Canadian partnerships. Worldwide impacts.
Innovation is changing our everyday lives and bringing transformational benefits to the Canadian and global economy. Through the Global Innovation Clusters program, companies of all sizes, academic institutions and not-for-profits are coming together from across the country to address complex challenges no single company, sector or community can overcome alone. The Global Innovation Clusters are strengthening Canadian ecosystems and positioning Canada as a global leader.
The Government of Canada's investment in the program is continuing to further support the growth and scale-up of Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), promote investment in innovation and commercialization, foster collaborative networks, catalyze talent and skills, and expand into global markets.
To learn more about how the clusters are delivering, and what they are doing for Canada, please explore our website.
Learn how the Global Innovation Clusters benefits Canadians
On this page:
Meet the Global Innovation Clusters
Canada's five clusters are accepting members from industry, academia, Indigenous groups and non-profit organizations. It's a great opportunity to collaborate on shared projects, solve common challenges and build a better Canada.
Each cluster has its own application process. Some have associated fees or different membership levels, including free options.
Find out more about how to apply to each cluster:
A world of possibilities
Clusters by the numbers
676
announced projects
3,500
project partners
More than 50% are SMEsFootnote *
$3.39B+
co-invested with industry
$1.28B+ in program funds
11,000+
members across Canada
6,000+
licenses to foreground intellectual property granted to third parties
Last updated on December 31, 2025
Supporting Canadian intellectual property
The government supports the strategic use of intellectual property (IP) to help businesses, particularly SMEs grow. As companies come together to work on projects with the clusters, they generate IP assets, such as inventions, technologies, software, proprietary information, brands, etc., all of which can be protected with certain IP rights. Learn more about how the clusters are supporting IP creation, retention, and commercialization.
Nearly
75%
of Phase 1 projects resulted in foreground IP being commercialized during and/or after project
98%
of Phase 1 projects with foreground IP are owned by companies that are incorporated and operating in Canada
Over
600
formal IP rights pursued related to foreground IP
Driving economic benefits
Clusters are strengthening Canada's economy and even more benefits are expected through the commercialization of projects and attraction of follow-on investments. The program is forecasted to produce up to $13 to $16 billion in GDP by 2034-2035 (EY Report 2024).
Investment in the clusters is generating value by de-risking innovation, advancing technology, fostering global competitiveness and stimulating economic growth.
Creating jobs
Canada's Global Innovation Clusters are delivering results, establishing a strong national brand, and creating jobs across industries that drive innovation and support Canadian prosperity. A study conducted by Ernst and Young (2024) confirmed that the program is driving significant impacts in key industries. The clusters are estimated to have supported the creation of 34,958 full-time equivalent jobs through a $1 billion government investment, and are forecasted to create or sustain 83,368 jobs by 2028-2029.
Expanding Globally
Canada's Global Innovation Clusters are reimagining collaboration by expanding their global presence. Clusters are helping to facilitate connections and partnerships with international organizations that further accelerate innovation and economic growth at home and abroad.
The Clusters are tapping into global markets by organizing business delegations to key international trade shows, and participating and leading Canadian delegations to international events such as Hannover Messe in Germany, one of the world's largest trade fairs dedicated to industrial transformation, and VivaTech in France, which brings together businesses, tech leaders, and investors responding to the world's biggest challenges.
Accelerating AI
The Government of Canada is investing in efforts to drive responsible adoption of AI across Canada's economy and society. Canada's Global Innovation Clusters were allocated $275 million from the second phase of the Pan-Canadian AI Strategy (PCAIS) to accelerate the commercialization and adoption of AI technologies. This ensures that Canadian ideas and knowledge are mobilized and commercialized domestically. Read success stories on how clusters are accelerating AI.
94
announced projects
$372M+
co-invested with industry
$146M+
in funding from the Pan-Canadian AI Strategy
427Footnote *
project partners
Last updated on December 31, 2025
Read more about the Pan-Canadian AI Strategy.
Commercializing quantum science and research
To strengthen Canada's quantum ecosystem, the Government of Canada is investing in initiatives that will help foster quantum research, innovation, and commercialization. Through the National Quantum Strategy (NQS) Commercialization Pillar, the Advanced Manufacturing Cluster and Digital Technology Cluster have received $14 million to accelerate the growth of quantum technologies into impactful commercial innovations through collaborative large-scale projects.
8
announced projects
$32M+
co-invested with industry
$12M+
in funding from the National Quantum Strategy
25
project partners
Over 65% are SMEs
Last updated on December 31, 2025
Read more about the National Quantum Strategy
Accelerating Homebuilding in Canada
To accelerate homebuilding, the Government of Canada is investing in programs and initiatives as part of the Canada Housing Plan, aimed at supporting innovative housing solutions. Recognizing the strength of the clusters, the Government of Canada allocated $50 million over two years for the Advanced Manufacturing Cluster (NGen) to launch a new Homebuilding Technology and Innovation Fund. Through this fund, NGen is helping the Canadian manufacturing sector to capitalize on advanced manufacturing technology and innovation to build homes faster, cheaper and greener.
12
announced projects
$85M+
co-invested with industry
$29M+
in funding from the Homebuilding and Technology Fund
32
project partners 93% are SMEs
Measuring the Cluster Impact - Innovation Cluster Ecosystem Impact Framework
The clusters are generating tangible outcomes, demonstrating their value and impact to Canada and the world. To measure their impact, Innovation Science and Economic Development Canada and the clusters have co-designed a made-in-Canada framework that reports on each clusters' unique activities within a common approach. Learn more about the Innovation Cluster Ecosystem Impact Framework (ICEIF) and how the clusters are accelerating economic growth for Canada.
Clusters scaling small and medium-sized businesses
We know that Canadian SMEs are the heart of our economy and play an important role to our innovation ecosystem. The Global Innovation Clusters are helping to accelerate the scale-up and growth of SMEs by providing the resources, access to networks, and mentorship needed to de-risk innovation, stay competitive and take their business to new heights.
As of fiscal year 2024-25:
- 23% of Cluster SME project partners are generating significant export revenue, compared to a national baseline of 15.1%.
- 42.8% of SME cluster project partners are high-growth firms based on revenue, compared to a national baseline of 6.8%.
- Cluster SME project partners show an average annual revenue growth of 17.7%, compared to a national baseline of 6.7%.
Note:
- The national baselines used to compare program results are sourced from Global Affairs Canada (2023) for export performance, Innovation Science and Economic Development Canada (2021) for high-growth firms, and Statistics Canada (2022) for revenue growth.
- The Global Innovation Clusters program (GIC) results are based on Statistics Canada data from 2022 reference year and program partners as of fiscal year 2024 -2025 .
- While the charts describe Cluster partner attributes, one can't definitively say that participation in Cluster projects is what produced these attributes.
Clusters in action
Read the latest report about how clusters benefit economic ecosystems.
Ernst & Young's Economic Analysis of Canada's Global Innovation Clusters – Report
Related information
Clusters are powered by Innovation Canada
At Innovation Canada, we back innovators. From funding to expert advice to driving new collaborations, our programs and services are designed to help businesses innovate, create jobs and grow Canada's economy. We are committed to providing inclusive programs and cultivating a workplace that is both diverse and inclusive so that we can best support the businesses we serve.
