Overview

Own the Podium helps connect research and innovation with the realities of high-performance sport so that coaches, athletes, and support teams have access to the resources and services they require to achieve their performance goals.

Fueling Performance Through Research and Innovation

Our goal is simple: turn great ideas into real-world performance solutions. Practical solutions, backed by science.

We support sport-led projects that apply research to real performance challenges – from recovery science and training tools to equipment innovation and data-informed decision making.

Research Funding

Innovation for Gold

A sport-driven program that funds projects designed to boost performance through applied science and technology. Projects are evaluated based on their impact, quality of innovation, and potential to improve medal outcomes. We offer annual grants and match-funding opportunities to help bring innovative ideas to life – backing solutions that make a difference in training and competition.

Mitacs Partnership

We partner with Mitacs to bring Canada’s top graduate researchers into high-performance sport. These PhD students and postdocs work directly with sport organizations to deliver solutions grounded in academic expertise and practical needs.

Collaboration That Drives Results

Own the Podium works with partners across the sport system to ensure that research and innovation are shared, aligned, and applied where they’re needed most.

Smarter Use of Data: We support national alignment around athlete data – helping sports develop clear, responsible strategies for collecting and using data to improve performance and athlete development.
Stronger Expert Networks: Through communities like Sport Scientist Canada and the Performance Sciences Council, we bring sport scientists and practitioners together to share knowledge, explore new ideas, and support one another across disciplines.
Sharing What Works: We highlight best practices and innovative work from across the country – so coaches, athletes, and support staff can learn from what’s working and apply it in their own environments.

Innovation is only valuable if it helps you perform better. That’s why we focus on what’s practical, impactful, and ready to use—building a smarter, stronger, and more connected high-performance sport system for Canada.