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.

Strategic investments, national impact

Learn how innovations in areas that matter most to Canadians, including affordable housing, food sovereignty and national security, comes from the research made possible by CFI investments in cutting-edge labs and equipment.

Discover the innovations

David Jones wears protective laser glasses as he stands behind a prototype on his lab bench.

article

Oct 14, 2025 British Columbia

Zeroing in on critical minerals

New sensors can pinpoint profitable ore — and reduce the financial and environmental costs of mining

All articles

podcast

May 8, 2025 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

Mar 28, 2025

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.

All videos

All stories

Many symbols and letters forming an algorithm written on a blue screen

article

Sep 27, 2017 Saskatchewan

It’s all in the algorithm

Making machine learning more affordable by tweaking how the machine interacts with the data sources that teach it

A white-haired woman holds a tomato wedge with a cooking pot on a surface in front of her

article

Sep 27, 2017 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

Sep 27, 2017 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

Jun 12, 2017

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

Jun 5, 2017 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

May 23, 2017 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

May 15, 2017

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

May 5, 2017 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