How much funding can be received?

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.

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This grant is available nationwide for Canadian university researchers who meet the eligibility criteria set by the NSERC. The geographical scope for companies is not specified; it is open to all regions across Canada where eligible researchers and partner organizations can be found.

Canadian universities.

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$400,000

Researching advanced AI technology to improve cybersecurity measures for financial institutions

$450,000

Investigating renewable energy sources to power remote communities in Canada

$700,000

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

$500,000

Creating innovative public policy solutions to enhance urban planning and development

$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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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The grant covers specific expenses directly related to the research project's execution and its objectives.

Personnel costs, including salaries and benefits for those directly engaged in the project.
Costs for equipment and materials essential to the research activities.
Travel expenses incurred for purposes directly related to the research or collaboration with partners.
Publication and communication costs to disseminate research findings.
Costs associated with meeting and collaborating with partner organizations.

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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.

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Step 1: 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.
Step 2: 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.
Step 3: 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.
Step 4: Gather Supporting Documents
- Compile the necessary documents such as budgets, timelines, and letters of support from partner organizations.
Step 5: 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.
Step 6: Confirm Submission
- Submit the application through the portal once ready.
- Receive confirmation of application submission, which may include a tracking or reference number.

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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.

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alliance@nserc-crsng.gc.ca

1-855-275-2861

Apply to this program

Enhance Innovation Through Strategic Research Partnerships

The Alliance Advantage grant facilitates collaboration between Canadian university researchers and partner organizations from various sectors, promoting high-impact research projects that offer significant benefits to Canada. With funding of up to $1 million annually, this initiative seeks to generate new knowledge, enhance competitiveness, and support diverse societal goals.

Details on the Alliance Advantage Grant and Its Strategic Implications

The Alliance Advantage grant is established to foster collaborative research endeavors that bridge academic institutions and partner entities across private, public, and not-for-profit sectors. This grant program is designed to support research projects that yield substantial economic, environmental, and social benefits, contributing to Canada's long-term strategic goals. By encouraging collaboration among seasoned and emerging researchers, the grant leverages the combined expertise to tackle complex challenges and facilitate innovative breakthroughs.

With funding opportunities ranging from $20,000 to $1 million per annum for a period extending between 1 to 5 years, the Alliance Advantage grant is ideally suited for projects that are driven by partner organizations' specific objectives. These projects require at least one partner organization to provide financial or in-kind support, ensuring a vested interest in the research's success and application. The funding mechanism aims to blend resources and expertise from both academic and partner entities, maximizing the impact of research while fostering a culture of shared responsibility and achievement.

The grant explicitly emphasizes the importance of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) within the research environment. By integrating EDI principles into project planning and execution, the grant aspires to cultivate an inclusive and varied research setting, enhancing innovation and excellence. This is achieved through targeted training, mentorship, and professional development opportunities catered to underrepresented groups, thereby facilitating broader participation and advancement in cutting-edge research sectors.

Moreover, under the new Policy on Sensitive Technology Research and Affiliations of Concern, the Alliance Advantage grant remains vigilant about the integrity and security of collaborations. Researchers are expected to adhere to national security guidelines that ensure that projects involving private sector partners undergo rigorous evaluations to mitigate any potential risks. This includes submitting a risk assessment form, dealing with security concerns proactively, and ensuring all partnerships adhere to stringent security and ethical standards.

Overall, the Alliance Advantage grant represents a strategic instrument for advancing Canada's research ambitions. It not only empowers academic researchers to delve into innovative pursuits but also aligns research outcomes with the broader socio-economic objectives of the nation. By fostering meaningful collaborations and ensuring projects are ethically sound and inclusive, this initiative supports Canada's endeavor to be at the forefront of worldwide research and innovation excellence.