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
British Columbia

Zeroing in on critical minerals

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

All stories
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.
video

Transforming research instincts into a successful business (February webinar)

Part of our Future You webinar series. The webinar features a new generation of researchers who turned their curiosity and ambition into thriving businesses and includes tips and insights to inspire other future entrepreneurs.
Image of various cellphones on a wooden table displaying photos of researchers.
video

A promising future, now: 25 years of investing in ideas that change our world

The Canada Foundation for Innovation has supported cutting-edge research in Canada for 25 years. In these videos, researchers reflect on how CFI funding has advanced their work and how future generations will benefit. They tell passionate stories of curiosity, commitment and innovation.
A laptop sitting on a desk shows four people in a virtual meeting.
video

Traditional Knowledge as a powerful driver in research

Artist and curator, Tania Willard, of the Secwépemc Nation and Chantelle Richmond, Biigtigong Nishnaabeg researcher in Indigenous health and the environment, in conversation with the Right Honourable Paul Martin
A researcher posing for a photo.
video

Revolutionizing construction

A Quebec company has created a construction product that lets builders reach new heights and gives the forestry industry a new way to make money and increase employment
Heidi Fielding poses in front of a blurred image of a vineyard in the background
video

Refining sparkling wines

Ontario winemakers are using innovations from Brock University to be more competitive
Richard Myerscough poses in the foreground with a large kite from a kiteboard in the sky in the background.
video

Reinventing kiteboard equipment

A British-Columbia kiteboard manufacturing company has set a new bar for kiteboard technology with an innovative product, now licensed internationally
Portrait of Benoît Lessard
video
Ontario

Wearing his heart(beat) on his sleeve

University of Ottawa professor Benoît Lessard invents electronic sensors that can be woven into the fabric of our clothing
PhD student Marjan Taghi Boroojerdi posing for a photo on a violet background.
video
Newfoundland and Labrador

Freezing on The Rock

Memorial University PhD student Marjan Taghi Boroojerdi seeks to understand the dangers posed by sea ice to ships and off-shore structures
Image of Nathan Knapp-Blezius with hand drawn images of culinary arts swirling around him
video

Reinventing the grocery aisle

College student Nathan Knapp-Blezius mixes the culinary arts with a dash of scientific method to help food companies create scrumptious new products
Michael Houghton posing for a photo.
video
Alberta

The Search for a Hepatitis C Vaccine

University of Alberta scientists close in on a deadly virus
Master's student Jaqueline Anaquod posing for a photo.
video
British Columbia

Giving back to her Cree community

Master’s student, Jaqueline Anaquod, is committed to helping her Indigenous community thrive through her efforts to revitalize the Cree language