Do you have a game-changing HealthTech idea but aren’t sure how to fund it? Good news—Canada boasts one of the most supportive research and innovation landscapes in the world. From AI-powered health tools to smart diagnostics, there’s real funding available for projects that improve healthcare outcomes.

But here’s the truth: great ideas alone don’t get funded. You need a strong proposal, clearly defined goals, and solid proof that your project can deliver measurable impact, especially in a Canadian context. Let’s break down where to find the right grants and how to write proposals that win.

Digital tools are transforming healthcare delivery in Canada

Introduction to Canada’s Funding Landscape

Canada’s two leading federal research funders- CIHR (Canadian Institutes of Health Research) and NSERC (Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council) invest billions every year to support healthcare innovation. CIHR focuses on health research, from mental health to ageing, while NSERC supports science-based tech like AI, robotics, and medical devices.

In addition to these, provincial programs and portals, such as nrc.canada, provide innovators with targeted support. The catch? These grants are highly competitive. The key is understanding what funders are looking for: Canadian impact, feasibility, and sustainability.

Finding Opportunities

Finding funding begins with the right tools and networks

• Here are three trusted online portals and networks to explore HealthTech grant options:

CIHR Funding Database

• Offers project-specific and priority-driven grants focused on improving the health system.

NSERC Programs

• Especially useful for engineering-based or applied research projects in medical devices, software, or diagnostics.

Grant-NRC

• Canada’s official grants portal, where you’ll find open opportunities from CIHR, NSERC, NRC, and other agencies.
• Networking Tip: Stay connected with your school’s research office, startup incubators, or innovation hubs like MaRS Discovery District. Many grants are shared internally or through LinkedIn before the public calls go out.

Crafting Your Application

Before you dive into writing, take a moment to align your proposal with pressing healthcare priorities in Canada. Funders are focused on solutions that tackle real-world challenges with measurable impact. One critical concern is diabetes, a condition impacting millions and placing a multi-billion-dollar burden on the healthcare system each year.

According to Diabetes Canada, “Diabetes is one of Canada’s fastest-growing health challenges, impacting millions of lives and costing billions in healthcare spending.” Proposals that tackle early detection, prevention, or personalised management of chronic diseases like diabetes are more likely to attract funding because they align with national research priorities.

For instance, a digital health solution focused on improving diabetes outcomes could highlight its alignment with national goals by supporting earlier detection, culturally appropriate interventions, and long-term disease management.

If you’re looking for expert guidance on writing a strong grant proposal, visit the website of Global Initiative for Public Health and Innovation (GIPHI) and contact their team for grant writing services at the best prices. Their expert team works with you to strengthen your proposal and improve its likelihood of securing funding. While every proposal is tailored to your unique goals, certain elements consistently make the difference between a good submission and a winning one.

Five Key Elements of a Strong Proposal

Strong proposals are backed by clear planning and relevance

1. Clear Problem & Solution

Start by explaining the specific healthcare issue you are addressing. Describe how your solution works and what makes it different or more effective than others. Funders are more likely to support ideas that solve real problems clearly and innovatively.

2. Canadian Relevance

Your proposal should connect to Canadian health priorities. Use national data or current health challenges like chronic disease, Indigenous health, or rural access to care. This shows that your project is timely and aligned with what matters most in Canada.

3. Scalability

Explain how your project can grow beyond a small pilot. Can it be expanded to other clinics, regions, or even nationwide? Funders want to invest in ideas that have the potential to reach more people and deliver lasting impact.

4. Qualified Team

Highlight the skills and experience of your team. This can include technical, research, or healthcare backgrounds. Showing that your team has the expertise to carry out the project builds trust and confidence in your proposal.

5. Sustainability Plan

Describe how the project will continue after the funding ends. Will it be supported through partnerships, licensing, or revenue? A good sustainability plan helps funders see the long-term value of your work.

Post-Award Tips: Best Practices for Compliance and Reporting

Once your HealthTech project gets funded, keeping everything organised is just as important as getting the grant. Here are the three best practices:

1. Track Deliverables and Spending

Use a spreadsheet or project management tool to log every milestone, cost, and activity. This helps you stay on schedule and within budget.

2. Submit Regular Updates

Funders like CIHR, NSERC, or NRC expect short progress updates. Communicate clearly if timelines shift or issues come up.

3. Keep All Receipts and Documentation

Store invoices, time logs, contracts, and reports. If there’s an audit or review, you’ll be ready and look professional.

Conclusion

A second review can improve your proposal’s impact and clarity.

Securing funding is just the start; how you manage and communicate your progress can make or break future opportunities. That’s why Global Initiative for Public Health and Innovation (GIPHI) not only supports you through the proposal-writing process but also offers review and refinement services to ensure every detail is pitch-perfect. Taking time for a thoughtful second review, whether through GIPHI or your trusted collaborators, can help identify gaps, sharpen your messaging, and elevate your proposal’s impact. The more polished and purposeful your submission, the closer you are to bringing your vision to life.