Iteration Program (2025–2026)

Overview of the Iteration Program (2025–2026) program:

The Iteration Program is designed to extend the success of previously CMF-funded interactive digital media (IDM) projects by funding the creation of significant new content or features. The program aims to boost existing projects that have demonstrated strong market performance—either through revenue generation or user reach—by enabling further development, such as porting to new platforms, content localization, or feature expansion. Eligible applicants must be Canadian companies that have previously received CMF production-phase IDM funding and whose projects meet minimum performance thresholds. The program funds new work only (e.g., new features, content, localization), not sequels or spin-offs, and requires the project to still be available in the market and under CMF recoupment terms. Funding decisions are made on a first-come, first-served basis, and at least 30% of the program’s budget is reserved for projects with diverse or gender-balanced ownership. Proposals must include a project description, a business and audience plan, and a detailed budget. The goal is to help creators sustain and scale successful projects, ensuring they continue to engage audiences across platforms.

Benefits of the Iteration Program (2025–2026) program:

• Enables expansion and longevity of successful digital projects
• Supports new feature creation, platform adaptation, and content localization
• Increases audience reach and potential revenues
• Encourages content diversity and gender balance with reserved budget allocations
• Extends the CMF exploitation and reporting period by three additional years (total of 10 years)
• Helps developers sustain and build on previous market success

Eligibility criteria of the Iteration Program (2025–2026) program:

• Eligible Applicants:
• Must meet the eligibility rules from the CMFs IDM Core Guidelines
• Must be a Canadian company with one application per fiscal year
• Eligible Projects Must:
• Be previously CMF-funded IDM production projects
• Still be available in the market for sale or download
• Not have received Iteration Program funding before
• Have earned at least $500,000 in gross revenue OR 20,000 units/downloads/users
• Be within the original 7-year CMF recoupment and reporting period
• Have all final deliverables completed for the original project
• Plan to release the new work within 18 months
• Meet minimum eligibility for ownership diversity or gender balance if applying under those reserved categories
• Eligible Costs Include:
• New content or feature creation
• Porting to new platforms
• Localization for new language markets
• Team salaries and benefits
• Technology infrastructure
• Marketing and promotion
• Sustainable practice costs
• Project audit fees, travel, admin expenses