Sell Your Innovation To the Government of Canada
Jul 2, 2025
5 min read
In addition to grants and funds for research and development in Canada, the Build in Canada Innovation Program (BCIP) is a permanent and competitive first-purchase program awarded by the Government. It offers contracts to innovative businesses to submit a proposal of any pre-revenue products or processes which could potentially improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Canadian government. The Government or the broader public service then reviews these submissions to test how they address current inefficiencies. In exchange for their new tech innovation, businesses receive up to $1,000,00o in government contracts to sell the finished products or services.
Program Criteria
The inviting proposals are from technology, equipment, software or services that:
is defined in one of the standard or military priority areas and can compete in the specified industry
can clearly demonstrate the potential advantages and how it helps to bridge current inefficiencies over existing goods and services in the specific industry
can be used effectively and efficiently within federal operations
has never been sold commercially before applying
meet the specified levels of technology readiness
cost no more than $500,000 CAD for standard component innovations and $1,000,000 CAD for military component innovations. Please bear in mind this includes amount before taxes, shipping and proposed travel and living expenses.
have minimum 80% Canadian content
have never received an award before through BCIP for the same innovative product or service.
Standard component
The standard component comprises of four over-arching priority areas namely, enabling technologies, environment, health and safety and security. These priority areas can be further sub-categorized in types of goods and services:
Biotechnologies
Information and communications technologies manufacturing and services
Information management
Nanotechnologies
Environment
Alternative energy
Energy and material efficiency
Greenhouse gases
Health, Safety and security
Military component
The military component comprises of six over-arching priority areas namely:
Arctic and maritime security
Command and support
Cyber-security
In-service support
Protecting the soldier
Training systems
These priority areas can be further sub-categorized in detailed areas. It is mandatory for the technology to not have generated any revenue before submitting the application.
Eligible Organizations
BCIP accepts proposals from any private company, not-for-profit organization, university or individual provided they meet the following eligibility criteria:
The participating organization or individual must be Canadian or partnered with a Canadian bidder
The participants own the complete Intellectual Property rights for the proposed innovative product or service alternatively, they could have received a licence to the Intellectual Property.
Timelines
Proposals are accepted at any time. With recent changes, innovators can submit proposals at any time of the year, once their innovation is ready to be tested. The total process takes around 9 months which includes assessment and evaluation of proposals by NRC or other Government departments, testing the innovative technology, and contract negotiation with Government agencies.
Recent examples of two notable businesses based in Ontario who have received the BCIP include:
Interconn Development Ltd: – The company produced an innovative emergency response vehicle. It is aimed at enabling search and rescue operations to reach remote areas not easily accessible by helicopters. The company received an initial investment of $297,045.
Desire2Learn: The company created an innovative Game-Based Learning System that is an alternative to traditional teaching and learning methods. It has received an award of $163,275 as part of the BCIP program.
Do you have an innovative product or service? Are you looking to prepare your proposal to apply for BCIP? Our dedicated team of experts can help you. Take advantage of our 30min free no-obligation consulting service NOW! Contact Kelid™ or fill out the request form.
