The Energy Innovation Program advances clean energy technologies that help Canada maintain a competitive, reliable and affordable energy system while transitioning to a low-carbon economy. Managed by the Office of Energy Research and Development (OERD), the program invests in research, development and demonstration (RD&D) projects through federal labs and a wide range of Canadian organizations working to develop and scale clean energy technologies.
EIP issues periodic calls for proposals shaped by regional, sector, and industry considerations as well as technical, market, and policy opportunities to advance clean energy innovation.
Stream 1: Artificial Intelligence for Canadian Energy Innovation (Closed)
This call funds applied RD&D of AI solutions that accelerate the pace of, and lower the costs associated with, energy technology innovation.
Key Project Requirements:
Develop an AI solution and use it to advance a pre-commercial energy technology by at least one Technology Readiness Level (TRL)
Demonstrate how the AI solution is more cost effective, time saving, and/or energy efficient compared to conventional innovation methods
Have access to productive datasets at project start or have a plan to generate/collect data as part of early project activities
Pre-commercial energy solutions are envisioned to start around TRL 2-6
AI solutions should be original and developed as part of project activities (may build on existing prototype if justified as innovative)
Stream 2: Off-site Construction Challenge (Open)
This challenge drives industry to design and demonstrate how innovative off-site construction methods can build more energy efficient and resilient multi-unit residential buildings. The challenge supports Canada's housing supply priorities under Build Canada Homes by advancing modern construction methods.
The challenge comprises two phases:
Phase 1: Design grants of up to $180,000 for planning and development
Phase 2: Contribution of up to $10 million to bring winning designs to life (open to Phase 1 finalists)
Key Project Requirements:
Design must demonstrate innovative use of off-site construction methods for multi-unit residential buildings
Projects must advance energy efficiency and building resilience
Designs should address both performance and affordability goals
Projects must align with Build Canada Homes priorities for modern methods of construction
