How to Win a Canadian Supercluster Project

Step 1 – Engage Early with Supercluster Leadership

• Attend events and info sessions

• Seek pre-submission feedback

• Learn about upcoming priorities and targeted funding initiatives

Step 2 – Align with the Supercluster’s Strategic Priorities

• Match project goals to supercluster themes

• Plan ahead of time, so that you aren’t waiting for funding to break ground

• Show measurable Canadian economic impact

Step 3 – Build a Strong Consortium

• Partner with diverse, complementary organizations

• Demonstrate collaborative innovation capacity greater than the sum of your parts

• Creating strong partnerships and encouraging collaboration among companies, communities, and academic institutions is essential for project success.

Step 4 – Highlight Innovation and Commercial Potential

• Technology readiness level (TRL) considerations

• Path to market and export opportunities

• Intellectual property is created through collaborative projects, benefiting both the company and the broader community by generating new assets and knowledge.

Step 5 – Create a Strong Business Case

• ROI for Canada: jobs, IP, exports, sustainability

• A strong business case should clearly demonstrate the program’s aims, including global leadership, developing skills, and supporting the growth of involved companies and communities.

• Leverage private investment to boost proposal strength

• Engage with third parties like Clean Conduit to provide outsider insights and develop a bold vision. This is how to “go big,” and with 40% or more in matched funds and tons of publicity potential, you don’t want to leave opportunities on the table.

Common Mistakes That Lead to Rejection

• Weak strategic alignment: Projects that do not clearly align with the supercluster’s strategic priorities or focus areas are less likely to be funded. It is essential to demonstrate how your project supports the specific goals of the supercluster, such as advancing digital technology, fostering collaboration, or driving economic growth within targeted sectors.

• No committed industry partners: Supercluster funding emphasizes collaboration between industry players. Applications lacking confirmed commitments from industry partners, especially those who will contribute resources or expertise, may be rejected. Strong industry involvement signals project viability and relevance.

• Lack of commercialization strategy: Projects must show a clear path to market, including plans for commercialization, scaling, and generating economic impact. Proposals without a defined commercialization strategy or evidence of market demand often fail to meet funding criteria.

• Minimal co-investment: Superclusters require applicants to demonstrate significant co-investment, either financial or in-kind, from project partners. Insufficient matching funds or contributions can undermine the project’s credibility and reduce its chances of approval.

• Ineligible partner organizations (collaborators vs partners): It is important to distinguish between collaborators who provide ancillary support and formal partners who actively participate and share in project responsibilities. Including organizations that do not meet eligibility criteria or lack commitment can lead to application rejection.

• Failing to demonstrate how the project supports or benefits communities, or how it aligns with the aims of the program: Projects must clearly articulate their broader impact on Canadian communities, such as job creation, skills development, or supporting underrepresented groups. Applications that do not effectively convey these benefits or fail to align with program objectives risk being declined.

Tips to Improve Your Chances of Winning

• Work with experienced grant writers: Collaborate with professionals like Clean Conduit, Inc. who have a proven track record in securing supercluster funding. Their expertise in navigating the application process, understanding evaluation criteria, and crafting persuasive proposals can significantly increase your chances of success.

• Build relationships months before calls open, or use a grant writer’s network: Establish connections early with supercluster program managers, industry partners, and other stakeholders. This proactive networking helps you stay informed about upcoming funding priorities and allows you to form strong consortia. Alternatively, leverage the extensive networks of experienced grant writers to access valuable contacts and insights.

• Reuse and adapt proven proposal content or strategies, if you have access to them: Utilize successful past proposals or templates as a foundation, tailoring them to fit the specific goals and requirements of the current funding call. This approach saves time and ensures that your application aligns with what reviewers are looking for.

• Craft a solid business case that shows the ROI to Canada in terms the reviewers will understand: Develop a compelling narrative that clearly demonstrates how your project will deliver measurable economic benefits, such as job creation, intellectual property generation, and increased exports. Use data and examples to illustrate the potential impact on Canada’s innovation ecosystem and global competitiveness.

• Leverage supports and resources provided by the program, and be actively involved in the supercluster community to maximize your project’s impact: Take advantage of workshops, mentorship programs, and networking events offered by the superclusters. Active participation helps you access valuable knowledge, build partnerships, and increase your project’s visibility, all of which contribute to a stronger proposal and greater project success.

Case Study: Cleaner, Smoother, Natural Ship Bearings

The Cleaner, Smoother, Natural Ship Bearings project was funded by Canada’s Ocean Supercluster after a successful application prepared by Clean Conduit, Inc. This $4.5 million project, led by Hydro Tech Inc. (based in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario) in partnership with Canadian Maritime Engineering Ltd. (Dartmouth, Nova Scotia), aims to reinvent lignum vitae wood stern tube bearings, a century-old, naturally durable, and self-lubricating material that was historically used in marine applications. The upgraded, water-lubricated wood bearings, tailored for vessels over 40 feet, offer compelling advantages compared to traditional metal or synthetic composite bearings:

• Reduced wear and failure rates

• Zero oil discharge, significantly reducing environmental contamination

• Improved fuel efficiency

• PFAS-free composition, enhancing environmental safety and compliance

Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is investing $1.8 million, with the remaining funding coming from project partners. The project is also expected to generate approximately 50 new jobs across Atlantic Canada and Ontario in bearing manufacturing, engineering, and installation roles.

As part of the Ambition 2035 vision – Canada’s goal to grow its ocean economy fivefold to $220 billion by 2035 – this initiative exemplifies the commercialization of sustainable, high-performance ocean technology rooted in Canadian innovation and legacy, and provides substantial support to the applicants.

Strategic Impact Example: Improving Crop Health Through Supercluster Impact in Agri-Food Innovation

Canada’s Innovation Superclusters Initiative is making a significant impact on agri-food innovation, with a strong focus on improving crop health, a cornerstone for food security, sustainability, and economic growth. Through the collaborative efforts of the Protein Industries Canada supercluster and its partners, the country is harnessing the power of digital technologies.

Next Generation Superclusters: What’s on the Horizon?

Looking ahead, Canada’s global innovation clusters are poised to play an even more important role in shaping the future of the country’s economy. Emerging technologies such as augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and advanced digital platforms are expected to drive innovation across a range of sectors, from next generation manufacturing to precision agriculture.

One exciting development is the Canadian Tech Talent Accelerator at the Digital Supercluster, a program designed to equip underrepresented groups with the digital technology skills needed to thrive in the innovation economy. By providing targeted training and support, the accelerator is helping to build a more diverse and inclusive workforce, which is essential for driving long-term economic growth and global competitiveness.

The federal government continues to invest in research and development, offering grants and funding opportunities to support the creation and commercialization of new technologies. Municipal governments and communities are also being encouraged to get involved, helping to build a vibrant innovation ecosystem that spans the entire country.

As the global innovation clusters program evolves, collaboration between businesses, academic institutions, and government agencies will remain at the heart of Canada’s strategy. By fostering partnerships, supporting the development of next generation technologies, and ensuring that all Canadians have the opportunity to participate, the government of Canada aims to secure the country’s position as a global leader in innovation and economic development.

Conclusion

Winning supercluster funding gives businesses access to substantial non-dilutive capital, industry partnerships, and national innovation networks that accelerate growth and market impact. This means companies can secure significant financial resources without giving up equity, allowing them to invest in research, development, and commercialization activities. Additionally, being part of a supercluster connects businesses with key industry players, academic institutions, and government agencies, fostering collaboration that can lead to innovative solutions and expanded market opportunities across Canada and beyond.

Starting early and ensuring strategic alignment is key. A consultant can help you to understand what’s out there before you commit substantial resources. Early engagement allows your team to identify funding priorities, align your project goals with supercluster objectives, and build strong partnerships that enhance your proposal’s competitiveness. Consultants with experience in supercluster programs can provide valuable insights into application requirements, help you navigate complex processes, and optimize your chances of success by tailoring your approach to meet the expectations of funding bodies.

About Clean Conduit

Incorporated in 2014, Clean Conduit Inc. (CCI) is a boutique consultancy with a decade-long track record of securing public funding and delivering high-impact innovation projects across clean technology and other advanced sectors.

We specialize in helping companies win competitive funding, including from Canada’s Global Innovation Clusters, through expertly crafted proposals and strategic project design. Our team combines deep technical knowledge, engineering capability, and commercialization experience with an insider’s understanding of how to structure successful funding applications.

Why Choose Clean Conduit as Your Supercluster Partner?

• We’re experienced technical writers who understand how to communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively to funding reviewers.

• We don’t just write; we shape your project. Using our in-house playbook, we help frame your initiative to align with each supercluster’s strategic goals, economic outcomes, and innovation priorities.

• We support both the funding and delivery side. Our team includes engineers, entrepreneurs, and project managers who can help you execute once funding is secured, with our fulfillment fees often eligible for reimbursement under supercluster funding guidelines.

• We’ve done it before. From maritime technology to AI, we’ve helped companies navigate the supercluster landscape and emerge with millions in non-dilutive funding and high-visibility projects.

With Clean Conduit, you gain a strategic ally who understands the unique demands of supercluster projects, from forming strong consortia and defining commercialization pathways to meeting TRL requirements and maximizing your return on investment.