—is one of Canada’s Global Innovation Clusters. It is funded by the federal government.

How the Digital Technology Cluster Call for Projects Works

The Digital Technology Cluster funds multi-partner innovation projects. These are offered through periodic Calls for Projects. Funding is non-repayable. Projects must follow a co-investment model. This means industry partners must also provide money or resources to the project.

Eligible Applicants

To apply, your project must meet all of the following requirements:

Collaborative project with multiple partners
- Partners can include SMEs, large companies, post-secondary institutions, non-profits, and public sector organizations
DIGITAL membership required
- All project participants must be members of Canada’s Digital Technology Cluster
- Membership fees vary based on your organization type and level of participation
Alignment with DIGITAL focus areas, including:
- Health and wellness
- Environmental health
- Talent development and skills training
- AI commercialization
- Quantum technology adoption
- Housing innovation
Technology readiness level (TRL) clearly defined
- Projects must show progress toward commercialization or adoption
Co-investment commitment
- Industry partners must contribute matching cash or eligible in-kind support

Projects that support SMEs, women, Indigenous peoples, and other underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged.

What Costs Are Eligible?

Eligible expenses are tied directly to the approved project. Typical costs include:

Research and development activities
Technology development and testing
Pilot deployments and validation
Training and workforce development
Costs related to collaboration and project delivery

All costs must be tracked. They must be justified and reported against project milestones.

Funding Amounts and Timelines

Funding amounts are not fixed. They depend on the total project size, the level of industry co-investment, and strategic fit with DIGITAL priorities.

Each Call for Projects sets its own submission deadlines, review timelines, and project start dates. Most calls follow a staged process. They start with an initial proposal and then move to full due diligence for shortlisted projects.

Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you quickly check if your business and project structure fit DIGITAL’s current call requirements.

How to Apply for the Digital Technology Cluster Call for Projects

Join Canada’s Digital Technology Cluster
Confirm membership for all project partners before applying.
Build your consortium early
Successful projects are led by strong industry partners with clear roles, budgets, and outcomes.
Align your project with a current Call for Projects
Each call has specific priorities and evaluation criteria listed on DIGITAL’s website.
Prepare your proposal
You will need:
- Project overview and technical scope
- Partner roles and governance model
- Budget and co-investment breakdown
- Commercialization or adoption plan
- Expected economic and social impact
Submit and respond to due diligence
Shortlisted projects go through financial, technical, and legal review before final approval.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applying as a single company
Solo applications are not eligible. Collaboration is mandatory.
Weak co-investment commitments
Vague or unsecured matching funds are a common reason for rejection.
Unclear commercialization path
DIGITAL looks for real-world outcomes, not just research activity.
Missing DIGITAL membership requirements
Membership must be in place before funding is approved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Digital Technology Cluster funding repayable?
No. Funding is generally non-repayable. It is tied to performance, reporting, and milestone delivery.

Q: Do SMEs need to provide matching funds?
Yes. All projects use a co-investment model. Cash or eligible in-kind contributions from industry partners are required.

Q: How long does the application process take?
Timelines vary by call. The process usually includes proposal review, due diligence, and contracting. This can take several months.

Q: Can Indigenous or women-led organizations apply?
Yes. Projects that support Indigenous participation, women-led businesses, and other underrepresented groups are encouraged.

Q: What types of technology are supported?
Projects must align with DIGITAL’s focus areas. These include AI, quantum technologies, digital health, environmental solutions, and workforce training.

GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant programs across Canada, including innovation cluster calls. You can see which ones match your business profile.

Next Steps

The Digital Technology Cluster Call for Projects is best for businesses ready to work together, co-invest, and bring technology to real-world use in Canada. Preparation is important. Make sure your collaboration and funding structure are strong. GrantHub helps Canadian businesses keep up with open Calls for Projects and find the right innovation funding from both federal and provincial programs.

See also:

Repayable vs Non-Repayable Business Funding in Canada: Program Examples Explained
How to Prepare Financial Statements for Grant Applications in Canada
How to Find R&D Partners Using Canada’s Research Facilities Navigator

Digital Technology Cluster (Canada): How to Apply for the Call for Projects