How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 1000000% of admissible expenses.

What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

What are Alliance grants's eligibility criterias?

The partner organization must be from the private, public, or not-for-profit sector. Must engage in cost sharing for the research project. Projects should involve collaboration with a Canadian university researcher eligible for NSERC funds.

Alliance grants

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the Alliance grants?

Alliance grants is funded by Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), Government of Canada

Last Update: July 22, 2025

Canada

Partnering support for R&D projects

Alliance grants at a glance

Eligible Funding

From $20,000 to $1,000,000

Timeline

Continuous Intakes

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Professional, scientific and technical services

Grant Providers

Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)
Government of Canada

Program status

Open

Overview of the Alliance grants program

Need R&D help for a business problem? Get support when you partner with a university researcher and make an in-kind contribution to a project that benefits Canada.

Financing terms and conditions

This grant offers varying levels of funding based on collaborative partnerships between university researchers and organizations from different sectors. The funding is flexible and designed to support projects that align with both the partners' and the grant's objectives.

Funding ranges from $20,000 to $1 million per year.
Funds are provided for a duration of 1 to 5 years, depending on the project scope.
At least one partner organization must share in the costs of the research project.
Financial contributions from all partnering sectors (private, public, or not-for-profit) may be considered even if not directly cost-sharing.

Eligible projects & activities

Eligible projects for the Alliance grants focus on collaboration to generate new knowledge, develop technology, and address complex challenges while delivering societal benefits. The grants emphasize research-driven initiatives that enhance Canada's competitiveness and support public policy objectives.

Projects generating new knowledge or technology to tackle complex challenges.
Research initiatives creating economic, environmental, and other societal benefits.
Efforts contributing to Canada's long-term competitiveness and innovation capacity.
Research supporting public policy and training new researchers in areas vital to Canada.
Collaborations leveraging diverse perspectives to expedite research application and translation.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 500,000

Creating innovative public policy solutions to enhance urban planning and development

$ 400,000

Researching advanced AI technology to improve cybersecurity measures for financial institutions

$ 700,000

Training new researchers in cutting-edge quantum computing technologies to advance Canada's tech sector

$ 450,000

Investigating renewable energy sources to power remote communities in Canada

$ 250,000

Developing eco-friendly packaging solutions to reduce plastic waste in the retail industry

$ 600,000

Developing biotechnological methods to improve crop yields and sustainability in agriculture

Eligibility criteria of the Alliance grants program

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the university researchers and their collaboration with partner organizations.

Applicants must be Canadian university researchers eligible to receive NSERC funds.
Applicants can apply individually or as a team with other eligible academic researchers.
There must be at least one partner organization from the private, public, or not-for-profit sector, which can be recognized for cost sharing.
Additional partner organizations can be included regardless of whether their cash contributions are recognized for cost sharing.
The project must involve collaboration with partner organizations and focus on generating new knowledge or technology to address complex challenges.

Who is eligible?

If you are a Canadian university researcher eligible to receive NSERC funds, you can apply on your own or as part of a team with other eligible academic researchers. You are required to have at least one partner organization from the private, public, or not-for-profit sector that is recognized for cost sharing in your research project, although additional partner organizations, whether or not they provide cash contributions, can also be included in your project. College faculty can participate as co-applicants. This grant supports projects of varying scales and complexities, enabling collaborations that range from single researcher-led projects to long-term, multi-university research initiatives.

Eligible expenses

This grant supports research collaborations that generate new knowledge and accelerate the application of research results for societal benefits. Eligible projects focus on addressing complex challenges and contributing to Canada's competitiveness and policy support.

Research projects generating new knowledge and/or technology.
Projects aiming to address complex societal or economic challenges.
Initiatives that create economic, environmental, or social benefits for Canada.
Projects that contribute to Canada's long-term competitiveness and public policy development.
Training programs for new researchers in areas important to Canada and partner organizations.
Research drawing from diverse perspectives to enhance the application of results.

Eligibility criteria of the Alliance grants program

The evaluation and selection of projects for the NSERC Alliance Advantage grants involve assessing various aspects relevant to the grant’s objectives.

Contribution to generating new knowledge and technology.
Potential for creating economic, environmental, and societal benefits.
Impact on Canada’s long-term competitiveness.
Support for public policy initiatives.
Training and mentorship opportunities that incorporate equity, diversity, and inclusion principles.
Alignment with the National Security Guidelines for Research Partnerships.

How to apply to the Alliance grants program

Initial Preparation

Review the Alliance Advantage grant eligibility criteria to ensure you qualify as a university researcher collaborating with eligible partner organizations.
Identify and confirm at least one partner organization for cost-sharing and research collaboration purposes.

Complete a Risk Assessment

For partnerships involving private sector organizations, complete the required risk assessment form as part of your application.
Refer to the National Security Guidelines for Research Partnerships for completing the risk assessment form.

Draft the Application

Define the research project goals and objectives, ensuring alignment with Alliance grant priorities.
Outline the project’s societal, economic, or environmental benefits to Canada.
Develop a comprehensive training plan that includes equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) strategies as outlined by NSERC guidelines.

Gather Supporting Documents

Compile the necessary documents such as budgets, timelines, and letters of support from partner organizations.

Online Submission

Access the NSERC’s online portal for grant applications.
Upload all required documents and complete the online application form.
Ensure all information is accurate and complete before final submission.

Confirm Submission

Submit the application through the portal once ready.
Receive confirmation of application submission, which may include a tracking or reference number.

Additional information

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

The Alliance Advantage grants are specifically designed for partner-driven projects, meaning the research must align closely with the goals of the partner organizations.
Projects can involve multiple universities and partner organizations across different sectors, increasing the potential for cross-sectoral collaboration.
Equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are key evaluation criteria, with a focus on creating an inclusive environment for underrepresented groups in research training and mentorship.
Compliance with National Security Guidelines is required for partnerships involving private-sector partners, requiring a completed risk assessment form as part of the application.
No specific application deadline allows flexibility for applicants in planning and submitting their research proposals.

Contact Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)

alliance@nserc-crsng.gc.ca

1-855-275-2861

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