Deadline: 29-Jun-2026
The Canadian Electric Vehicle Technology Co-Innovation Mission helps Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) build international partnerships in electric vehicle (EV) innovation, particularly with German organizations. The mission supports collaboration in advanced EV technologies, research and development, commercialization, and sustainable transportation solutions, while offering eligible SMEs travel funding of up to CAD 5,000.
Overview
The Canadian Electric Vehicle Technology Co-Innovation Mission is designed to connect Canadian and German organizations working in the electric vehicle sector. The initiative promotes international research and development collaboration focused on developing innovative EV technologies and accelerating their integration into industrial products, manufacturing processes, and commercial markets.
The mission supports technology-driven SMEs that are developing advanced solutions to improve electric vehicle performance, efficiency, reliability, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness.
Key Focus Areas
The mission supports innovation and collaboration in the following areas:
- Electric vehicle technologies
- Advanced power electronics
- Wide-band-gap semiconductors
- Advanced passive and dielectric materials
- High-voltage characterization methods
- Multi-physics design approaches
- Power-dense EV inverters and converters
- Next-generation electric motors
- Rare-earth free and reduced rare-earth materials
- Advanced manufacturing processes
- Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning-driven design tools
- Advanced testing and validation methodologies
- AI-enabled hybrid testing systems
- Improved power density and efficiency
- Cost reduction and sustainability solutions
- Technology commercialization
- Sustainable transportation innovation
- International R&D collaboration
Program Objectives
The mission aims to strengthen collaboration between Canadian and German organizations developing next-generation electric vehicle technologies.
Key objectives include:
- Supporting international research and development partnerships
- Accelerating EV technology innovation
- Enhancing industrial adoption of advanced EV solutions
- Promoting commercialization of innovative technologies
- Expanding international business opportunities for Canadian SMEs
- Contributing to sustainable transportation systems
- Generating long-term economic benefits through innovation
Why This Mission Matters
Electric vehicles play a critical role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting the global transition toward sustainable transportation.
This mission helps Canadian SMEs:
- Access international markets
- Establish strategic research partnerships
- Collaborate with leading German technology organizations
- Accelerate product development and commercialization
- Strengthen global competitiveness
- Gain exposure to emerging EV industry opportunities
- Develop technologies that improve sustainability and efficiency
By supporting cross-border innovation, the mission helps bring advanced EV solutions closer to market adoption.
Funding Support
Selected Canadian SMEs may be invited to apply for financial assistance to support participation in the mission.
Funding details include:
- Up to CAD 5,000 per company
- Reimbursement of up to 75% of eligible travel expenses
- Support for economy-class airfare
- Coverage of eligible per diem expenses
- Funding subject to approval and program availability
The travel support is intended to reduce participation barriers and encourage international collaboration opportunities.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a Canadian incorporated small or medium-sized enterprise (SME)
- Operate on a for-profit basis
- Employ no more than 500 full-time equivalent employees
- Have been operating for at least 12 months before the registration deadline
- Employ at least five full-time equivalent employees in Canada (excluding contractors)
- Focus on technology-driven innovation and commercialization
- Demonstrate growth and profitability potential
- Possess differentiated and protectable technologies
- Show commercial potential in international markets
- Be capable of participating in multi-year international R&D collaborations
- Demonstrate commitment to global market expansion
Preferred Applicant Characteristics
Preference may be given to companies that:
- Employ at least 10 full-time equivalent employees in Canada
- Have experience commercializing products internationally
- Generate annual revenues exceeding CAD 500,000
- Have demonstrated export readiness
- Possess strong commercialization strategies
- Have established intellectual property protections
Eligible Technology Areas
Projects and technologies should contribute to advancing electric vehicle innovation.
Examples include:
- EV powertrain technologies
- Advanced motor design
- Semiconductor technologies
- Power conversion systems
- Energy efficiency solutions
- Sustainable manufacturing technologies
- AI-driven engineering tools
- Smart testing and validation platforms
- Next-generation mobility solutions
How the Mission Works
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Ensure your company satisfies all SME and participation requirements.
Step 2: Assess Technology Fit
Determine whether your technology aligns with the mission’s EV innovation priorities.
Step 3: Submit Registration
Complete the required registration process before the application deadline.
Step 4: Participate in Partner Matching
Engage with potential German research, industry, and innovation partners.
Step 5: Explore Collaborative Opportunities
Identify joint R&D projects, commercialization pathways, and future funding opportunities.
Step 6: Apply for Travel Funding
Eligible participants may be invited to apply for travel reimbursement support.
Step 7: Develop Long-Term Partnerships
Build collaborative relationships that can lead to future international research and commercialization projects.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying without meeting SME eligibility requirements
- Failing to demonstrate commercialization potential
- Presenting technologies that do not align with EV innovation priorities
- Providing insufficient evidence of international market readiness
- Lacking a clear strategy for collaboration with foreign partners
- Underestimating resource requirements for multi-year R&D projects
- Failing to demonstrate financial stability and operational capacity
Tips for a Strong Application
- Clearly explain your technology’s competitive advantage
- Demonstrate intellectual property protection where applicable
- Highlight previous commercialization successes
- Present a realistic international growth strategy
- Show how your technology addresses EV industry challenges
- Emphasize scalability and market demand
- Provide evidence of management and technical capabilities
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who can apply for the Canadian Electric Vehicle Technology Co-Innovation Mission?
Canadian for-profit SMEs with fewer than 500 employees that develop innovative technology products, services, or processes can apply if they meet all eligibility requirements.
What industries are targeted by the mission?
The mission primarily supports electric vehicle technologies, advanced manufacturing, power electronics, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, testing systems, and sustainable transportation solutions.
How much travel funding is available?
Selected participants may receive up to CAD 5,000, covering up to 75% of eligible travel expenses.
Does participation guarantee funding?
No. Participation in the mission and eligibility for travel support are subject to evaluation and approval processes.
Are startups eligible?
Yes. Startups may apply if they satisfy the minimum operating history, employee count, commercialization, and innovation requirements.
Is international collaboration required?
Yes. The mission is specifically designed to facilitate collaboration between Canadian organizations and German partners.
What qualities make an applicant more competitive?
Strong commercialization potential, international business experience, differentiated technology, financial stability, scalable solutions, and proven innovation capabilities can strengthen an application.
Conclusion
The Canadian Electric Vehicle Technology Co-Innovation Mission offers Canadian SMEs a valuable opportunity to build international partnerships, accelerate electric vehicle innovation, and access global markets. Through collaboration with German organizations, participants can advance cutting-edge EV technologies, strengthen commercialization efforts, and contribute to the future of sustainable transportation while benefiting from targeted travel support and international R&D opportunities.
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For more information, visit Government of Canada.