Closed
Alliance Advantage
Partner-driven research collaboration support
Last Update: June 10, 2026
Funding available
$ 20,000 - $ 1,000,000
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Location
Canada
Overview
Alliance Advantage supports partner-driven university research collaborations to generate new knowledge and create benefits for Canada. Eligible projects may include research activities, training, knowledge mobilization, collaboration development, and essential project equipment or project management costs.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop team skills
- Increase social or community impact
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 1,000,000 $
- Minimum amount : 20,000 $
- Up to 66% of project cost
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Educational services
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Research and development projects in the natural sciences or engineering.
- Collaborative projects that generate new knowledge or technology.
- Projects that support training of researchers and knowledge mobilization.
Documents Needed
- Proposal template
- Personal Data Form with CCV attachment (Form 100A) for the applicant and all co-applicants
- Partner organization form
- Risk Assessment form, if private-sector partners are involved
- STRAC Attestation form, if the project targets sensitive technology research areas
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Canadian university researchers eligible for NSERC funds.
- College faculty as co-applicants, if eligible.
- Adjunct professors working outside the Canadian university sector.
Who is not eligible
- Researchers who are not eligible to receive NSERC funds.
- Applications based on secret or contract research.
Eligible expenses
- Research trainee salaries and related training support.
- Technician and research professional salaries.
- Materials and supplies.
- Collaboration and knowledge mobilization activities.
- Project management costs up to 10% of direct research costs.
- Essential incremental equipment.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Secret research.
- Contract research.
- Purchases of equipment, products, or services from partner organizations.
- Travel and subsistence costs for partner organization personnel.
- Salary of a chair holder.
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Processing and Agreement
- Applications first undergo an administrative completeness check.
- Eligible applications then undergo merit review.
- Private-sector partnerships may trigger a risk assessment review.
- Successful applicants receive an award letter with the terms and conditions.
- Funding is transferred to the university after approval and the project start date.
Additional information
- Applications are accepted at any time.
- Alliance grants can include multiple partner organizations from the private, public, or not-for-profit sectors.
- Applicants must acknowledge NSERC support in communications and presentations about the funded research.
- Regular reporting on the use of funds, activities, and results is required.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Alliance Advantage Program
What is the Alliance Advantage?
Alliance Advantage supports partner-driven university research collaborations to generate new knowledge and create benefits for Canada. Eligible projects may include research activities, training, knowledge mobilization, collaboration development, and essential project equipment or project management costs.
How much funding can be received?
Alliance Advantage Funds up to 66% of admissible expenses, capped at $1,000,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Alliance Advantage program?
To be eligible for the Alliance Advantage program, you must:
Led by an eligible Canadian university researcher.
Includes at least one partner organization.
Partner may be private, public, or not-for-profit.
What expenses are eligible under Alliance Advantage?
Research and development projects in the natural sciences or engineering.
Collaborative projects that generate new knowledge or technology.
Projects that support training of researchers and knowledge mobilization.
Who can I contact for more information about the Alliance Advantage?
You can contact Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) by email at alliance@nserc-crsng.gc.ca or by phone at 1-855-275-2861.
Where is the Alliance Advantage available?
The Alliance Advantage program is available across Canada.
Is the Alliance Advantage a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Alliance Advantage is a Researchers And Facilities