Strategic Response Fund (SRF, formerly Strategic Innovation Fund)
Fonds de réponse stratégique (FRS)
Status not published
Continuous intake via an online eligibility check followed by a consultation, plus periodic targeted calls for proposals (a food processing, supply chain and manufacturing call opened in June 2026).
Large-scale contributions, historically for projects of at least CAD 20 million in eligible costs (CAD 10 million for some collaborative streams). Amounts are negotiated per project; no published cap.
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)
public · national
Deadline: rolling — Continuous intake via an online eligibility check followed by a consultation, plus periodic targeted calls for proposals (a food processing, supply chain and manufacturing call opened in June 2026).
This funder does not publish a success rate. We rank it using the rate observed across similar programmes and label it as an estimate rather than implying we know.
Major bid — written case, budget, possibly partners.
Who can apply
- Sectors: manufacturing, ai, deeptech, climate, health, space, mobility
- Stage: growth
- R&D activity required
- Locally registered entity required
For-profit corporations incorporated in Canada; also open to not-for-profits and research institutions in collaborative streams. Aimed at large transformative projects, so early-stage startups are usually out of scope.
How to apply
- Review the project requirements and the SRF key investment priorities (tariff response, innovation, AI Compute Challenge).
- Complete the online eligibility check.
- Request a consultation with the SRF team.
- Submit a statement of interest, then a full application if invited; due diligence and negotiation of the contribution agreement.
What you will need
- Corporate financial statements
- Detailed project plan and budget
- Evidence of co-funding
- Benefits-to-Canada plan
Source. https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/ised/en/programs-and-initiatives/strategic-response-fund — checked 2026-08-14
"Building on the success of the former Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF), the SRF not only continues existing commitments but also expands support for industries affected by trade disruptions and tariff challenges."