Energy Innovation Program (EIP)

Energy Innovation Program (EIP)

Supports Canadian energy innovators with research, development, and demonstration pathways.

The Energy Innovation Program (EIP), administered by Natural Resources Canada, is an ongoing umbrella programme that funds research, development, and demonstration of clean energy technologies to support Canada's transition to a low-carbon economy. EIP operates through periodic calls rather than open rolling intake; eligible applicants respond to specific calls within defined windows. As of mid-2026, two calls are active: the AI for Canadian Energy Innovation call (award range CAD 500,000 to CAD 1,500,000) and the Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) call. The Clean Fuels Call for Proposals, which had been part of the 2026 cycle, closed on April 6, 2026. Most EIP calls cover up to CAD 4 million per project, with up to 75% of eligible costs funded; exceptional large-scale projects may reach CAD 10 million.

Eligible applicants include for-profit and not-for-profit organisations legally incorporated or registered in Canada, Indigenous communities, governments, and organisations including majority-Indigenous-owned entities, research institutions, and collaborative consortia. The application process is two-stage: applicants must first create an Integro Client Profile and submit an Expression of Interest (EOI); only those invited following EOI screening may submit a Full Project Proposal. This screening step means that applicants who do not receive an invitation after EOI cannot proceed to the full application.

EIP is the primary federal R&D channel for clean energy technology in Canada, making it a natural fit for companies and research organisations working on AI applications in energy systems, CCUS technologies, or future calls likely to address hydrogen, grid modernisation, or energy storage. Applicants should monitor the NRCan EIP webpage for new call announcements given the programme's periodic structure. Early engagement with NRCan programme officers is advisable to confirm call fit before investing in EOI preparation.