Innovation and Knowledge (I&K) Fund is an ongoing program that offers $360,000 per territory per year. Project size is limited to $95,000 per project. Emphasis will be placed on investment areas or projects not being covered by the larger targeted program.

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What is the Innovation and Knowledge Fund?

The Innovation and Knowledge Fund (I&K) is part of a suite of northern economic development programs now being offered by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada under the umbrella framework Strategic Investments in Northern Economic Development. Other programs currently in this suite are the Targeted Investment Program and the Northwest Territories' Partnership and Advisory Forums.

What are the expected economic development outcomes for the Innovation and Knowledge Fund?

I&K's key expected regional economic development outcomes are:

• expanded, publicly accessible knowledge and minor economic infrastructure;
• expanded business and employment opportunities for Northerners;
• increased diversification of the territorial economies; and
• increased economic self-reliance.

What are the program principles?

I&K's program principles include:

• initiatives will not overlap or duplicate existing programs;
• cost sharing and leveraging will be promoted;
• unique regional challenges and opportunities will be recognized and accommodated;
• investments will provide continuing benefits to the territorial and Canadian economies;
• investments will favour initiatives that demonstrate potential for meaningful long-term outcomes;
• investments will avoid market disruptions;
• investments will not place ongoing pressure on the federal fiscal envelope; and
• particular attention will be given to the program's ability to address opportunities that benefit northern women, Aboriginal people, and minority language communities, and will be mindful of federal objectives with respect to youth and persons with disabilities.

What are the investment areas?

I&K's investments will be made in economic development activities beneficial to each of the territories with a focus on assisting territorial residents to participate in, and benefit from, innovation and the knowledge-based economy. Priorities will be to help Northerners seize opportunities in the new economy (those activities new to the North, and to further science, technology and research in the North.

What are the expected outcomes of I&K funding?

To exchange and synthesize information, ideas and points of view regarding northern, economic issues and activities. To have more extensive, more fully analysed and more widely-available data and information about northern, economic issues and interests.

• To have more extensive, more fully analysed and more widely-available technical information and knowledge, and innovative design and technology, for dealing with conditions related to further northern, economic development
• To create strategic plans, feasibility and marketing studies, product certification standards, and other pre-commercial identification and development of local and regional business opportunities.
• To have a wider awareness of innovative northern products.
• To allow for the development of individual skills and knowledge.
• To have information concerning northern career opportunities and availability of skilled workers.
• To increase capacity of organizations to develop professional analyses for input to processes advancing the authority's objectives.
• To develop organizational and managerial knowledge and skills.

What are the eligible activities for I&K funding?

Eligible activities include:

• Research and consultation.
• Supporting innovation.
• Building capacity of individuals.
• Building capacity of organizations.

What are the key objectives of I&K funding?

The key objectives of I&K Fund are to work with other investment programs to contribute to the achievement of the regional economic development objectives, especially broadening the economic base and strengthening Northerners' abilities to take advantage of economic opportunities.

What are the outputs for I&K funding?

The outputs for I&K are:

• To expand knowledge and understanding of northern economic issues and activities.
• To facility innovative approaches to development of the North.
• To facilitate Northerners seizing opportunities in the new economy.
• To increase skills to engage in the economy through knowledge and innovation.
• To increase the expert knowledge, within organizations, brought to bear on analysis of economic proposals and development of positions.

What is the maximum amount payable?

Innovation and Knowledge contribution to any single project shall not exceed $95,000.

Who are the eligible recipients?

Organizations or associations (including social enterprises), other levels of government, individuals and other non-federal entities, public or private, that are involved in the economic development of the North.

What are the eligible expenditures?

Eligible expenditures include, but are not limited to:

• Research and Consultation: research, feasibility studies, planning, consultation dissemination of knowledge.
  
  
• Supporting innovation: research, development of products and markets, pre-feasibility and feasibility studies, business cases, assistance in establishing patents, standards, certification, etc.
  
  
• Building capacity of individuals: research, consultations, and investments complementary to initiatives for skill development of individual Northerners.
  
  
• Building capacity of organizations: research and expert support to build the capacity of organizations to serve the economic interests of Northerners.

What is the project proposal process?

A package containing guidelines for proposal development is available from INAC regional offices.

INAC, Yukon Region
345-300 Main Street
Whitehorse, Yukon
Y1A 2B5
Tel: 867-667-3888
or 1-800-661-0451

INAC, Nunavut Region
969 Qimugjuk Building
2^nd Floor, PO Box 2200
Iqaluit, Nunavut
X0Z 0H0
Tel: 867-975-4537

INAC, Northwest Territories Region
4920-52^nd Street
PO Box 2760
Yellowknife, NWT
X1A 2R3
Tel: Toll Free:
1-866-669-2620 or 867-669-2627
Fax: 867-669-2711