Innovation 4 Gold

About Innovation 4 Gold

Innovation 4 Gold (I4G) is Own the Podium’s (OTP) applied sport research and innovation program. The goal of this program is to support competitive scientific and technological initiatives in targeted performance themes  to directly help Canada win more medals at the upcoming Summer and Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. The purpose of this initiative is to enhance knowledge mobilization. Strategies are put in place to develop and implement a culture of high performance sport research and innovation for targeted OTP sports that will have an impact at future Olympic and Paralympic Games.

What is Innovation?

“Innovation is change that creates a new dimension of performance” (Peter Drucker). Innovation should include a new product, process or service, with the aim of improving efficiency, effectiveness or competitive advantage. Innovation is not continued practice or routine work with proposed minor improvements. The innovation must target achieving measurable improvement(s) in performance outcomes for your sport.

Innovation Assessment Criteria

Three primary criteria are employed to assess the quality of the innovation project.

1. Degree of Impact: The ability of the innovation project to increase the chance of winning well. Impact will be assessed based on the description of anticipated outcomes in relation to your competitive analysis (i.e. how innovation could improve key performance factors to position your athlete/team as a medal contender).
2. Quality of Output(s): The generation of a new performance solution that changes the way we approach training and/or competition. Quality will be assessed based on whether the output is sustainable through an implementation plan.
3. Project Viability: The feasibility of the project in terms of achievable milestones and overcoming anticipated challenges, as well as an appropriate budget.

Submission Process

I4G applications must be submitted by the NSO. The NSO is encouraged to work directly with their HPA/ PSRIA in shaping the project and understanding what is eligible for consideration. For more information about the application process, please contact info.ssc@ownthepodium.org.

Important Dates

I4G application documents available to NSOs: March 4th, 2026
I4G application submission window opens: April 1st, 2026 
Deadline for application submission: April 27th, 2026 
Notification of application result: May 15th, 2026