Research stories

Our investments support research that benefits Canadians

In CFI-funded labs and facilities across the country, researchers in all stages of their careers are making discoveries, supporting a robust innovation ecosystem and helping solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges. 

Digital illustration of a connected brain symbolizing AI

Driving the digital economy

Investments by the Canada Foundation for Innovation have allowed researchers to push the boundaries to become global leaders in AI, quantum computing and other digital innovations, setting the stage for the economy of the future.
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Four researchers stand in front of a large, glassed-off section of a lab filled with experimental equipment.
article
Alberta

A testbed for oil sands research

Helping Canadian oil and gas companies cut costs, boost efficiency and protect the environment
All articles
podcast
Nova Scotia

Jan Rainey is untangling the mysteries of spider silks

The Dalhousie University researcher is looking to create synthetic versions of spider's silk that have the potential to help heal damaged nerves and damaged hearts
All podcasts
video

Transforming research instincts into a successful business (March webinar)

Part of our Future You webinar series. This webinar features a new generation of researchers who share their challenges and successes as they made the move from researcher to entrepreneur. Watch the video to gain insights and receive valuable tips on how to start your own business.
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A white-haired woman holds a tomato wedge with a cooking pot on a surface in front of her
article
Quebec

What if your stove could learn your bad habits?

How artificially intelligent devices could make living at home for longer a safer option for seniors
A vector graphic of the brain inside a circle made of circuitry over a blue background.
article
Ontario,Quebec,Saskatchewan

The great minds behind intelligent machines

How three Canadian researchers in artificial intelligence are helping to change how we make decisions, from our money to our health
Illustration of four men in business suits rowing a vessel shaped like an arrow. A fifth man, standing in front of them, shouts from a megaphone.
podcast

Episode six: The way forward

The final episode of our podcast series takes stock of where the CFI is today and where innovation in Canada needs to be 20 years from now
Floor to ceiling solar panels simulate a sunny day in a concrete research facility.
video
Quebec

Off-the-wall energy for self-sufficient buildings

Concordia University researcher Andreas Athienitis’ thermal solar wall technology can provide enough heat and electricity to take whole buildings off the grid
Three rows of round icons display a variety of bacteria and virus illustrations.
podcast
Ontario

Keeping antibiotics ahead of infectious diseases

Gerry Wright talks about the problems with promiscuous bacteria and how antibiotics resistance could affect the future of medicine
Illustration of a group of men and women running up a mountain. The leader is waving a Canadian flag.
podcast

Episode five: A new research strategy for Canada

A continuation of our podcast series that traces the Canada Foundation for Innovation’s unlikely origin story
A young boy peers through the bars of a playground structure
article
Ontario

Finding new markets for monkey bars

Lambton College labs help develop the next generation of playground equipment to give a southwestern Ontario company a boost into the adult fitness market
A rainbow of light emanates from two human forms side by side
article
Alberta

Making regenerative therapies reality

The University of Alberta’s Cell Therapy Manufacturing facility will take new therapies for diabetes and cancer from the hypothetical to the viable
A red and white text over a grey background.
article
Ontario,Quebec,Alberta,Saskatchewan,New Brunswick,British Columbia,Newfoundland and Labrador,Nova Scotia,Prince Edward Island

Innovation: A desire to make things better

A collection of stories to illustrate the breadth of ways in which innovation changes our world
A woman in a military uniform faces the camera, angling a machine gun at the ground.
article
Nova Scotia,Ontario

PART XVI: It guides how we make decisions

Helping female soldiers return to civilian life. Mount Saint Vincent University.
Looking through the ropes into a boxing ring, with boxers blurred in the background.
article
Ontario

PART XV: Or in the ring

Studying the mental journey of elite athletes to keep them focused and motivated to win. Laurentian University.
An artist’s representation of “entanglement,” one of the properties of quantum mechanics. The image shows two circles, one larger than the other. Each orb has two smaller circles moving around it in different directions.
article
Ontario,Prince Edward Island

PART XIV: Competitive in the world

Pushing Canada to the leading edge of the quantum frontier. University of Waterloo.