How international research and innovation collaborations are funded in Canada

How international research and innovation collaborations are funded in Canada

International partnerships help Canadian companies develop new technology, speed up research, and reach new export markets. The federal government supports these collaborations to help small and mid-sized businesses expand their innovations internationally. One of the main programs is the Trade Commissioner Service’s Canadian International Innovation Program (CIIP), which funds joint projects with overseas partners.

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CIIP: Funding Details

International research and innovation projects in Canada usually use a co‑funding model. The Canadian government funds the Canadian part of the project, while the foreign partner gets support from their own government or local organization. The best-known example is the Canadian International Innovation Program (CIIP) – Co‑innovation projects.

What is CIIP?

CIIP is managed by the Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) under Global Affairs Canada. It helps Canadian small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) that are ready to export, develop new or improved technologies, and have strong potential to commercialize their innovations.

Key funding details:

• Funding amount: Up to $600,000 per Canadian company
• Cost coverage: Up to 50% of eligible project costs
• Funding type: Non‑repayable, interest‑free contribution, if all conditions are met

Who can apply? Your business must be:

• A for‑profit Canadian SME with up to 500 full‑time employees
• Incorporated in Canada
• Working on a new or improved product, service, or process that can be commercialized
• Ready to work with a foreign partner on an R&D project
• Able to own or co‑own the intellectual property created
• Financially able to support a multi‑year R&D project

Your foreign partner must:

• Be able to deliver their part of the project
• Secure funding for their share of costs

Eligible partner countries: CIIP runs calls with specific countries. Recent markets include the United Kingdom, Israel, India, Brazil, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan. Each call has its own timelines and sector focus.

Eligible expenses: CIIP covers costs like:

• Technical labour directly tied to R&D
• Prototype development and testing
• Materials and equipment used for the project
• Some subcontracting and commercialization preparation costs, if approved

Visit GrantHub to check your eligibility for CIIP and other grants based on your country and sector. GrantHub also offers updates on new international calls and deadlines.

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Academic Collaborations and Talent Mobility

Not every international innovation project is led by a company. Some focus on academic research and developing talent. A common program in this area is the Mitacs Globalink Research Award (GRA).

Mitacs Globalink Research Award (GRA)

Mitacs is a Canadian organization supporting international research collaborations. The Globalink Research Award helps Canadian students and postdoctoral fellows work with international partners.

• Funding: $6,000 per award
• Project length: 12 to 24 weeks
• Who it supports: Senior undergraduates, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows
• Structure: Joint supervision by a Canadian and international professor

The GRA is based at Canadian academic institutions and does not replace CIIP. Companies often connect with researchers involved in Mitacs projects to help build future commercial R&D teams.

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How Funding Works Across Borders

International innovation funding in Canada follows some basic rules:

• Each country funds its own participants. CIIP pays the Canadian SME. The foreign partner gets support locally.
• Projects must match in scope and outcomes. Both sides submit coordinated proposals.
• Commercialization is important. CIIP supports projects that aim to create market-ready products and boost exports.
• Stacking rules apply. CIIP can sometimes be combined with programs like IRAP or SR&ED, but total public funding limits must be followed.

For more details, see How to stack grants and loans without violating funding rules. GrantHub’s guides can help you understand how to combine funding sources safely.

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Common Mistakes

1. Having only an informal foreign partner
   CIIP needs a clear, capable partner. Just verbal interest is not enough.

2. Missing commercialization goals
   CIIP is not for basic research. Projects must show a clear path to market and exports.

3. Thinking all costs are eligible
   Only expenses approved in the contribution agreement count. Overhead and unrelated travel are often not covered.

4. Ignoring IP ownership early
   If IP ownership is unclear, applications can stall or fail.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is CIIP funding repayable?
No. CIIP gives a non‑repayable, interest‑free contribution, if you meet all agreement conditions.

Q: Can startups apply without revenue?
Yes, if they are incorporated, for‑profit SMEs and can show they have the resources to finish the project. Revenue is not always needed, but financial capacity is important. See Can You Get Grant Funding Without Revenue? Early‑Stage Eligibility Explained.

Q: Do both partners apply to CIIP?
No. Only the Canadian company applies to CIIP. The foreign partner applies to their own country’s program.

Q: How long do CIIP projects last?
Most co‑innovation projects run 12 to 36 months, depending on the call and technology readiness.

Q: Can CIIP be combined with SR&ED?
Often yes. CIIP funding must be disclosed when claiming SR&ED, and government assistance limits apply.

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Next Steps

International research and innovation collaborations help Canadian technology companies grow beyond domestic markets. CIIP is one of the most direct funding options for SMEs ready to develop and commercialize with global partners.

GrantHub tracks hundreds of Canadian grant programs, including international co‑innovation calls. Checking which programs match your business profile can help you plan partnerships and funding well before the next deadline.