Submissions open for CABHI’s Fuel Program in Canada

Deadline: 15-Apr-2026

The Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation (CABHI) Fuel program provides up to $500,000 CAD to accelerate start-ups and healthcare/research organizations developing scalable innovations that improve the quality of life for older adults. The program supports research, development, validation, and access to funding, removing barriers to innovation in aging solutions.

Overview

CABHI’s Fuel program is designed to accelerate innovations that can transform the aging experience. It helps eligible organizations:

• Achieve research, development, or validation milestones

• Access investment and non-dilutive funding

• Allocate sufficient personnel resources

• Retain intellectual property within the organization

• Develop scalable, impactful solutions for older adults

The program targets start-ups and healthcare/research organizations (HCROs) across Canada.

Funding Streams

Stream A – Start-up Companies

• Funding: Up to $500,000 CAD

• Duration: 12 months

• Eligibility:

  • Federally or provincially registered in Canada

  • Valuation or cap ≥ $6 million CAD or gross revenue > $250,000 CAD in past 12 months

  • Lead applicant must have signing authority for the company

• Purpose: Achieve key R&D or validation milestones

Stream B – Healthcare and Research Organizations (HCROs)

• Funding: Up to $500,000 CAD non-dilutive

• Disbursement: Released in tranches tied to milestones

• Eligibility:

  • Affiliated with accredited Canadian academic, research, or healthcare institutions

  • Focus on IP creation or validation owned by the organization

  • Operate at Technology Readiness Levels 3–8

  • Commit at least one full-time equivalent (FTE)

  • Eligible to receive funding through the institution

Who Can Apply?

• Start-up companies meeting Stream A criteria

• Healthcare and research organizations meeting Stream B criteria

• Solutions must target innovations that improve the aging experience in Canada

What the Funding Supports

• Research, development, and technology validation

• Milestone-based non-dilutive funding for HCROs

• Scaling and deployment of innovative aging solutions

• Access to CABHI resources, mentoring, and investment networks

How to Apply / What to Do

1. Determine eligibility for Stream A or Stream B

2. Define project milestones and outcomes for R&D or validation

3. Prepare a detailed proposal including personnel, IP ownership, and scalability plans

4. Submit application via CABHI’s online portal

5. For HCROs, ensure institutional approval and funding eligibility

6. Demonstrate potential impact on quality of life for older adults

Key Benefits

• Up to $500,000 CAD to accelerate innovation

• Removal of barriers to development and validation

• Access to mentorship, networks, and investment resources

• Supports scalable, impactful solutions in aging care

Tips for a Strong Application

• Clearly define R&D or validation milestones

• Demonstrate scalability and potential impact

• Show IP ownership and resource commitment

• Align proposal with CABHI’s mission to improve the aging experience

• Provide a realistic project plan with measurable outcomes

FAQs

1. What is the maximum funding available?
Up to $500,000 CAD per project.

2. Who can apply to Stream A?
Canadian start-ups with required valuation or revenue thresholds, and lead applicant with signing authority.

3. Who can apply to Stream B?
Healthcare and research organizations affiliated with Canadian academic, research, or healthcare institutions.

4. What are the eligible project activities?
Research, development, technology validation, and scaling of aging-focused innovations.

5. Are there personnel requirements?
Yes, Stream B applicants must commit at least one full-time equivalent (FTE) to the project.

6. Is intellectual property ownership required?
Yes, IP must be owned by the organization submitting the application.

7. What Technology Readiness Levels are eligible?
Stream B projects should operate at TRL 3–8.

Conclusion

The CABHI Fuel program accelerates innovative solutions for aging by providing funding, mentorship, and resources to start-ups and research organizations. With up to $500,000 CAD, applicants can overcome development barriers, validate solutions, and scale innovations that enhance the quality of life for older adults in Canada.

For more information, visit CABHI.