Canada Media Fund Prototyping Program 2026/27: fall intake
Canada Media Fund grants up to $250,000 CAD help Canadian companies build a first interactive prototype. Apply October 27 to November 10, 2026.
The Canada Media Fund Prototyping Program pays for the early stage of an interactive digital media project. The goal is to test and validate ideas and end up with a first functional prototype. The product will still need a later production phase before it can be published or sold.
The CMF pays up to 75% of eligible costs or $250,000 (CAD), whichever is lower. Companies that already released an interactive project with $500,000 in gross revenue or 20,000 units sold or downloaded can ask for up to $350,000. Eligible costs include team salaries, design and coding, hardware and software, travel, and marketing. Between 10% and 25% of budget categories B and C must go to marketing, audience engagement and community building.
Applicants must be taxable, for profit Canadian corporations that are Canadian controlled and have their head office in Canada. The project must be new interactive content owned and developed by Canadians, made in Canada, with at least 75% Canadian costs. Each company can send one project per deadline period and can hold at most two open Prototyping contracts.
The program has two intakes in 2026/27. The fall intake opens on October 27, 2026 and closes on November 10, 2026. Applications go through Telefilm Canada's Dialogue portal, which runs the CMF programs. New applicants must first have a pre application consultation.
Selection is competitive. A project must score at least 45 out of 60 on originality, creativity and advancement to reach the second stage. Reviewers then look at the team, the budget, the financial plan, and plans for community engagement and sustainability.
Quick answers
How much does it pay?
Up to the lesser of 75% of eligible costs or $250,000 (CAD); up to $350,000 for applicants with a past success. It is a grant and takes no equity.
When is the deadline?
Applications open on 27 October 2026. The deadline is 10 November 2026.
Who can apply?
Canadian controlled, for profit production companies with a head office in Canada, building new interactive digital media content owned and developed by Canadians. It is limited to applicants in CA.
How do I apply?
Through the official page at cmf-fmc.ca. The link is at the top of this page.
Can a project get Prototyping funding more than once?
No. A project can receive money from this program only once in its lifecycle.
Do first time applicants need to do anything before applying?
Yes. All new applicants to the CMF through an interactive digital media program must hold a pre application consultation with CMF Program Administration staff to be eligible.