Investments in Forest Industry Transformation (IFIT)
Funding opportunity – closed
The Investments in Forest Industry Transformation program is not accepting applications for funding at this time.
Capital Investment projects
The application process for Capital investment projects is closed.
This funding supports transformational projects by forest sector firms to diversify into new product streams and ensure industry competitiveness.
Studies projects
The application process for Studies projects is temporarily closed.
This funding supports studies linked to the advancement of innovation in the forest sector in support of a future capital investment or a strategic shift by forest sector firms.
The Investments in Forest Industry Transformation (IFIT) program facilitates the adoption of transformative technologies and products by bridging the gap between development and commercialization. The IFIT program aims to create a more competitive and resilient forest sector with a focus on low-carbon projects that result in new or diversified revenue streams.
Who is eligible for funding?
For-profit companies located in Canada, that either:
- produce forest products in an existing facility (i.e. pulp, paper or solid/engineered wood products facility)
OR - are new entrants in the Canadian forest sector for the purpose of the proposed project
- will be new entrants in the Canadian forest sector for the purpose of the proposed project
Clusters, joint ventures and consortiums are included if a for-profit company acts as the lead applicant and will be designated as the recipient of IFIT funding.
Read about eligibility on our more information page.
Diversity and Inclusion
Natural Resources Canada recognizes the contributions of a diverse and inclusive workforce to the resilience and competitiveness of Canada’s forest sector.
The IFIT program requires applicants to submit a Diversity and Inclusion plan as part of their project proposal submission.
Read about diversity and inclusion on our More information page.
IFIT-funded projects
IFIT-funded projects help diversify the forest product market through high-value bioproducts such as bioenergy, biomaterials, biochemicals and next generation building products.
Many IFIT-funded projects are first-in-kind technologies worth replicating. IFIT replicability fact sheets summarize the findings for each technology, including technology maturity, ease of implementation, market opportunities and social benefits.
Please consult the IFIT Performance Report (2010-2014) and IFIT Performance Report (2015-2016) for detailed results.
About this program
Since 2010, the Investments in Forest Industry Transformation (IFIT) program has supported innovative projects in the Canadian forest sector.
To date, the program has successfully funded 43 capital investment projects including world-first technologies, advanced bioproducts and new revenue streams for forest sector companies.
These projects are estimated to have secured approximately 6,600 jobs in the forest sector while creating 460 innovation related jobs. The program supports forest-reliant communities and improves the environmental performance of the sector.
The IFIT program will help bring the next wave of innovation to Canadian forest industry facilities; solidifying Canada’s position as a leader in forest sector transformation.
Have questions?
For more information, please email the IFIT team.
- Date modified: