Open
Applied Research and Development Grants — Industrial Partner
College-led R&D with partner organizations
Last Update: May 28, 2026
Funding available
$ 150,000
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Canada
Overview
ARD grants support college-led R&D projects with partner organizations, up to $150,000 per year for up to 3 years. They fund applied research collaborations that can include universities or other colleges and must align with the program’s eligible research activities.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop a new product or service
- Conduct research and development activities
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 150,000 $
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- Social economy enterprise
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Canadians
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Higher Education
- Research
- Environment
- Economic, Social and Community Development
Target groups
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Nonprofits / charities
- Academia / students
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Local
- Municipal
- Regional
- Provincial
- National
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- College-led applied research and development projects.
- Research collaborations with private, public, or not-for-profit partner organizations.
- Projects that include collaboration with universities or other colleges.
- Research-to-innovation projects with training for college students.
Documents Needed
- Application form submitted in the Convergence Portal.
- Suggested proposal template.
- ARD budget template.
- Partner organization supplemental information questionnaire.
- Grant Amendment Form, if needed after award.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Canadian colleges, including CEGEPs and polytechnics.
- Colleges eligible to administer grants from at least one federal granting agency.
- Colleges applying with at least one partner organization.
Who is not eligible
- Organizations that are not Canadian colleges, CEGEPs, or polytechnics.
- Colleges that are not eligible to administer grants from at least one federal granting agency.
Eligible expenses
- Direct research costs and some indirect costs.
- Salaries and benefits for eligible research, technical, professional, and support staff.
- Student salaries and stipends for college students.
- Replacement faculty salaries and recruitment-related expenses.
- Essential equipment costs that are incremental to what is already available.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Secret or contract research.
- Routine application of existing technology or tools.
- Professional practice or consulting services.
- Acquiring or maintaining scientific equipment.
- University student salaries as student salary expenditures.
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Processing and Agreement
- Applications first undergo an administrative assessment for completeness and eligibility.
- Eligible applications are then assessed on merit and selected from the most meritorious proposals.
- Review type depends on the requested annual amount: internal for $40,000 or less, external for $40,001 to $150,000.
- If approved, applicants receive an award letter and must follow the terms and conditions of award.
- Final reports are required at the end of the project.
Additional information
- Applications can be submitted at any time.
- NSERC has an administrative assessment before merit review.
- Approved applications receive an award letter and must follow the terms and conditions of award.
- Final reports are required at the end of the project.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Applied Research and Development Grants — Industrial Partner Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Applied Research and Development Grants — Industrial Partner. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Applied Research and Development Grants — Industrial Partner?
ARD grants support college-led R&D projects with partner organizations, up to $150,000 per year for up to 3 years. They fund applied research collaborations that can include universities or other colleges and must align with the program’s eligible research activities.
How much funding can be received?
Applied Research and Development Grants — Industrial Partner Funds up to $150,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Applied Research and Development Grants — Industrial Partner program?
To be eligible for the Applied Research and Development Grants — Industrial Partner program, you must:
Canadian college eligible to administer tri-agency grants.
At least one cash-contributing partner organization.
College applies on behalf of researchers and partners.
What expenses are eligible under Applied Research and Development Grants — Industrial Partner?
College-led applied research and development projects.
Research collaborations with private, public, or not-for-profit partner organizations.
Projects that include collaboration with universities or other colleges.
Research-to-innovation projects with training for college students.
Who can I contact for more information about the Applied Research and Development Grants — Industrial Partner?
You can contact Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) by email at colleges@nserc-crsng.gc.ca.
Where is the Applied Research and Development Grants — Industrial Partner available?
The Applied Research and Development Grants — Industrial Partner program is available across Canada.
Is the Applied Research and Development Grants — Industrial Partner a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Applied Research and Development Grants — Industrial Partner is a Grant and Funding